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 online. Web Pages often combine structure, design, content, data and functionality. Without a front-end developer to create a user-friendly page, users cannot navigate the functions. Essentially, you transform the web layout by packaging the back-end technical dimensions to help users access the functions they need.
what does a front-end developer do?
As a front-end developer, you work on various projects focused on a 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, niche marketing and advertising campaigns. A front-end developer uses graphic design and code editing tools to create website prototypes. Front-end developers work in various industries to develop functional websites for their employers. For instance, you create websites for manufacturing, mining and construction companies. You can also work with IT consultancy firms.
view opportunitiesaverage salary of a front-end developer
In New Zealand, the remuneration package of a front-end developer varies depending on their experience and qualification level. The mean annual salary of a front-end developer is $100,000, this can fluctuate based on experience and qualifications. Aside from the base salaries, front-end developers often receive various benefits and allowances.
how to increase the salary of a front-end developer
As a front-end developer, your remuneration package is determined by your experience and qualifications. Entry-level workers usually attract lower salaries due to their minimal hands-on skills and experience. As you improve your expertise, you will attract competitive earnings. Improving your qualifications or acquiring extra certifications boosts your job prospects.
The size of the company you work for also affects your earnings. Small start-ups have limited resources and cannot afford to pay high salaries. Working for large companies often attracts higher salaries due to their greater resources. Large organisations are more likely to recruit for complex projects, which pay higher salaries.
The hours you work also influence your salary. For instance, part-time workers are usually paid lower hourly rates than full-time workers, who receive full benefits such as annual leave and sick pay. The remuneration may vary depending on the project scope if you work on a contract.
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 testing to ensure a seamless user experience.
- web designer: as a front-end web designer, your focus is on improving web design and requires minimal coding. You ensure alignment and balance are considered when developing the web layout.
- wordpress developer: a front-end developer specialising in WordPress platforms helps clients create unique blogs by incorporating various themes from the 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
Becoming a front-end developer is an exciting career that allows you to explore your creativity to improve user experience. Read on for front-end developer's tasks, work environment and career expectations.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the roles of a front-end developer include:
- turning designs into functional web pages: 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 effectively styles web pages.
- maintaining proper website themes and colours: you work alongside web designers and marketing teams to determine the best themes and website colour schemes. You also ensure the colour schemes 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.
- optimising websites for mobile: you ensure users can access a website from any device. The web page design must maintain its appearance on small screens with the expected site speed. Users should also access all the features from mobile devices.
- content optimisation: you ensure content is displayed properly on a website by optimising the web page structure. You also boost the website's visibility by ensuring the content follows search engine optimisation guidelines and best practices.
- testing and updating front-end components: your job is to implement new front-end components on websites. You also regularly test the websites for bugs to ensure they work perfectly.
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work environment
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 provide creative workspaces for web developers to keep them motivated. For instance, some employers offer interactive brainstorming and coding spaces to enhance creativity. Front-end developers can also work remotely and accomplish their responsibilities without going to the office. The job doesn't involve travelling unless you are attending a conference.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include web developers, software engineers, software developers, and back-end developers. You might also be working close to full stack developers and user experience and interface designers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, software engineers, game developers, project managers and development engineers.
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work schedule
As a front-end developer, your work schedule depends on your employer and the projects you work on. When working full-time, your job duties take 39 hours a week. You often work outside office hours to complete urgent projects and meet deadlines. Part-time and remote working opportunities are available in small start-ups that don't require complex web development work. Some front-end developers are freelancers who work on short-term contracts before moving to the next employer.
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job outlook
Becoming a front-end developer establishes your career in web development. Front-end developers can improve their skills and take on senior roles or move to other technology roles. If you enjoy the planning 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 of front-end development, you can become a consultant or lecture web development students in colleges and universities.
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advantages of finding a front-end developer job through randstad
Finding your front-end developer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a front-end developer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
front-end developer education and skills
Becoming a front-end developer requires programming skills, but you don't need formal education. However, having the following academic qualifications improves your employability:
- complete a relevant qualification: become a front-end developer by completing a qualification in computer science. Pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science or software development. You can also explore Polytechnic qualifications in information technology (programming) or a diploma in software development.
- work experience: you require extensive work experience to become a successful front-end developer. Gain experience through internship programmes and entry-level roles that improve your skills. Take the opportunity to attend programming boot camps to learn new coding languages. Alternatively, explore certifications available in the role to improve your qualifications.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a front-end developer include:
- curiosity: the website development landscape is constantly evolving, and it is important to keep learning and stay on track with emerging front-end components and tools. Curiosity will inspire you to research new trends and implement them in your work.
- empathy: since you are developing a brand's visual image, the goal is to understand end users' experiences and remain mindful of how others perceive the colours and graphics you use. Empathy allows you to put yourself in the users' 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 issues and find solutions.
- collaboration and team skills: you work alongside a team of developers and collaborate with back-end developers to ensure a website works properly. Team skills help you maintain positive relationships.
- self-motivation: as a front-end developer, you work unsupervised and need self-motivation to complete your tasks. Self-motivation gives you optimism and initiative, which is useful when developing a new website.
FAQs about working as a front-end developer
Here are the most asked questions about working as a front-end developer:
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what does a front-end developer do?
As a front-end developer, you ensure website users can interact with webpages. You create a visually pleasing platform for users to access various functions. You create and program a website to ensure it performs the desired functions. However, instead of focusing on the back-end design features, you focus on the visual graphics and images to improve the website's accessibility.
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how much does a front-end developer make in New Zealand?
Front-end developers have fluctuating earnings depending on their level of skill and qualifications. You can earn from $100,000 to $200,000 yearly. You can improve your remuneration by increasing your experience and building your qualifications. The company you work for affects your earnings. Some big organisations pay more due to the complexity of their projects.
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what qualifications are required of a front-end developer in New Zealand?
While you don't need formal qualifications to become a front-end developer, a bachelor's degree in computer science or software development improves your competitive advantage.
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is front-end developer a hard job?
Front-end development is a technical career that requires extensive coding proficiency and programming skills. The technical aspects make it challenging, but it is exciting if you enjoy coding.
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how do I apply for a front-end developer vacancy?
Applying for a front-end developer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our front-end developer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
