Hi, and welcome to our in-depth guide on how long it takes to become a Web Developer.
Today, you’ll learn how long it will take to become a Web Developer using different education pathways.
By the end of this read, you’ll have a clear idea of the time you need to dedicate to your dream of becoming a Web Developer.
Specifically, here is what we’ll talk about:
- Factors that determine how long it takes to become a Web Developer
- How long does it take to become a Web Developer?
Let’s dive right in.
An Overview
The duration it takes to become a Web Developer varies from one person to the next.
This is because several factors determine how much time you will take to become a Web Developer.
The Web Development education pathway you choose also depend on how long you will start your Web Dev Career.
Factors That Determine How Long It Takes to Become a Web Developer
Let’s look at these factors before we answer the fundamental question of how long it takes to become a Web Developer.
Experience Level
Aspiring Web Developers with programming experience are better placed to learn web development.
Basic knowledge in coding languages means you won’t be starting from scratch like others.
You’ll also grasp concepts first and hence learn faster.
But that doesn’t mean individuals with no experience will automatically take longer to become Web Developers.
In the long run, it boils down to personal commitment.
Background Education
There are two categories of learners in Web Development.
One category has a background education in Computer Science or related fields, while the second doesn’t.
It’s obvious that if you have prior knowledge of Web Development, the coursework will be a walk in the park.
That means you may not take as long as someone hearing Web Development for the first time.
Time Investment
Apart from the first two factors, how much time you invest in your Web Development Course will play a huge role in whether or not you have experience and educational background.
If you invest your time fully, you will most likely complete your studies in no time.
Most aspiring Web Developers learn part-time.
But those who learn full time, say 6-8 hours a day, can cut their study time by half.
Important to note, though, that Web Development theoretical concepts go hand in hand with practical skills.
And so, to successfully complete the learning process, you must also prove proficiency in the practical aspect of Web Development.
Type of Web Development Specialization
Another crucial factor regarding how long it takes to become a Web Developer is the type of Web Development you want to pursue.
You can opt for front-end Web Development, back-end Web Development, or full-stack Web Development.
Of course, it will take you a shorter period if you are pursuing front-end or back-end rather than full-stack since it combines both front and back-end development.
To become a Front-End Developer, you must learn client-side coding languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), and JavaScript.
Your program will also include front-end development frameworks like bootstrap, AngularJS, React, and EmberJS, among others.
Suppose your goal is to become a Back-End Developer, then be ready to dive deep into server-side programming languages.
That includes Python, PHP, and Java.
You’ll also learn about frameworks such as Ruby, Django, Laravel, and Express.js.
And lastly, becoming a Full-Stack Developer will require you to learn coding languages and frameworks for both back-end and front-end development.
Full-Stack Developers learn to design user interfaces, write codes and create databases.
That means they can create a site or web application single-handedly.
Precisely why this specialization area takes longer to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Web Developer?
Now that we are clear on what may or may not drag your journey to becoming a Web Developer let’s talk about the duration it takes.
The duration majorly depends on the education pathway you take.
And since there are several pathways, we want to break down each to give you a clear picture of the different options.
College Education
Generally, how long you’ll take to complete your college education depends on the degree level you’ve settled for.
Associate Degree
An Associate Degree usually takes two years to complete.
This option is the least popular among Web Developers.
Though an Associate Degree is ideal for an entry-level Web Developer job, overall, it’s less beneficial because it limits the opportunities you can apply for.
An Associate Degree requires a high level of time commitment and finances, yet you can still get into entry-level jobs with other qualifications, such as a certificate or boot camp.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree is the most popular education qualification for Web Developers.
Degree programs take four years to complete.
Most Developers pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, information technology, computer programming, or Web Development.
A Bachelor’s degree in Web Development equips students with web development technologies without necessarily digging into programming languages.
But with computer science or computer programming, learners may get cracking on a few programming languages such as HTML and CSS.
Bachelor’s degree opens more Web Development job opportunities.
You can also opt to work independently as a contractor.
Further, it allows you to advance your education.
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree takes two years to complete.
Usually, you must have a Bachelor’s degree to qualify for a master’s program.
Many Web Developers pursue a master’s degree after a few years of experience in the industry.
Their goal is to command a higher salary or increase their chances of promotion.
They may also pursue masters to seek better employment opportunities.
Coding Bootcamp
Web Development boot camps are ideal for beginners interested in Web Development but who don’t have the time or money to pursue a college education.
Unlike college education that’s general, boot camps are accelerated learning programs that focus on the specific hands-on skills that coders need for employment.
Since the coursework is specifically to learn coding languages and Web Development Tools, the programs run for 3-12 months.
Aspiring Back-End Developers learn about SQL, Python, Java, PHP, etc.
Front-end Developers focus on front-end development languages.
The same goes for Full-Stack Developers.
Boot camps are intensive and often in-person.
That means that learners must move to the boot camp location.
Because of the pandemic, most boot camps have moved online but with the same structure.
Given its structure, it’s impossible to study while working.
The cost of Web Development boot camps ranges from $10,000 and $15,000.
On average, you can expect to pay around $13,579.
However, there are boot camp programs that are well over $20,000.
Since most coding boot camps are offered by accredited institutions, you’ll get a certificate once done.
With a Web Development Certificate, the next step is to get a job.
Learning Independently (Online Courses)
Online courses allow you to learn independently.
You can opt for free online courses on platforms like YouTube.
There are also free coding tutorials on Coursera, Khan Academy, Codecademy, HTML5 Rocks, and a dozen other platforms.
Online development forums like Stack Overflow and GitHub also have web development courses.
Apart from these platforms, you can get many online resources by simpling entering the keyword “web development” on Google.
The free courses are great for learning the basics of programming.
But if you want a more structured program, perhaps paid Web Development online courses will be a better option.
A platform like Skillcrush has well-structured Web Development Courses that take 9-12 weeks to complete.
The program covers not only coding languages but also WordPress and web design skills.
The good thing about online courses is that you can take them from anywhere.
And you study at your own pace.
That means how long you take to complete the programs solely depends on how much time you commit to your studies.
Again, most free courses don’t offer a certificate.
You’ll only have your portfolio as proof of your expertise.
Others, free and paid online courses, give a certificate of completion.
Once done with the course, you can take an independent Web Development Certification exam to gain professional certification.
Now that’s killing two birds with one stone.
Conclusion
How long it takes to become a Web Developer varies widely depending on the education pathway you take.
College education takes the longest period, anywhere between 2-4 years, depending on the degree level.
Depending on the specialization, you can also opt for a Web Development boot camp, which can take three months or more.
And lastly, a self-directed online course can also be an ideal option.
These options equip you with the technical skills required to launch your career as a beginner Web Developer.
The one you settle for will depend on how much time you have at hand, the resources, and how soon you want to get started in Web Development.
But whichever path you take, you’ll gain the skills and expertise required to become a Programmer.
FAQs
Can I become a Web Developer in four months?
It’s possible to learn the basics of Web Development in four months.
The basics include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
You’ll need more time to practice and learn to at least gain enough knowledge to land Fron-End Developer entry-level job opportunities.
How long does it take you to become a Web Developer?
The duration it takes varies depending on the education path you’ve chosen.
An Associate Degree takes two years, while a Bachelor’s degree is four years.
A boot camp is 3-12 months.
And online courses are self-paced.
So, how long it takes depends on how much time you commit.
How long does FreeCodeCamp take?
FreeCodeCamp free coding course has 10 study areas.
Each study area takes around 300 hours to complete.
So, in total, it takes 3,000 hours to complete the whole curriculum.
That’s around four months.
Further, FreeCodeCamp has dozens of YouTube videos to strengthen your web development skills.
How long does it to become a Freelance Web Developer?
You can become a Freelance Web Developer in six months or more.
Several factors, such as your coding skills and the time you dedicate to your business, influence how soon you’ll be rooted in freelancing.
It’s advisable to start freelancing while still on your regular job.
How long does it take to be a self-taught Web Developer?
The duration it takes to learn web development depends on your commitment.
But generally, if you are learning 6-8 hours a day, it can take you 3-6 months to learn HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and SQL.
It will take you more time to learn the technical stuff.
How many hours a day should I study Web Development?
The duration it takes to learn web development depends on your commitment.
But generally, if you are learning 6-8 hours a day, it can take you 3-6 months to learn HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and SQL.
It will take you more time to learn the technical stuff.
How many hours a day should I study Web Development?
You can spend 8 hours or one hour daily.
It all depends.
The bottom line is the fewer hours you spend studying daily, the longer it will take you to learn Web Development.
Some people learn programming in a few months, while others take more than a year.
How many years of college to be a Web Developer?
An Associate Degree in computer science takes 2 years.
A degree program in computer science, computer programming, or related fields takes 4 years.
If you are taking an advanced course, a master’s in computer science, it will take 2 years.
What does it take to be a Web Developer?
You must have Web Development skills, which you can gain through formal education or self-teaching.
Further, you’ll need a portfolio to validate your expertise.
Additional skills like SEO, digital marketing, and proficiency in content management systems can go a long way in helping you secure your first job.
Is it hard to become a Web Developer?
Yes.
It is worth it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Web Developers earn around $77,200 annually.
That’s above the national average for most occupations.
Again, the bureau projects a 13% increase in demand for Web Developers and Digital Designers between 2020 and 2030.
What are the requirements to become a Web Developer?
Gain practical skills in Web Development.
This can be through formal education, online courses, or coding boot camps.
Build a portfolio to showcase your expertise.
Earn a Web Development certification (optional).
Keep up with the new developments in the industry through continuous education.