2023 WordPress Developer Salary Basics: What To Know

Without a doubt, WordPress is the world’s largest content management system.

With that comes the need to support the platform.

WordPress developers’ salaries come in at an average of $72,500 per year. That’s $37.18 per hour.

While pay can vary significantly based on experience, skills, and location, this salary is attainable.

Not to mention, the need for WordPress developers will continue to rise by 32% in the next ten years.

You can make an excellent salary as a WordPress developer.

Today, we’ll discuss what you need to get started and some of the challenges you may face in this career field.

Why Somebody Might Hire a WordPress Developer

A WordPress developer is somebody who can create and customize a WordPress website.

This may include adding features, designing the appearance, or configuring plugins.

A WordPress developer is an expert in WordPress coding standards and can create a secure and scalable website.

Most small businesses hire WordPress developers to create their website because it is cost-effective and can get the site up and running quickly.

Many developers also offer maintenance plans to keep the site updated and secure.

Others might hire a WordPress developer because they need help with their website and don’t have the spare time or expertise to do it themselves.

A WordPress developer has the experience and knowledge to take care of the little backend details that make a website run smoothly.

Tasks that would take an inexperienced developer hours can usually be completed in a fraction of the time with more precision by someone seasoned.

It is one of the reasons why the demand for WordPress developers is increasing.

Here is a brief job description of the role to give you a better idea of what it entails.

Types of WordPress Developers

There are three types of WordPress developers, and all of them are in high demand.

1. Front-End WordPress Developers

A front-end WordPress developer is responsible for the design and appearance of a WordPress website.

They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create custom themes, plugins, and features.

2. Back-End WordPress Developers

A backend WordPress developer is responsible for the functionality of a WordPress website.

They use PHP to create custom themes, plugins, and features.

3. Full-Stack WordPress Developers

A full-stack WordPress developer is responsible for both the design and functionality of a WordPress website.

They use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to create custom themes, plugins, and features.

WordPress Developer Salaries

Let’s analyze the different salaries WordPress developers make.

Average WordPress Developer Salary

As mentioned before, the average salary for a WordPress developer is $72,500 per year.

However, entry-level WordPress developer salaries are typically around $40,000 annually, and experienced WordPress developers can earn over $100,000 annually.

Of course, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

For instance, a WordPress developer in New York City will probably earn more than a WordPress developer in a small town.

WordPress Developer Salary According to Glassdoor

According to Glassdoor, the average WordPress developer salary is $67,837.

The minimum wage is $39,000, and the maximum compensation is $118,000.

WordPress Developer Salary According to ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter documents that the average salary for a WordPress developers salary is $64,937.

The minimum salary is much lower at $23,500, with a maximum of $111,500.

WordPress Developer Salary According to Indeed

Indeed research shows that the average salary for a WordPress developers salary is $58,691.

There is no minimum or maximum salaries listed.

WordPress Developer Salary According to Talent.com

According to Talent, the average salary for a WordPress developers salary is $72,500.

The minimum salary is $55,000, and the maximum compensation is $107,000.

In short, you can earn anywhere from $23,000 to $122,000 per year as a WordPress developer.

Can You Make a Living as a WordPress Developer?

Yes, you can make a comfortable living as a WordPress developer!

In fact, many people do just that.

If you’re new to the industry, look for entry-level WordPress developer jobs.

Then, once you have some notable experience, you can start applying for jobs that pay more.

As you build experience, start charging more for your services.

You may also want to consider freelancing or becoming a consultant.

This can be a great way to earn more money and have more control over your work schedule.

Are WordPress Developers Usually Working as Freelancers?

No, not all WordPress developers are freelancers.

Many WordPress developers work full-time jobs for companies.

However, there is a growing trend of WordPress developers working as freelancers or consultants.

The trend is likely due to the growing popularity of WordPress, as well as the shift that more people are learning how to become digital nomads and travel the world while working remotely.

As more and more businesses use WordPress, there is a greater demand for WordPress developers.

If you want the solidity and steadiness of a full-time job, then you can look for a WordPress developer job with a company.

If you prefer the flexibility of freelancing, then you can start your own freelance business.

Should You Hire an Agency for WordPress Development Work?

Yes and no.

It depends on your needs.

For example, hiring an agency may be worthwhile if you need help with a large project.

However, if you only need help with a small project or want to save money, you may want to hire an individual WordPress developer.

The most important thing to do is to ensure that the agency or individual has qualified knowledge and experience with WordPress Development.

When hiring an agency, you’ll need to consider your budget and the project’s scope.

You’ll also want to get estimates from multiple agencies to compare pricing.

When hiring an individual, you can use sites like Upwork or Fiverr.

You’ll want to carefully review the freelancer’s portfolio and read reviews before hiring anyone.

It’s also essential to have a clear idea of what you want before you start looking for someone to hire.

It will help you find the right Agency or individual for the job.

WordPress Developer Cost at an Agency vs. Freelance

The cost of hiring a WordPress developer will vary depending on the agency or individual you hire.

An agency may charge you an hourly rate or a flat fee for the project.

The cost will also depend on the size and scope of the project.

A freelance WordPress developer may charge you an hourly rate, a flat fee, or they may work on a project basis.

The cost will depend on the freelancer’s experience and project scope.

When hiring an agency , you may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you have a smaller budget.

When hiring a freelancer, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you are willing to pay upfront or if the project is small.

In general, hiring an agency will be more expensive than hiring a freelancer, ranging from $100 to $30,000.

However, the cost of hiring a freelancer can vary widely between $15 to $40 per hour.

WordPress Developer Salary at an Agency vs. Freelance

The salary of a WordPress developer at an agency will vary depending on the agency’s size and location.

The salary of a freelance WordPress developer will vary depending on the freelancer’s experience and the project’s scope.

A freelance WordPress developer with five years of experience may charge $50 per hour.

A freelance WordPress developer with ten years of experience may charge $100 per hour.

Agencies, on the other hand, have teams and can streamline their processes.

They can work on multiple projects and make $400,000 to over $1 million annually.

Best Places to Hire Freelance WordPress Developers

There are countless different places you can look to hire freelance WordPress developers.

Upwork is a popular site that connects businesses with freelancers.

You can post a gig and receive bids from freelancers.

Fiverr is another famous site that connects businesses with freelancers.

You can browse freelancers and contact them to discuss your project.

Freelancer.com also connects businesses with freelancers.

There are also several WordPress-specific job boards that you can use to find freelancers.

What To Consider About WordPress Development

If you love WordPress and working with websites, then a career as a WordPress developer may be perfect for you!

To become qualified for this career, you must have experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

You should also be familiar with PHP.

The good news is that tons of resources are available to help you learn these programming languages.

Once you have the necessary skills, you can start applying for jobs.

The more experience you get, the easier your job search will be.

Common Challenges

One of the challenges you may face as a WordPress developer is keeping up with the latest trends.

WordPress is constantly evolving, and new features get added continuously.

As a WordPress developer, you need to be able to keep up with these changes and update your skills accordingly.

Another challenge you may face is working with clients who have unrealistic expectations.

Setting realistic expectations from the beginning and managing your clients’ expectations throughout the project is essential.

Despite these challenges, a career as a WordPress developer can be gratifying.

You can work from anywhere worldwide, set your own hours, and earn an excellent salary.

This career may be perfect if you’re passionate about WordPress and helping people with their websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequent inquiries about WordPress developer salaries.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, there are loads to consider regarding WordPress developer salaries.

The cost of hiring a WordPress developer will vary depending on the freelancer’s experience and the type of project.

Remember that the cost of hiring an agency will be more expensive than hiring a freelancer.

A WordPress developer is a rewarding career with a lot of growth potential.

What’s your experience as a WordPress developer? Comment below.