How to Become a Web Developer in Kansas

Online Web Development Education in Kansas

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031. This is much faster than the average for all occupations and will result in an increase of about 21,800 job openings each year. Most of these opportunities are expected to result from the need to replace workers transferring to different professions or exiting the labor force completely.

Professional and business services is the third largest industry in Kansas, accounting for $18.1 billion in revenue each year. Workers in this field are coveted by many different sectors, however. As companies and organizations continue to increase online offerings, professionals in this field are likely to find employment opportunities in many of the state’s other top industries. Graduates may also have success applying for positions in manufacturing, real estate, education, healthcare, wholesale, retail, finance, insurance, transportation, information, and construction.

Based on data provided by the BLS, Kansas employed 660 web developers in May 2021. The annual mean wage for these professionals was $66,690, which is higher than the state’s reported annual mean wage of $49,680 for all occupations.

There are opportunities to study web development available throughout the nation, with many degree programs offered online. Those interested in pursuing employment in Kansas, however, may benefit from enrolling with colleges and universities located within the state. Local institutions are more familiar with the standards and expectations of nearby employers. As a result, these schools tend to provide geographically relevant curriculums, which can be important when applying for certain certifications as well. Additionally, these colleges and universities are more likely to have established relationships with companies and organizations in the area. This can make internship opportunities more readily available and may even lead to professional employment opportunities after graduation.

Those interested in web development are likely to find that requirements vary significantly for professionals in the field. Opportunities available often depend on preferred work settings and employer size. In some cases, it may even be possible to find employment with nothing more than a high school diploma or by completing one of many certificate programs available across the country. Generally, however, companies and organizations give preference to candidates who possess some amount of higher education during the hiring process.

Many colleges and universities in Kansas offer web development degrees, as well as programs in related subjects. Prospective students can generally choose from options at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Additionally, it‘s common for academic institutions to have relevant professional certificates programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These are most appropriate for individuals who already possess degrees in other unrelated subjects.

Become a Web Developer in Kansas

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If you are interested in becoming a web developer in Kansas, one of your first steps should be identifying your ultimate career goals. With so many different information technology professions available in the field, graduates are able to choose from a wide variety of engaging opportunities. Identifying your preferred occupation early will be helpful when selecting a degree program, especially when it comes to determining the level of education necessary to meet minimum hiring qualifications. Researching profession expectations can also make it easier to pick relevant elective courses, minor areas of study, concentrations, and/or internship opportunities.

Beyond standard employer education expectations for the field, Kansas does not require web development professionals to licensed or certified. Hiring requirements are generally set and maintained by individual companies and organizations in the state. Depending on the job, candidates may be expected to possess varying levels of education, from high school diplomas to master’s degrees. Notably, only the most prestigious positions with supervisory elements are likely to necessitate graduate degrees.

Find Online Web Development Programs

While not necessarily required, you are likely to benefit from obtaining one or more certifications in the field. Additional credentials often demonstrate dedication to the field and can help you stand out among other job candidates. Certifications are particularly relevant to prospective professionals interested in gaining specialized knowledge and skills related to certain systems and/or programs.

Fortunately, there are many credentials available for professionals involved with web development. Notably, however, there is no single most important recommended certification. As a result, workers can choose to pursue credentials that are most applicable to their career goals, expanding their knowledge in areas of personal and professional interest.

Some of the most common options include:

Web developers should keep several factors in mind when selecting which certifications to pursue. Price, required skills level, and career applicability are all important. Additionally, it’s vital to ensure that the credential is offered by a credible provider such as an academic institution, professional organization, or a reputable company.

There are also many professional organizations and associations that offer memberships to individuals working in the field. Members generally pay a yearly fee in order to gain access to many career-related benefits. In most cases, these including discounts for development opportunities, access to academic journals, and invitations to networking events.

A few prominent options include:

Potential Careers for Web Development Graduates

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