How Much Do WordPress Developers Make?

Are you thinking about a career in WordPress development? If that’s the case, it’s important to make sure that you’ll be fairly compensated for your work. However, it can be difficult to find out exactly how much you’ll make in this profession. So, how much do WordPress developers make? Let’s dive into the details.

The average WordPress developer salary tends to sit between $52,000 and $64,000. However, entry-level jobs can pay as little as $42,000. Meanwhile, you’ll be paid more in cities like LA, and compensation is higher for those with specialist skills like PHP.

Fortunately, it’s easier to make a decision about your career when you understand the salary expectations. For example, you can find out how your pay may be affected by factors such as experience, location, and specialization. 

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the role of a WordPress developer. Then, we’ll show you how much you can expect to earn in the role. Let’s jump right in!

The Role of a WordPress Developer

WordPress powers 43 percent of all websites, making it one of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMSs). The software is free, flexible, and open-source, so it’s a great option for those who want to build a business site or a blog.

However, without the time or knowledge, creating a website might be out of the question for some people. While there are tools (like page builders) that can simplify the process, it’s difficult to design a completely custom website without help. That’s where WordPress developers come in.

As a WordPress developer, you’ll mainly be responsible for building, customizing, and sometimes managing WordPress sites. However, you might also be hired to improve the WordPress core software, or create custom products (usually themes and plugins) for a website.

Additionally, you might be asked to carry out tasks like securing a WordPress site, backing up data, or migrating a website. If you have an eye for design, you could even customize a theme or build custom templates.

How Much Do WordPress Developers Make? (3 Factors Considered)

Now that you know a bit more about WordPress development, let’s take a look at three factors that can affect your earning potential.

1. How Much Do WordPress Developers Make: Experience Level

Your experience level is one of the factors that can impact your earnings. When you’re starting out, you’ll likely work as a junior developer. Meanwhile, a senior developer may have additional tasks and even management responsibilities, with their pay reflecting this extra contribution.

According to PayScale, an entry-level web developer can expect to earn around $52,000. Those with 5 to 9 years of development experience can make at least $70,000.

Meanwhile, developers in their late career (10+ years) can expect to make over $75,000:

Indeed reports similar findings, with the average WordPress developer salary being around $64,000 in the United States:

Most WordPress developers will be expected to have at least some knowledge of JavaScript, PHP, and CSS. However, PayScale found that there are certain skills that can boost a web developer’s salary. These include dynamic HTML (DHTML), Microsoft Azure, and UNIX.

In fact, DHTML was found to increase earning potential by 51 percent. The average salary of a web developer with this skill is around $93,000.

2. How Much Do WordPress Developers Make: Specialization

While most WordPress developers have a similar understanding of the platform, some may specialize in an advanced area of web development. For example, you might choose to focus on PHP development, LAMP stack, or plugin development.

If you choose to work as a PHP developer, you’ll likely be building websites from scratch. Therefore, you’ll often be hired by clients with very specific website needs.

You can see on Indeed that the average salary of a PHP developer is $87,000. This is a lot higher than the standard pay for WordPress developers.

You may spot a similar trend if you look at freelance work. For example, the rate for WordPress developers on Fiverr starts at $25. At the higher end of the scale, clients pay up to $295:

However, when you change the search to “PHP developer”, you’ll see that some PHP developers charge over $1000. Therefore, by offering a specialized service, you can maximize your earning potential.

3. Location

Like with any job, salaries may vary from one location to another. Usually, this is a result of shifting job markets and the benefits associated with the role.

According to Indeed, WordPress developers who work in cities like Los Angeles, Denver, and New York earn more. Those in LA have the highest pay, with an average salary of $123,000. Developers based in Denver or New York can expect to earn $82,000 and $70,000 respectively.

At the bottom end of the scale, WordPress developers in Ohio earn around $47,000, while those in Houston are paid around $38,000 per year:

It’s worth noting that only 50 percent of WordPress developers in the U.S. think that their salary is enough to cover the cost of living in their area. What’s more, a developer whose compensation package is more salary-based will earn more than a developer that gets paid leave and other benefits.

You might prefer to find work as a freelancer as you can charge steeper rates to make up for the high costs in your location. However, you’ll be missing out on benefits like health insurance.

Why Comparing WordPress Developer Salaries is Crucial

When you’re in the market for a WordPress developer role, understanding the salary landscape is essential for several reasons.

First, knowing the typical salary range allows you to gauge your own market value. By having a clear idea of what others in similar roles are earning, you can set realistic expectations for your income.

Benefits of Salary Comparison:

• Maximize Earning Potential: Equipped with industry-specific salary data, you can negotiate your pay more effectively during job interviews. This knowledge empowers you to advocate for a competitive rate.
• Informed Career Decisions: Comparing salaries across different companies and regions can highlight where you may find higher-paying opportunities or more lucrative markets for your skill set.
• Professional Growth: Salary insights can guide your decisions on whether additional certifications or skills are worth pursuing, potentially increasing your value to employers.

In conclusion, salary comparisons are not just a financial tool but a strategic instrument for career advancement and decision-making.

What Factors Should Freelancers Consider When Determining Their Hourly Rate?

.When freelancers decide how much to charge per hour, they need to consider a few important things to make sure they’re paid fairly for their work. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Skill Level: Your expertise in your field is a big factor. The more skilled you are, the more you can charge because your work adds more value to clients.
2. Expertise and Credentials: If you have special knowledge or certifications, you can charge more. Clients are often willing to pay extra for quality work from someone who really knows their stuff.
3. Experience: How long you’ve been doing your job matters too. Generally, the more experience you have, the more you can charge. This is because with experience comes efficiency and reliability, which clients appreciate.
4. Geographical Location: Where you live affects how much you can charge. In big cities, where the cost of living is higher, freelancers often charge more to cover their expenses.
5. Operating Costs: Running a freelance business comes with expenses like software, equipment, and workspace. It’s important to factor these costs into your rate to make sure you’re not losing money.
6. Market Demand: Knowing how much people want your services helps you set the right price. If there’s a lot of demand, you can charge more. But if there are too many freelancers offering the same thing, you might need to be more competitive with your pricing.

By considering all these factors, freelancers can figure out a fair hourly rate that reflects their worth, keeps their business running smoothly, and helps them stand out in their industry.

When Should You Consider Raising Your Rates as a Freelance WordPress Developer?

1. You Constantly Feel Overworked

One of the clearest signs that it might be time to increase your rates is when you’re consistently overloaded with projects. If you’re juggling too many tasks and constantly feeling drained, it’s an indication that demand for your skills exceeds supply. Raising your rates can help manage your workload better while ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your efforts.

2. Your Close Rate is Nearly 100%

If almost every client you pitch decides to hire you, it’s a strong sign that your current rates might be too low. High close rates can indicate that clients view your services as a bargain, and they are eager to take advantage of your undervalued pricing. Increasing your fees can balance the demand and attract clients willing to pay what you’re truly worth.

3. Your Hourly Rate is Decreasing

As you gain more experience and hone your skills, the value you provide to clients increases. If you notice that your effective hourly rate is stagnating or dropping despite gaining expertise, it’s a clear indicator that you should reassess your pricing. More experience and better results warrant higher pay.

How to Raise Your Rates

1. Incremental Increases for New Clients: Gradually increase your rates for each new client. This approach allows you to test the market without shocking your existing client base.
2. Inform Existing Clients with Adequate Notice: When you decide to raise rates for current clients, give them ample notice so they can adjust their budgets. Showing appreciation for their loyalty by offering a slightly reduced rate increase can maintain goodwill.
3. Continuously Adjust Until the Sweet Spot: It’s important to keep adjusting your rates until you find the optimal balance. Always aim for a rate that reflects your skills and the value you deliver.

Industry Recommendations

Experts suggest that, if you charge hourly, you start at no less than $50 per hour for WordPress development. This can be adjusted to $60 per hour as a beginner baseline, moving up to $75 per hour within a year and potentially reaching $100 per hour after two years of experience.

Keeping these guidelines in mind will help ensure you’re compensated fairly and can sustain your freelance career comfortably.

How Can Knowing The Rates Earned By Experienced Freelancers Help New Freelancers Negotiate Higher Rates With Clients?

Understanding how much seasoned freelancers earn can be incredibly empowering for those just starting out in the freelance world. When new freelancers learn that their experienced counterparts are charging, let’s say, $100 per hour for similar services, it gives them a valuable benchmark for setting their own rates. This knowledge helps them establish higher financial standards right from the get-go, rather than settling for low-paying gigs.

By knowing what top earners are making, new freelancers can set their sights higher and negotiate with greater confidence. They realize that their skills are valuable and deserve fair compensation, making them less likely to sell themselves short. Armed with this understanding, they can turn down lowball offers and focus on finding clients who recognize and are willing to pay for quality work.

In essence, knowing the going rates in the industry not only strengthens a new freelancer’s ability to negotiate but also shapes their perception of their own value and the worth of their work in the market. This foundational knowledge is essential for building a career that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Are You Being Paid Fairly as a WordPress Developer?

Curious if your salary as a WordPress developer measures up? Knowing the average pay for your role is crucial for ensuring you’re compensated fairly. Here’s how to determine if you’re getting your due:

1. Research Industry Averages: Look up the typical salaries for WordPress developers in your region. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and Indeed offer insights into what your peers are earning.
2. Consider Your Experience: Your level of experience plays a significant role in your salary. Junior developers typically earn less than mid-level and senior counterparts.
3. Evaluate Your Skills: Specialized skills, such as proficiency in PHP, custom theme development, or security features, can significantly boost your worth.
4. Check Job Listings: Investigate what companies are offering for similar roles. This can give you a better idea of the market rate for your skills.
5. Network with Peers: Discuss salaries with fellow developers in forums, meetups, or online communities. Peer insights can provide valuable, real-world benchmarks.
6. Negotiate Smartly: If you find you’re underpaid, gather your research and be prepared to negotiate. Equipped with data, you can present a strong case for a raise.

Ensuring you’re paid fairly isn’t just about knowing averages—it’s about recognizing your unique value and advocating for it effectively.

How Can Freelancers Determine The Hourly Rate They Need To Earn When Transitioning From Salaried Work To Freelancing?

Transitioning from a regular job to freelancing takes some careful planning, especially when it comes to figuring out how much to charge per hour. Here’s a simple guide for freelancers to determine their hourly rate:

1. Start with Your Yearly Income Goal: First off, decide how much you need to make in a year. This is the starting point for calculating your hourly rate.
2. Consider Non-Work Time: Unlike a regular job, freelancers have to think about times when they won’t be making money, like holidays, sick days, or when they’re improving their skills at conferences. Even though you’re not earning during these times, they’re still important.
3. Account for Business Expenses: Running your own business means you’ve got costs that used to be covered by your employer. Things like insurance, equipment, software, and maybe even rent for your workspace all add up.
4. Factor in Taxes: As a freelancer, you’re in charge of your own taxes. It’s crucial to calculate them accurately and include them in your rate.
5. Set Your Rate: Now, take your yearly income goal and subtract your estimated business expenses and taxes. Then, divide that by the number of billable hours you realistically expect to work in a year. This isn’t just how many hours you’d like to work—it’s a practical estimate, taking into account slow times and non-billable hours.

Following these steps will help you come up with a fair hourly rate that covers all your expenses and reflects your true worth as a professional. Remember, being precise about your hours and costs will help you avoid financial headaches down the road.

Hourly Rates for Specialized Freelance WordPress Developers

When considering hiring a specialized freelance WordPress developer, platforms like Codementor and Codeable are popular choices. Here’s a breakdown of the hourly rates you can expect:

Codementor

• Worldwide Average: $61-80/hour
• North America: $81-100/hour

Codeable

• General Range: $80-120/hour
• Factors: Rates vary depending on the project’s complexity, scope, and urgency.

These rates provide a clear understanding of the cost implications for hiring specialized WordPress developers on these platforms.

Conclusion

Before making a big career decision, it’s important to understand the earning potential of your desired role. As a WordPress developer, your salary can be impacted by various factors.

Here’s how much you can expect to earn as a WordPress developer, based on different criteria:

Do you have any questions about how much WordPress developers make? Let us know in the comments section below!

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