A web developer writing code on a laptop

How to Become a Web Developer in Canada

5 min read | Jan 8, 2024
 Marta Gongos- Ad Culture By Marta Gongos

As more and more businesses and organizations rely on the internet for advertising and branding, website development is becoming increasingly important—a good website is basically required to run a successful business nowadays!

The average salary for a web developer in Canada is $78,000 with room to grow, a figure that reflects the value of their services. So, if you’re wondering how to become a web developer and get in on this action, we’ve got a complete guide for you!

Let’s get started!

What Is a Web Developer?

A web developer is someone who designs, builds, and maintains websites and web applications—they’re the architects, builders, and decorators of the digital world!

These digital superheroes are responsible for a website’s functionality, performance, and appearance. There are generally three types of web developers:

  • Front-end developers work on a website’s visual and functional elements, such as layout, navigation, graphics, and user interface.
  • Back-end developers work on a website’s server side, which includes database management API development, and security.
  • Full-stack developers work on both front-end and back-end development.

🖥️ Fun fact: Web developers work closely with web designers to create websites and web applications that are functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing!

Education Requirements to Become a Web Developer

If you’re asking how to become a web developer in Canada, the first thing worth digging into is the education requirements.

Generally speaking, you’ll need to get started with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a similar field. However, you could also complete a college program in computer science or one of its related fields.

Experience as a computer programmer is also recommended, as it will demonstrate your ability to apply these skills in the real world. One of the many ways you could go about doing this is by securing an internship at a company.

 A man studying web development works on a laptop and two extended monitors
Image Source: Canva

Relevant Skills and Interests

Regardless of how you acquire your web developer skills, there are some commonalities most employers look for when hiring in the field. These include:

Programming Languages

Programming languages are a must-have in the web developer toolkit. They allow you to create the logic and functionality of your web applications. Some of the most common programming languages for web development are:

  • HTML/CSS (Cascading Style Sheet)
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • Python
  • Ruby
  • Swift

Pro tip: Highlight your knowledge using a functional resume template!

Web Frameworks and Libraries

When learning how to become a web developer in Canada, you should also expect to work with web frameworks and libraries.

These are the tools that will help you simplify and speed up the web development process. Think of them as shortcuts or templates that provide you with ready-made code and features that you can use to build your web pages in a snap!

Database Management Systems

A successful web developer doesn’t just write code; they also store, retrieve, manipulate, and display data. As such, you need familiarity with database management systems.

If you aren’t already aware, these software applications store and organize data in databases, allowing web developers to access and manipulate data using structured query language (SQL) or other coding languages. In layman’s terms, they’re super helpful.

Version Control Systems

Web development is often collaborative and involves many people, which is why you’ll need to know how to use version control systems (VCS).

These software tools track changes made to files over time and allow web development professionals to see and manage changes. This way, if one team member makes a mistake or needs to revert to an earlier version of the code, they can do so without issues!

Pro tip: If you have VCS experience, highlight it in your cover letter!

Soft Skills

Of course, a successful career in web development goes beyond technical skills—who you are and how you work also matters. So, when learning how to become a web developer, don’t neglect these soft skills on the road to becoming a rockstar candidate:

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Adaptability
  • Critical thinking
  • Listening

 A web developer at work
Image Source: Canva

How Long Does it Take to Become a Web Developer?

If you plan to go the route we’ve outlined, you should expect it to take at least four or five years to secure one of those web developer jobs. Let’s break it down:

  • Completing your post-secondary education (whether that be a bachelor’s degree or college program in computer science) will likely take 3-5 years.
  • From there, you may spend an additional six months or a year working an internship plus additional coding boot camps, computer programming courses, etc.
  • With that done, you will likely need a few more months to assemble a portfolio of your work that makes you a competitive candidate.

Start Your Web Development Career With Ad Culture

Did this article help you learn how to become a web developer in Canada? Or maybe it made you realize you’ve got the web development skills you need?

If you’re ready to apply for web development jobs, Ad Culture can help you get your dream job. We specialize in connecting great companies with great candidates, so submit your resume today to get ahead of the competition.

Still wondering how to become a web developer? Contact us today!

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