How to Become a Full Stack Developer in Alaska
A full stack developer is a relatively new career that has branched off as a specialization of software developers. In this position, you would create websites and web applications. The job combines various skills that work together to develop the front end and the back end of a website, whereas these were previously separate specialties. With the ability to develop every part of a website, this position is in high demand in Alaska and around the country, with positive job prospects.
Requirements for Becoming a Full Stack Developer in Alaska
Alaska does not have requirements for those wishing to become a full stack developer in the state. This means you would not need to go through a specific training or degree program, or get licensing to practice this profession in the state. However, it’s possible that some Alaskan employers will have requirements for entering this position or that qualifications can help you prove yourself or stand out.
Training and Education in Alaska
While specific training may not be required, you need an understanding of programming and coding languages for both the front end and back end of a website. Training programs can help you learn these skills.
In some cases, training is specialized for becoming a full stack web developer. In other cases, you need to piece together courses in different types of coding and programming so you can work on the front and back ends of a website. There’s no right or wrong path. Many people gain knowledge and skills over time, and you may learn many coding and programming languages but specialize in certain ones.
These are programs in Alaska that will teach you full stack development skills:
- Nucamp: The full stack web and mobile app developer coding bootcamp takes place in Anchorage. In 22 weeks, it teaches back- and front-end development and the skills to fully create an app. Skills include Bootstrap CSS, JavaScript, NodeJS and other languages.
- Certstaffix: The HTML/web development training is a piecemeal option in Anchorage that offers in-person and online options. You can take numerous courses to gain a well-rounded education in full stack development, with the option to specialize in just the languages you want to learn. For example, Certstaffix offers courses in Javascript programming, jQuery fundamentals and HTML5.
- Greenways Academy of Alaska: The full stack software developer course includes 600 course hours over 18 months. It teaches both front-end and back-end languages such as HTML5, JavaScript and Python. This is an online course that can be taken from anywhere in Alaska.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Alaska, full stack web developer salaries are $88,133 per year on average, according to ZipRecruiter as of July 2020. Keep in mind that you would likely start out making less. With experience and qualifications, though, it’s also possible to make more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) covers the job outlook of software developers, of which full stack web developers are a part, stating that this occupation is expected to grow 21 percent in the 10-year period from 2018 to 2028.
Working as a Full Stack Developer in Alaska
Full stack developers can work for themselves by creating websites and apps for freelance clients, or they can work for an agency or directly for a business. You might find a job for computer systems design, software publishing, finance and insurance, manufacturing or management companies, which are the top employers of software developers, according to BLS.
Working as a full stack developer in Alaska can provide you with a secure job that pays well. Gaining skills and experience in programming and coding languages can improve your job prospects and rate of pay.