How to Become a Web Developer in Missouri

Online Web Development Education in Missouri

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According to the U.S. 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. The primary reason for this increase is the continued expansion of E-commerce. As retail firms offer more and more products online, greater demand for web developers is anticipated. The need for experts capable of creating websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes is also expected to increase.

While web developers can work in almost any industry, two sectors that commonly seek out and employ experts in this field are professional and business services, as well as information and technology. Professional and business services is the largest industry in Missouri. It accounts for $42.3 billion in revenue each year. Information is also the ninth largest industry in the state, accounting for another $12.9 of the state’s revenue each year.

Based on data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri employed 1,970 web developers in May 2022. The annual mean wage for these professionals was $82,130, which is higher than the state’s reported annual mean wage of $54,520 for all occupations. The state also employed 720 web and digital interface designers, with an annual mean wage of $69,970.

There are several colleges and universities located in Missouri, some of which do offer higher education degrees in web development and other related topics. This subject is also particularly popular among online learners, as the coursework tends to translate well into a remote format. While distance learning programs make it easy to study from anywhere with reliable internet access, prospective students planning to seek employment in Missouri may benefit from enrolling locally. Academic institutions within the state will provide the most geographically relevant instruction. This ensures graduates possess the knowledge and skills most important to employers in the area.

Prospective students in Missouri should have little difficulty finding colleges and universities offering web development degree programs. Options are typically available at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some academic institutions may also offer professional certificate programs. In both cases, in-person and online learning options are usually available.

Notably, education requirements for web developers can vary wildly. While many professionals in the field seek bachelor’s degrees, it is possible to obtain jobs with nothing more than a high school diploma or GED. This is because employers seek candidates with the correct knowledge and skills, which can be self-taught or learned without earning a degree. However, employment opportunities with the highest pay are often held by those with more extensive higher education. Occupations with supervisory components, in particular, tend to require graduate degrees.

Because qualifications can differ significantly, even between positions with the same titles, you should always research potential job opportunities thoroughly prior to submitting applications.

Become a Web Developer in Missouri

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The first step to becoming a web developer in Missouri is identifying your ultimate career goals. There are many different jobs available in this field. Taking steps early to determine your preferred occupation will ensure you stay on the right course. Not only will this assist you in selecting the necessary degree level and web development courses, but it will help you pick the most appropriate major, minor, elective classes, extracurricular activities, internship opportunities, and eventual certificate program.

As previously mentioned, education requirements can vary drastically for those interested in web development and digital design. In some cases, it may even be better to pursue degrees in other related subjects, such as computer science or programming. Even jobs that require no higher education, however, expect candidates to have a thorough understanding of HTML programming. Other programming languages commonly needed include JavaScript and SQL. Knowledge of various multimedia publishing tools is also necessary. Notably, professionals who can demonstrate abilities in these areas may not need specific education credentials.

Find Online Web Development Programs

In addition to academic degrees, there are several certifications that may prove helpful for web developers to pursue. There are many options to choose from. While there is no single most important credential for individuals in this field, professionals typically base their selections on the type of work they perform and/or personal interest. The most important factors to consider when picking certification(s) are price, provider, required skill level, and candidate expectations.

Some common credentials sought by web development specialists include:

The majority of certifications are offered by academic institutions, professional organizations, and reputable companies. However, some options may carry more weight than others. As a result, it’s recommended that you always verify provider credibility prior to beginning the application process.

Another common recourse for web developers is to join professional organizations and associations. These groups often offer many benefits to their members including access to developmental activities, relevant academic journals, networking events, discounts, and other helpful resources.

Some of the most appropriate examples include:

Potential Careers for Web Development Graduates

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