Whenever you fill out a web form or load up your online shopping cart, you’re coming into contact with the work of front-end developers.
These professionals are the tech wizards who code the user-facing parts of websites and mobile apps. Their job is to build digital interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use, and that consistently deliver the results you expect.
WHAT FRONT-END DEVELOPERS DO
Every digital product we use essentially has two sides, known as the “front end” and “back end.” Behind the scenes, back-end developers deal with the inner workings of the app or website, such as databases and algorithms. The work of the back-end developer is hidden from the user.
The work of front-end developers is meant to be seen. They generate code using programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create graphical interfaces that help users point and click their way through a website or mobile app.
Front-end developers build pages that can be connected to back-end databases, making it possible for an application to display images, collect user data, return accurate search results or personalize content.
“Front-end development is building the interfaces that the users interact with when they’re on a website,” says James Norton, an instructor for UW Professional & Continuing Education’s Certificate in Front-End Development With HTML, CSS & JavaScript. “It's important to have a skilled front-end developer working on that part, to make sure it’s a positive experience for users.”
projected growth
U.S. (2023-33): 9%
Washington state (2020-30): 39%
Median Annual salary
U.S. (2023): $84,960
Washington state (2023): $108,410
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET OnLine
These developers help choose and implement the most appropriate interactive elements, including forms, search fields and drop-down menus. They also strive to use responsive design, so web interfaces work with any browser or device, and to make sure that the app or website is accessible to all.
“As front-end developers, we want to make sure the app or website is inclusive for everyone,” Norton says. “Especially today, accessibility is becoming much more of a priority for web designers and developers. It’s not just about making a beautiful interface; it has to be accessible as well.”
JOBS FOR FRONT-END DEVELOPERS
When it comes to the job market, positions for front-end developers are placed within the general category of web developer — one of the fastest-growing job sectors nationally over the last several decades.
The picture is particularly bright in Washington state, which is home to many large tech companies such as
Microsoft, Amazon and Expedia. According to the occupational resource O*NET OnLine, jobs for web developers are expected grow by 39% in the state by 2030. Pay is also high, with web developers commanding an average annual salary of more than $84,000 nationally and more than $108,000 in Washington.
According to Norton, finding connections within the local tech industry is a key way to land one of these plum developer jobs. And earning a certificate from the UW is a quick pathway to forging these kinds of contacts.
“It’s very important to find somebody that will help you get your foot in the door,” he says. “Having your classmates and your certificate instructor in your network is a great way to do that. And having the University of Washington on your resume is really good too.”
PREPARING FOR A FUTURE IN FRONT-END DEVELOPMENT
It’s really important to find somebody that will help you get your foot in the door. Having your classmates and your certificate instructor in your network is a great way to do that.
—
James Norton, instructor for the Certificate in Front-End Development With HTML, CSS & JavaScript
Although frameworks evolve and change, front-end developers must master the essential technical skills of using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript, Norton notes.
“You need to have pretty good grasp of the foundations — JavaScript, HTML, CSS — before we even start to get into libraries and frameworks like React or Vue,” Norton says. “Our certificate program will give you those fundamental skills. A lot of the specific tools you can learn on the job, but by completing the UW program, you’ve shown that you have the ability and willingness to learn the tools.”
The program also covers web design principles, which are another vital skill for finding a job as a front-end developer, according to Norton.
“You don’t have to be a designer, but it’s important to have an eye for it,” he says. “I know how to look at something that a designer has given me and figure out how to implement it. That’s another skill that you’ll practice during the certificate program.”
ADVANCING YOUR EDUCATION
Ready to start preparing for a career in tech? Check out our Certificate in Front-End Development With HTML, CSS & JavaScript and other relevant programs: