What Is a WordPress Developer + How to Become One

WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) used to build websites. A 2024 study by W3 Techs indicates that 43.5 per cent of all websites on the internet use WordPress [1]. 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 to become one in just three steps. 

What is a WordPress developer?

A WordPress developer is a type of web developer who specializes in building WordPress-based websites. They are also full-stack developers, meaning they can develop a website's front-end and back-end. Organizations hire WordPress developers to enhance the WordPress software or build a custom website for a client. 

Read more: Full Stack Developer Salary: Your Guide

Where do WordPress developers work?

A WordPress developer can work for a company or be a freelancer. For those seeking freelance opportunities, several job-seeking platforms exist to connect WordPress developers with potential clients, such as WordPress Jobs (the official WordPress jobs listing platform) and Codeable.io. 

You also have options if you are an aspiring WordPress developer who is not interested in freelancing. Organizations that employ WordPress developers include software development companies, digital marketing agencies, and software as a service (SaaS) management businesses. 

WordPress developer job outlook

As the fastest-growing CMS for 12 years, WordPress has secured its place in the market [2]. The job market WordPress developers belong to is also experiencing rapid growth. As of 2023, Canada was sixth in the world with 220,000 WordPress developed sites [3].  According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, web developer positions as a whole are expected to continue growing through 2028, though its pacing has slowed lately [4].

Did you know? All WordPress developers are web developers and designers. The skills you gain in becoming a WordPress developer can also help you succeed in other web development roles.

What does a WordPress developer do?

Typical responsibilities of a WordPress developer include:

• Designing and developing new features and functions

• Translating client requirements into technical specifications

• Implementing and maintaining the architecture of a website

• Writing, testing, and debugging code

How much does a WordPress developer make?

As of August 2024, Glassdoor reports the average WordPress developer salary in Canada to be $60,907 per year [5]. 

Related roles

WordPress developers are web developers specializing in WordPress infrastructure and tools. Many similar roles exist, such as:

• Software developers. Like web developers, software developers are programmers. Instead of (or in addition to) web development, they create computer software and applications.

• User experience (UX) designers. UX design is the process of curating the interaction between users and websites or other software products. UX designers are software developers who focus on the UX of a website or application.

• Full-stack developers. Any programmer, regardless of specialization, is considered a full-stack developer if they can create a minimum viable product on their own. Full-stack developers can identify errors between the front and back end and resolve them using both disciplines. 

• User interface (UI) developers. UI developers combine creative design and technical skills to craft the visual elements of a website or application. 

How to become a WordPress developer

1. Familiarize yourself with WordPress.

You can start using WordPress before you've mastered front-end and back-end development. WordPress is accessible for beginners, making it a popular choice for those who want to make a website themselves without coding experience. It's similar to how an aspiring photographer is likely to purchase a camera before graduating from a photography class. You can learn the basics and build a foundational knowledge of the software while learning how to manage more advanced development. 

2. Gain the essential skills.

WordPress is popular because it requires users to have minimal technical proficiency. In contrast, professional WordPress developers must possess web development and web design skills. The list below outlines a few of the most important disciplines for a WordPress developer to master. 

As a WordPress developer, there are four primary languages you will need to learn. 

• Hypertext markup language (HTML). This language allows you to structure a website by organizing content like headers, footers, and sidebars. 

• Cascading style sheets (CSS). This programming language allows you to apply stylistic elements like text color, border thickness, and image alignment to your HTML structure. 

• PHP: hypertext preprocessor (PHP). This is the back-end scripting language for WordPress and 77.7 per cent of all websites (where the language is known) [6]. 

• JavaScript. WordPress developers use this languages extensively to create dynamic functionalities. 

You can learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript simultaneously from John Hopkins University. 

Other skills to you need to excel as a WordPress developer include:

• Plugin development. Plugins are packaged extensions of code that enhance the features and functionality of WordPress. WordPress developers create custom plugins based on client requirements. 

• Database management. Database management enables users to store, maintain, and control access to pertinent data. WordPress uses a database management system called MySQL.

• Digital marketing. WordPress developers often use search engine optimization (SEO) and other digital marketing techniques to increase site traffic and quality.

• Web design and development. Since WordPress developers work extensively on UX and UI, they need excellent web design and development skills. A WordPress developer's responsibility is to ensure the website they build is functional, responsive, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible to all users. 

• Familiarity with popular development tools. Familiarizing yourself with popular development tools is helpful regardless of the type of developer you want to become. A few of the tools most commonly used by developers worldwide are Git, Bitbucket, and Jira [7]. 

3. Enhance your resume.

It's necessary to establish your competitiveness as a job candidate regardless of the demand for your desired occupation. Employers typically require a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, however, some entry level jobs only require experience as a computer programmer with the necessary skills. Higher education is a great way to gain the skills to excel in an entry-level role. However, it isn't the only way to build expertise and showcase your abilities to employers. 

Earn a Professional Certificate.

Another way to demonstrate professional experience to employers is with relevant certifications. If you’re unsure where to begin, try browsing job listings to discover in-demand qualifications. 

For example, a WordPress developer who wants to enhance their UX skills may pursue a professional certificate from an industry expert like Google.

Build a portfolio.

A portfolio is a collection of your best work. If you have experience with WordPress or web development, consider compiling the projects that best communicate your technical ability. You can then send your portfolio along with your resume to prospective employers. 

It's okay if you have yet to create anything for your professional portfolio. You can get started with an online course like Introduction to Accessible Web Development, a guided project that navigates you through the process of creating an accessible custom component with ARIA. 

Start today with Coursera

Take your first step toward becoming a WordPress developer with the Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization by the University of Michigan, or take the Introduction to Front End Development course by Meta, both on Coursera. Upon completion, gain a shareable Professional Certificate to include in your resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile.