what is a front-end developer?
As a frontend developer, you build the user side of a website or application – what is called the frontend. It’s your code that forms the basis for how the web design will appear to users on the internet.
Websites are often a combination of structure, design, content, data and functionality, but without a frontend developer who can create a user-friendly page, users will not be able to navigate the features efficiently. This means that it is your job to transform the layout to help users access the different features that are coded in the backend.
what does a front-end developer do?
As a frontend developer, you work on various projects related to the appearance and user experience of the website or application for the end users. For example, you are the one who makes the web pages visually appealing. You also build landing pages that are used for a continuous flow of content, niche marketing, and other types of campaigns.
A frontend developer uses tools within graphic design to create prototypes for websites as well as tools to be able to edit code. Front-end developers can be found in many different industries where there is a need to develop functional websites.
average salary as front-end developer.
Already at entry level, frontend developers usually have a good monthly salary. As a junior frontend developer, the average salary on the Swedish job market is between 35,000 and 45,000 kronor per month. The exact salary can be influenced by several different factors, but the average salary is higher than the general average salary in Sweden. This means that being a front-end developer is a good job in terms of salary.
On an individual level, there are several things that can affect the salary. Work experience is the factor that most clearly has a positive impact on salary, especially for those who have developed further and taken on projects, roles or tasks that require greater responsibility.
A senior frontend developer has an average salary between 45,000 and 65,000 kronor per month. In such a role, you have greater responsibility for the entire project, but you are also specialised in your field. To become a senior frontend developer, you need to be up to date with new coding languages, have further education in other areas, and have longer work experience.
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factors that influence the salary as a frontend developer
If you want to increase your salary as a front end developer, there are several things you can consider. In the end, many aspects influence the salary as a frontend developer, but generally speaking, it is an industry and a profession that makes it possible to climb the salary ladder.
One thing that can affect your salary is the size of the company you work for. Generally, larger, more established companies offer a higher salary. On the other hand, a responsible role where you need to handle more complex projects and tasks in a smaller company can mean that you qualify for a higher salary.
As always, it is a matter of negotiation with the employer, but those who have more work experience and more relevant skills will be in a better position to negotiate. Changing employers frequently is one way to get the opportunity to negotiate a higher salary. There are good job opportunities and a high demand for developers, which means that many are in a good position to negotiate.
different roles of frontend developer.
Some different roles and types of frontend developer are:
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UI designers and UX designers
User interface design and user experience design are two important areas that a frontend developer can be responsible for. You improve the look and the visual experience for visitors to a site or an application, or you work on improving the user experience.
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web designer
As a frontend web designer, you are almost exclusively focused on improving web design and the job involves minimal coding and programming. You design a layout and make sure all elements of the website look good and work well from a design perspective.
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wordpress developer
As a frontend developer specialised in Wordpress, you work on projects that use this platform. In Wordpress, you can create different themes, install various widgets and customize websites within the framework of the platform. To be successful as a Wordpress developer, you need to have a good understanding of the different parts of the platform.
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mobile and app developer
The most important thing a frontend developer specialised in mobile and app development does is to create functional apps with good, reliable and user-friendly design. You make the user experience as good as possible by ensuring that the apps work optimally from the user's perspective.
to work as a front-end developer.
As a frontend developer, you let your creative and design skills become a big part of your daily work. Let’s take a closer look at tasks, work environment and other things that are good to know for those who want to work as a frontend developer.
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work tasks
Some of the roles and tasks a frontend developer has are to:
- Create functional websites and applications from designs: As a frontend developer, you receive design and layout ideas from graphic designers and then use these ideas as the basis for working websites. You use HTML and CSS to build the websites. HTML is the programming language that sets the layout and structure, while CSS is an efficient tool for styling the websites.
- Setting up functional themes and colour schemes for websites: As a frontend developer, you work together with web designers and the PR department to decide on themes and colour schemes for the website. You are responsible for ensuring that what is decided is consistent across the entire website and that the final result looks attractive, neat and clear.
- Improve navigation: A good user experience on a website or application is based on it being easy to navigate. As a frontend developer, you build, among other things, the code that makes it possible to click around on the website or application. Your work includes testing and running the navigation to ensure that all links point to the correct page and the correct information.
- Optimise websites and applications for mobile users: To ensure a good user experience, an application or website needs to work well on all types of devices. The frontend developer is responsible for making sure this is the case. The website’s design must be scalable and also work on smaller screens, without losing speed or performance. Users should also be able to use all functions regardless of the device.
- Optimise content: You make sure that the content on the website or application is displayed in a clear and attractive way. Therefore, you need to optimize the structure of the website. It is also important to optimize the website’s structure and information flow for search engines to increase visibility and searchability.
- Test and update components in the frontend: You will carry out both regular tests and final tests to make sure that all components and functions work as intended. You will also troubleshoot for bugs.
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work environment
As a frontend developer, you mainly work in an office environment. Most of the day is spent in front of a computer or in meetings with other developers involved in the same project. Many companies want employees to collaborate with each other in a creative environment and therefore have open-plan offices so that communication can happen continuously. It’s a way for developers to work together, cooperate and learn from each other.
There are also frontend developers who work at consulting firms, where it may be part of your job to work on site at the clients. In such cases, you sit in office environments at the client's workplace, rather than at your own employer.
It may be included that you should attend workshops or conferences to learn more about the latest in programming or development, but basically frontend developer is a job that does not require any travel. You also have the possibility to work a large part of your working hours from home, but this requires that it is something the employer allows.
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your colleagues
Who your colleagues are depends on who your employer is and what type of project you are working on. Usually, a frontend developer works closely with colleagues who are backend developers, fullstack developers, and mobile or app developers.
It is also common to work closely with .net developer, graphic designer, web developer, fullstack developer, UX designer, software developer, web designer and other specialists in areas related to your tasks. In large companies, there are often specialists in specific fields who collaborate to achieve the best final result.
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work schedule
Many front-end developers work full-time as permanent employees at a company and have a work schedule that extends up to 40 hours per week.
Even though regular office hours generally apply, some employers offer a certain flexibility. This could mean that you can manage your own working hours and have the opportunity to work from home.
In some cases, you may be required to work outside your regular work schedule and to work more intensively during certain periods or projects, in order to meet deadlines or solve urgent problems that have arisen.
There are also part-time jobs and project-based positions as frontend developer. Some choose to freelance as front-end developers and work as consultants. This means more freedom and that you can choose assignments, clients and projects that appeal to you and suit your skills.
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future prospects
Becoming a frontend developer is a good first step for a career in web development or web design. You can improve your skills by further training in programming or graphic design, or alternatively take on more senior roles in frontend development.
Those who have work experience as a frontend developer become more attractive for supervisor roles, management positions or roles as project manager. This is especially suitable for those who enjoy planning, brainstorming ideas and taking overall responsibility. In such roles, you are not as involved in coding and programming yourself, but you are responsible for the other front-end developers in the team. You can also work as a consultant or take on an educational role, for example as a lecturer at university or at vocational colleges.
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advantages of finding a job as a frontend developer via randstad
There are many advantages to finding an open job as a frontend developer via Randstad.
- various development and career opportunities
- an experienced contact person who can help you when needed
- many open jobs in your area
- full-time or part-time work depending on the job/assignment
Do you want a permanent position as a frontend developer? Taking a temporary, project-based job as a frontend developer is a good first step towards getting a permanent job. A part-time position can also lead to a full-time job for those who prove to be good at their work. Every year, several people get a permanent position with employers thanks to a temporary job that came through us at Randstad. In addition, many companies recruit their permanent employees directly through Randstad.
education and qualifications as a frontend developer.
There is no set path you have to follow to become eligible for a job as a frontend developer, you can get your education in several different ways.
- University: Studying an IT-related programme and learning programming at university or college level is a good way to become a frontend developer, and academic qualifications are often a requirement from employers. This type of educational qualification is also an advantage for those who want to work in more senior roles within the front-end later in their career.
- Higher vocational education: There are vocational higher education programmes for programmers, both in frontend and backend. There are both shorter and longer courses to study. The programmes are specifically focused on the practical knowledge needed for the job.
- Internal training: Quite a few employers train their own staff, and there are companies that hire junior frontend developers who lack full knowledge in order to train them themselves. The concept often includes that you get a permanent position where mandatory skills training is included. Over time, you learn to program at a level where you can work independently and take responsibility for your own projects.
- Internship position: Practical experience is valuable and something many employers appreciate. An education that combines practical elements and internship at a workplace is therefore good for you if you want to become a frontend developer.
knowledge and skills.
As a front-end developer, you should have the following knowledge and skills.
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curiosity
Web development is a field that is constantly changing. To be able to learn new things, it’s important that you have an innate curiosity and are interested in the whole industry.
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empathy
It’s important that you have a respectful attitude towards your job and, not least, towards your customers’ wishes, since you’re responsible for developing the visual image of their brands. You need to be open to feedback and other people’s views on the work you do.
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problem-solving skills
The job as a frontend developer is challenging and requires many different skills. You need to be good at analysing, identifying problems and areas for improvement, and coming up with solutions.
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cooperation and teamwork
As a front-end developer, you work together with other developers and collaborate with the whole team to make sure the final product is as good as possible, so it's essential that you're a good team player. Being a good team player also makes it easier to maintain good working relationships.
common questions about the role as frontend developer.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about working as a frontend developer.
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what does a front-end developer do?
A frontend developer makes the user side of digital products more visually appealing. They also ensure that users can use all functions smoothly.
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how much does a front-end developer earn?
At entry level, the average salary for a frontend developer is between 35,000 and 45,000 kronor per month. In a more senior role as a frontend developer, the average salary is between 45,000 and 65,000 kronor per month.
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is frontend developer a good career?
Being a front-end developer is a good and exciting career in IT. It is a job that suits someone who is creative. It is also a career that offers many opportunities for development and to advance to more responsible roles.
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how do I apply for an open job as a front-end developer?
It's easy to apply for a job as a front-end developer. Search among our available jobs in your area. Then send in your CV and your personal letter or apply via LinkedIn.
If you need help with your job application, you can read all our job tips here!
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further reading about the role of frontend developer
Here you can find more information about the job role of a front-end developer.
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