Becoming a Full Stack Developer in Utah

Full stack developers are a growing segment of the tech industry due to the rising need for well-versed web development experts. Sought after by big tech companies, their versatility is an advantage because of their ability to work on multiple projects and complete the work independently. So, what makes this profession stand out, and how do you become qualified? Keep reading to find out.

Full stack developers, unlike their traditional counterparts, are well-versed in a variety of programming languages. To be considered a full stack developer, these languages need to include both front-end and back-end coding, which was traditionally studied and used by two separate types of specialists. These front-end and back-end web developers would need to work cooperatively to create a visually appealing, well-functioning website.

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What is the difference between front-end and back-end programming languages? Front-end languages, like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, code the visual aspects of the website. That is to say, everything the user sees and interacts with on the page. Back-end languages are invisible to the user but essential to the website’s functioning nonetheless. These languages, like PHP, Ruby, Python and MySQL, communicate with the server to keep the website updated, collect and store data and perform myriad other functions.

Utah Licensing Requirements For Full Stack Developers

Working as a web developer in Utah will not require licensure, nor does the state provide any professional oversight, relying instead on the industry to regulate itself. This does not mean a full stack developer will not need to be well-educated. In fact, if you are interested in this career, it will be essential to obtain an extensive education and build a portfolio of your work.

Training for Full Stack Developers in Utah

Training to become a full stack developer can take a variety of forms, and you will want to carefully assess your needs, abilities and career goals before deciding which type of program to attend. For instance, those interested in a management career track might want to consider attending an undergraduate or even a graduate-level program, while those who prefer to work only as coders may find a degree unnecessary.

Training for those who aren’t looking for a degree program can still be variable. Programs can range from accelerated full stack training to piecemeal courses for various programming languages and take place either in-person or online. A few possible programs in Utah include:

  • The University of Utah offers a Web Development Program Certificate. Students will learn HTML, CSS, Ruby and JavaScript, among other programming languages.
  • Salt Lake Community College offers certificates in Web Development and Web Design, both online and on campus.
  • Utah State University offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in IT Support and Web Development.

Salary and Growth Projections

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers made an average annual salary of $69,980 in 2019. However, this data reflects the salaries for web developers, not specifically for full stack developers. The website payscale.com lists the average yearly income for full stack developers at $74,347 nationally, perhaps placing salaries in Utah somewhere in between.

As for growth in the industry, the demand for full stack developers is expected to increase by 13 percent over the next 10 years.

Utah Opportunities for Full Stack Developers

In Utah, companies like CyberCoders, Northrop Grumman, Scalar and Centeva are actively recruiting full stack developers. However, with today’s high demand for web development, full stack developers should have the ability to find work anywhere. Regardless of your preference for employment or freelance work, a career as a full stack developer is a promising one.