Becoming a Full Stack Developer in Oklahoma
What exactly is a full stack developer? Full stack developers are web developers who can code in both front-end and back-end programming languages. So what do front-end and back end programming languages do? Keep reading to find out.
In the past, web developers tended to specialize in only a few coding languages, either front-end languages or back-end languages. Examples of front-end languages include HTML, CSS and JAVA. These languages communicate the visual aspects of a website, such as which font to use or colors to display. Examples of back-end languages are PYTHON, MySQL and PHP. These languages communicate with the server to improve a website’s ability to function and keep it up-to-date with the most recent information, like events or pricing.
Traditionally, web development required two specialists working in tandem to build the website’s front and back ends, but the full stack developer has no such limitations. With the ability to code both ends of the website, full stack developers can complete a website start to finish without the need to contract a second coder. Additionally, full stack developers are versatile team members, making them a sought-after commodity in the tech industry.
Licensing Requirements for Full Stack Developers in Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not require full stack developers to be licensed, nor does it currently regulate the profession. Although there are no official minimum education requirements, you will need to obtain extensive training in multiple programming languages before entering the field professionally. Employers will often request a candidate’s portfolio to ensure they are capable of doing the work.
Training for Web Developers in Oklahoma
To become a full stack developer, you will need to acquire training in many different programming languages. There are a variety of types and levels of training to help you achieve your career goals, from accelerated “boot camp” style classes to graduate degree programs. The educational program you choose will depend on your ambition, financial means and ability to learn in various situations. A few of the options for training in Oklahoma include:
- Oklahoma City Community College offers either an Associate in Applied Science or a Certificate of Mastery in Web Design. Courses include instruction in both front-end and back-end programming.
- Tulsa Community College offers an Information Technology Certificate in Web Design. Students will learn HTML, CSS and JAVA as well as server-side programming.
- Moore Norman Technology Center offers a Web Designer Certificate. Students will learn to design and maintain a website while building a professional portfolio.
- Francis Tuttle Technology Center provides training in Web Development. The course teaches various coding languages, allowing students to advance career potential.
Salary and Growth Expectations
According to payscale.com, full stack developers make between $54,000 and $115,000 per year, with average annual salaries landing at $78,527. Data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show wages for web developers in Oklahoma are slightly below the national average, meaning wages may trend toward the lower end of the scale. On the other hand, the career outlook is excellent, with a predicted 13 percent growth in the next 10 years.
Oklahoma Opportunities for Full Stack Developers
Web developers and especially full stack developers are in high demand everywhere, as most businesses require a web page to excel in today’s economy. Freelance full stack developers find themselves uniquely poised to capture the market, especially since the ability to work independently cuts overhead costs to a minimum. For those who wish to work for a tech company, there are plenty of potential employers in Oklahoma including Tailwind, Pemex, GDH, Paycom and Cornerstone. Whichever you choose, the career outlook for full stack developers looks bright.