what is a front-end developer?
As a front-end developer, you build the client side of a website or software application. However, unlike other developers, you take an artistic and pragmatic approach instead of focusing on the technical aspects. That means your code determines how the web design is implemented on the internet. Website pages often combine structure, design, content, data and functionality. A front-end developer creates a user-friendly page where users can navigate the functions. Your job is to transform the web layout to help users access the functions they need by packaging the technical side in the back end.
Front-end developers work on various projects centred on the website's appearance and user experience for end-users. For instance, you turn websites into intuitive and visually appealing sites. You also create purpose-built landing pages for running contests and niche marketing or advertising campaigns. You use code editing and graphic design tools to create website prototypes.
Would working as a front-end developer suit your coding skills and artistic ability? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a front-end developer role.
front-end developer jobsaverage front-end developer salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of a front-end developer in Canada is $102,716 per year. At the start of your career, you start with a salary of $97,500 annually due to your minimal experience and qualifications. The most experienced front-end developers take home over $116,400 yearly.
how to increase your salary as a front-end developer
As a front-end developer, your earnings depend on your experience and the complexity of your duties. When you are new in the role, you have minimal experience and are likely to perform simple tasks or offer support to senior developers. As you gain experience, your earnings increase due to your competencies.
The size of the project you handle also influences your earnings. When you work in a small company, you handle small projects and earn less due to limited resources. In a large company, you handle complex tasks and projects with unlimited resources, increasing your earning potential.
The location may also influence your earnings. For instance, provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec have average salaries of over $102,000 per year. This is because of the high demand for front-end developers in these regions.
types of front-end developers
Some of the types of front-end developers include:
- user interface and user experience designers: as a front-end developer, you can focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). In UI, you improve the visual aspects of a website design, while UX involves user testing to ensure a seamless experience.
- web designer: as a front-end web designer, your focus is on improving web design, which requires minimal coding. You ensure elements like alignment and balance are considered when developing the web layout.
- WordPress developer: a front-end developer specializing in WordPress can help clients create unique websites by incorporating various themes from the blogging platform.
- mobile developer: your job is to create functional applications with attractive designs. You also ensure the mobile apps work seamlessly to improve the user experience.
working as a front-end developer
If you are interested in front-end development, check out the duties and tasks you are likely to undertake as a front-end developer.
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what does a front-end developer do?
Some of the duties of a front-end developer include:
- turning designs into functional web pages: as a front-end developer, you use design ideas from graphics designers and replicate them using HTML and CSS to create functional web pages. HTML establishes the layout and structure, while CSS is effective in styling web pages.
- maintaining proper website themes and colours: as a front-end developer, you work alongside web designers and marketing teams to determine the best themes and colour schemes. You also ensure the colours are balanced and coordinated throughout the websites.
- improving website navigation: front-end developers often create links to help users navigate websites or external sites. Apart from building the code that enables you to add links throughout the web pages, you ensure the links take users to the desired locations on the website.
- optimizing websites for mobile: as a front-end developer, you ensure users can access a website from any device. You ensure the web page design maintains its appearance and expected site speed on small screens. Users should also be able to access all the website features from mobile devices.
- content optimization: as a front-end developer, you optimize the web page structure to ensure content is well displayed on the website. You boost the site's visibility by ensuring the content follows search engine optimization (SEO) guidelines and best practices.
- testing and updating front-end components: your job is implementing new front-end components on websites. You also regularly test websites for bugs to ensure they work perfectly.
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work environment of a front-end developer
Front-end developers work in game development and tech companies, as well as other industries that require the development of websites or applications. As a front-end developer, you mainly work in an office environment and spend most of the day on a computer or in meetings with other developers. Most companies develop creative workspaces for web developers to help keep them motivated. Some employers offer interactive spaces for brainstorming and coding, for instance, with various lighting features to keep the creative juices flowing. Front-end developers can also work remotely and accomplish their responsibilities without going to the organization's office. The job doesn't involve travelling unless you're required to attend conferences or meet clients.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in and the projects you take on, your colleagues include developers, including web developers, full-stack developers and software developers. You are also likely to work with graphic designers, UX designers and software engineers. Other professionals you interact with include cloud engineers, business systems analysts and project managers.
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front-end developer work schedule
As a front-end developer, your work schedule depends on your employer and the projects. When working full-time, your job duties cover 39 hours a week. You often work outside office hours to complete urgent projects and meet deadlines. Part-time and remote work opportunities are available, particularly in small start-ups that don't require complex web development work. Some front-end developers are freelancers who work short-term contracts before moving to the next employer.
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career opportunities as a front-end developer
Becoming a front-end developer establishes your career in web development. With the demand for front-end developers on the rise, the job outlook is promising. You can improve your skills, take senior roles or move into other technology roles. If you enjoy the planning and brainstorming stages of front-end development, you have the potential to move into management roles. While you won't be coding, you will lead teams of front-end developers on various projects. When you have deep knowledge in front-end development, become a consultant or lecture web development students in colleges and universities.
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advantages of finding a job as a front-end developer through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
front-end developer skills and education
To become a front-end developer, you need the following educational requirements:
- education: to work as a front-end developer, you need a degree in computer science. You can also pursue degree courses in web development, software engineering or computer engineering. Completing a college program in computer science or a related field prepares you for the role.
- work experience: you require experience to develop your skills as a front-end developer. Gain experience through boot camps and complete programming courses to help you build your knowledge and skills.
competencies and characteristics of front-end developers
Apart from front-end development skills, you require these soft skills to excel in your role:
- curiosity: the website development landscape is constantly evolving, so it is important to continue learning and stay on track with emerging front-end components and tools. With curiosity, you will be inspired to research web development trends and implement them in your work.
- empathy: since you develop a brand's visual image, the goal isn't to decorate it with various graphics or colours. You should be mindful of how others perceive the colours and the graphics. Empathy allows you to put yourself in the user's shoes.
- problem-solving skills: the work of a front-end developer comes with various challenges, and you need problem-solving skills to help you break down the issues and find a solution.
- collaboration and team skills: you work alongside a team of developers and collaborate with back-end developers to ensure the website works properly. Team skills help you maintain positive relationships.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a front-end developer.
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how much does a front-end developer earn in Canada?
As a front-end developer, you earn $102,716 per year. That means you receive an hourly rate of $52.67. Front-end developers with minimal experience and qualifications start with an annual salary of $97,500. After gaining additional years of experience, you can negotiate a higher salary due to the complexity of your tasks.
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is front-end developer a good career?
As a front-end developer, you use your artistic skills to create interactive websites and improve user experience. With the high demand for developers, working as a front-end developer in Canada is a great career. When working as a front-end developer, you enjoy a high salary and great benefits.
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what are the responsibilities of front-end developers?
Front-end developers optimize user experience by developing and maintaining user interfaces. Your job is to create aesthetically appealing websites and applications to improve user experience. You use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to bring concepts to life and improve site interaction. You also manage software workflow and maintain the security of applications and websites.
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what are the requirements for becoming a front-end developer?
To work as a front-end developer, you require a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, software development or computer science. A college diploma in computer science also prepares you for the role. Aside from educational qualifications, you require extensive programming and development work experience to excel in the role.
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what skills do you require to be a front-end developer?
As a front-end developer, you require proficiency in programming skills, especially the core languages of front-end development, including JavaScript, CSS and HTML. You also need an extensive understanding of responsive web design principles and front-end frameworks. Since you work in a team, your interpersonal skills help you relate well with others and collaborate on various projects.
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how do I find a job as a front-end developer?
Finding a job near you as a front-end developer is easy. Search our job offers. Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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