Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/702600
July, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com 11 JOB OPPORTUNITIES associate's degree in web design or related field is the most common requirement. However, for more technical developer positions, such as back-end web developers, some employers prefer workers who have at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related field. Web developers need to have a thorough understanding of HTML programming. The most recent version, HTML5, contains new features that web developers need to understand. Many employers also want developers to understand other programming languages, such as JavaScript or SQL, as well as have some knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash. Throughout their career, web developers must keep up to date on new tools and computer languages. Some employers prefer web developers who have both a computer degree and coursework in graphic design, especially if the developer will be heavily involved in the website's visual appearance. A few local web design programs in the area: DeVry University Sherman Oaks Campus Otis College of Art and Design Vision21 Art Portfolio & College Prep The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles UCLA Extension CSUDH Web Design Certificate Program Training Connection L.A. Design Studio FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising IMPORTANT QUALITIES Concentration. Web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods. Creativity. Web developers often are involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it looks innovative and up to date. Customer-service skills. Webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests. Detail oriented. When web developers write in HTML, a minor error could cause an entire webpage to stop working. PAY The median annual wage for web developers was $64,970 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,770, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $116,620. In May 2015, the median annual wages for web developers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: Most web developers work full time. JOB OUTLOOK Employment of web developers is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of web developers is projected to grow as ecommerce continues to expand. Online purchasing is expected to grow faster than the overall retail industry. As retail firms expand their online offerings, demand for web developers will increase. In addition, an increase in the use of mobile devices to search the web will lead to an increase in employment of web developers. Instead of designing a website for a desktop computer, developers will have to create sites that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes, leading to more work. Because websites can be built from anywhere in the world, some web developer jobs may be moved to countries with lower wages, decreasing employment growth. However, this practice may decline because the cost of managing web developers in multiple countries can offset the savings to businesses. Furthermore, web developers must understand cultural nuances that allow webpages to communicate effectively with users, and domestic web developers are better equipped for this task, curtailing the work that may be moved to other countries. JOB PROSPECTS Job opportunities for web developers are expected to be good. Those with knowledge of multiple programming languages and digital multimedia tools, such as Flash and Photoshop, will have the best opportunities.