What Does a WordPress Developer Do? How to Build a Career

Discover what WordPress developers do, where they work, and the skills they need. Learn how to enter the field in three steps: explore the platform, build key skills, and strengthen your resume. This guide also covers job outlook, roles, and courses.

Key takeaways:

• WordPress developer: Specializes in building websites using WordPress, handling both front-end and back-end development

• Key skills: HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, plugin development, database management, digital marketing

• Getting started: Familiarize yourself with WordPress, gain essential skills, build a portfolio, and earn relevant certifications.
  
  
  

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) used to build websites. It is the leading website builder, with 68 percent of the market share.  Although the software is free, many people hire professional WordPress developers for high-quality website design and development. The following article explores the role of a WordPress developer and how you can become one in just three steps. 

What is a WordPress developer?

A WordPress developer is a type of web developer. They specialize in building websites with WordPress. They are also full-stack developers, meaning they can develop the front-end and back-end of a website. A WordPress developer may be hired to enhance the WordPress software or build a custom website for a client. 

How much does a WordPress developer make?

Glassdoor reports the average WordPress developer salary to be $69,976 per year [3]. Additional pay, such as commissions and profit sharing, is estimated to be $16,763 per year. Combining the average salary with the additional pay brings the estimated total wage for WordPress developers to a total compensation of $86,739 per year [3].