How To Make Money as a Front End Developer (12 Ways)

Internet is growing and so are the developer jobs, there is $1000 of dollars to be made and you just need to learn how to make money as a front end developer and start taking control of your income. So how much money can you make as a front end developer today and what are the best ways to do so, should you negotiate your salary or should you start a side hustle business and make extra cash?

All this is covered in this article, but let me introduce the short version if you want to learn how to make money as a front end developer.

12 Best Ways To Make Money!

Consultancy and Contracting
Product development
Online courses and tutorials
Open-source contributions
Remote work
Blogging and speaking
Community management
App Development
Freelancing
Creating and selling online courses
Creating and selling plugins and add-ons
Participate in Hackathons, Contests and competitions

But if you are like me and want to know more indept, keep on reading!

What is a Front End Developer?

A front-end developer is responsible for making sure that the website or application that you use looks good and is easy to use. They do this by using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the layout, design, and interactive features of the website or application. They work together with the designers who create the visual elements and the back-end developers who make sure everything works properly. Think of a front-end developer like the conductor of an orchestra, they take all the different elements of a website or application and make sure they work together seamlessly.

Different Kind of Developers

There are several different types of developers, each with their own set of skills and responsibilities. Some of the most common types include:

Front-end Developers: These developers focus on the user interface and user experience of a website or application. They use languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the visual layout, design, and interactions of the site or app.
Back-end Developers: These developers focus on the server-side of web development, working on the behind-the-scenes functionality of a website or application. They use languages such as Python, Ruby, and PHP to create the logic and functionality of the site or app.
Full Stack Developers: These developers have expertise in both front-end and back-end development. They can work on both the client-side and server-side of web development.
Mobile Developers: These developers focus on creating mobile applications for iOS and Android. They use languages such as Swift, Objective-C, and Java to create mobile apps.
Game Developers: These developers specialize in creating video games for different platforms like PC, consoles, mobile devices. They use languages such as C++, C#, Unity, Unreal Engine etc.
Database Administrators (DBAs): These developers specialize in managing and maintaining databases. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the databases that store information for a website or application. They use languages such as SQL to manage and query data in databases.
DevOps Engineers: These developers specialize in the deployment and management of software applications. They work to automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software, and they use tools such as Git, Jenkins, and Ansible to do so.
Cloud Developers: These developers specialize in building and deploying applications on cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Artificial Intelligence Developers: These developers specialize in creating software that can learn, reason, and make decisions. They use languages such as Python and R to work with machine learning and deep learning algorithms.
IoT Developers: These developers specialize in creating applications and services for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. They use various programming languages such as C++, Python, Java and technologies like MQTT, CoAP to create and manage the connection between IoT devices and the internet. They also work on creating the algorithms and logic for the IoT devices to function properly and securely.

How To Make Money as a Front End Developer

As a front-end developer, you may be looking for ways to boost your earning potential and increase your market worth and that includes learning how to make money as a front end developer! One way to do this is by expanding your skillset to include high-paying skills that are in high demand among employers. Some of these skills include React and React Native, Node JS, Scala, Spark and Hadoop. These languages and programs are more complex than basic HTML and CSS, but they can also create more advanced and expressive websites, making developers who can work with them more valuable in the job market.

1# Consultancy and Contracting

Offer your services as a consultant or contractor to clients in need of Front End Development expertise. This can include website development, user interface design, and more. As a consultant or contractor, you can charge for your time, expertise and deliverables. Some of the benefits of consulting or contracting include:

Flexibility in terms of hours and location
Control over the projects you take on and clients you work with
Ability to charge premium rates for your expertise

2# Product development

Create and sell your own Front End Development products, such as templates, themes, and plugins. This can include:

Building and selling your own WordPress or Shopify themes
Creating and selling your own front-end libraries and frameworks
Developing and selling your own tools and applications
By building a product once, you can sell it multiple times, creating a scalable income stream.

3# Online courses and tutorials:

Share your knowledge and experience by creating and selling online courses, tutorials, or e-books. This can include:

Creating video tutorials and courses on Front End Development topics
Writing and publishing e-books on Front End Development techniques and best practices
Offer one-on-one coaching sessions or mentoring programs
This can be a great way to share your knowledge, build your brand and create a passive income stream.

4# Open-source contributions:

Participate in open-source projects and contribute to their development. This can lead to opportunities for sponsorship, consulting, and other forms of compensation. By contributing to open-source projects, you can:

Showcase your skills to a wider audience
Build a reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable developer
Create opportunities for collaboration and networking
Some open-source projects offer financial compensation or other rewards for contributions.

5# Remote work:

Look for remote job opportunities as a Front End Developer, this way you can work for companies from all over the world. Remote work can offer:

Flexibility in terms of location and schedule
Access to a wider range of job opportunities
Potential for higher pay rates as you’re not limited to your local job market

6# Blogging and speaking:

Share your expertise and experiences through blogging or speaking at conferences and events. This can include:

Writing blog posts or articles on Front End Development topics
Giving presentations or talks at conferences and meetups
Creating and hosting webinars or podcasts on Front End Development
This can help you build your personal brand, establish yourself as an authority in the field, and open up new opportunities for consulting, contracting, or product development.

7# Community management:

Manage and grow a community of Front End Developers. This can include organizing meetups, workshops, and other events, as well as providing resources and support. Community management can:

Help you build a network of contacts and collaborators
Give you the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience
Create opportunities for partnerships and collaborations

8# App Development:

Develop mobile apps using your front-end development skills, this way you can monetize your apps through ads or in-app purchase.

Developing mobile apps can be a great way to leverage your front-end development skills and create a new stream of income
You can also use your app as a portfolio piece to showcase your skills to potential clients or employers
You can also use your app to promote your other services or products.

9# Freelancing:

Offer your Front End Development services as a freelancer to clients in need of short-term or project-based work. This can include:

Building websites or landing pages for small businesses or individuals
Creating user interfaces for applications or software products.
Providing front-end development support for larger development teams
As a freelancer, you have the flexibility to choose your own projects and clients, set your own rates, and work from anywhere. It’s also a great way to gain diverse experience and expand your skillset.

10# Creating and selling online courses:

Create and sell online courses to teach others about Front End Development. This can include:

Creating video tutorials on various Front End Development topics
Creating interactive coding exercises and quizzes to help learners practice their skills
Offering support and feedback to learners through a community or forum
Creating and selling online courses can be a great way to share your knowledge and experience with others, while also creating a passive income stream.

11# Creating and selling plugins and add-ons:

Create and sell plugins and add-ons for popular front-end development tools such as WordPress, Shopify, and more. This can include:

Creating custom plugins or add-ons to extend the functionality of existing tools
Offering support and updates for your plugins and add-ons
Creating and selling plugins and add-ons can be a great way to monetize your front-end development skills, and can also be a great way to establish yourself as an expert in a specific tool or platform.

12# Participate in Hackathons, Contests and competitions:

Participating in hackathons, coding contests and competitions can help you showcase your skills and abilities to a wider audience. This can include:

Winning cash prizes or other rewards for your work
Building your portfolio with new projects
Networking with other developers and industry professionals
Participating in hackathons, coding contests and competitions can be a great way to gain recognition and visibility as a front-end developer, and can also open up new opportunities for employment, contracting, or collaboration.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Front End Developer

So how much money can you make as a front end developer?

The earning potential for frontend developers varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including location, experience, and specific skills. According to Glassdoor, the average frontend developer salary is $86,013, based on data from 3,715 salaries submitted by frontend developers. However, other sources such as Indeed and PayScale report slightly different averages.

It’s also important to note that frontend developer salaries can vary when compared to similar jobs in the industry. For example, backend developers tend to earn slightly more on average, with Glassdoor listing the average base pay at $79,518. Full-stack developers, who possess a combination of frontend and backend skills, also tend to earn more, with an average salary of $97,849 according to Glassdoor.

It’s important to keep in mind that salary is just one aspect to consider when assessing career options. Other factors such as job satisfaction, company culture, and potential for growth should also be taken into account.

Front End Developer Side Hustles

Front-end web development is a growing and in-demand field that allows professionals to build and design websites and applications. In addition to full-time work, many front-end web developers also pursue side hustles to supplement their income, learn new skills, or simply pursue their passion for coding. Here are five potential side hustles for front-end web developers, along with tips and strategies for making the most of these opportunities, and an estimation of how much you can earn on each:

Freelance web development: As a front-end web developer, you can charge anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour for your services. The average salary for a freelance front-end developer is around $75,000 per year, with some freelancers earning upwards of $150,000 annually.
Create and sell digital products: The amount you can earn from creating and selling digital products will vary depending on the type of product and how successful your marketing efforts are. However, some front-end web developers have reported earning anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month from digital product sales.
Teach coding: The amount you can earn from teaching coding will depend on the format of your classes and how many students you have. For example, online coding courses can earn anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per course, while in-person classes can earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per student per class.
Develop and sell plugins or themes: The amount you can earn from developing and selling plugins or themes will vary depending on the type of plugin or theme, and how successful your marketing efforts are. However, some front-end web developers have reported earning anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per month from plugin or theme sales.
Contribute to open source projects: The amount you can earn from contributing to open source projects varies greatly, as the focus is often more on contributing to the community rather than earning money. However, some front-end web developers have reported earning small stipends or bonuses for their contributions.

Front End Developer vs Web Developer

Front-end web development and web development are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Front-end web development specifically refers to the part of web development that deals with the user interface and user experience of a website or application. It involves working with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the visual and interactive elements of a website or application.

Web development, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses both front-end and back-end development. Back-end web development involves working with servers, databases, and server-side languages such as PHP, Ruby, and Python to handle the functionality and logic of a website or application.

While a front-end developer primarily focuses on the design and user experience, a web developer may have a more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of web development, including both front-end and back-end development.

In terms of salary, front-end developers can expect to earn an average salary of around $89,948 per year, while web developers can expect to earn an average salary of around $74,822 per year, according to Glassdoor. However, these numbers may vary depending on location, experience, and specific skills.

Pros and Cons

Pros of being a front-end developer:

High Demand: As the web continues to evolve, the demand for skilled front-end developers continues to grow. This means that there are plenty of job opportunities available for those who specialize in this field.
Good Pay: According to Glassdoor, the average front-end developer salary is around $86,013 per year. This is a competitive salary for a job that typically requires a bachelor’s degree or less.
Constant Learning: Front-end development is a field that is constantly changing, which means that there are always new technologies and techniques to learn. This can be very satisfying for those who enjoy learning new things and staying up-to-date with the latest trends.
Creative Outlet: Front-end developers get to be creative and use their skills to design and build websites and applications that are visually appealing and user-friendly.
Flexibility: Many front-end developers work as freelancers or in remote positions, which allows them to have a flexible schedule and work from anywhere.

Cons of being a front-end developer:

Browser Compatibility: Front-end developers have to be aware of the different browsers that their website or application will be viewed on and make sure that it functions correctly on all of them.
Stressful Deadlines: Front-end developers may have to work on tight deadlines to meet launch dates, which can be stressful.
Constant Learning: While it can be a pro, the constant changes in front-end development can also be a con, as it can be difficult to keep up with everything and make sure you are using the best and most up-to-date technologies.
Limited Job Security: As a freelancer or contractor, front-end developers may not have the same job security as those who work for a company.

Conclusion

I hope this answered all your questions about how to make money as a front end developer and how much money can you make as a front end developer. To becoming a successful front-end developer requires a combination of technical skills and business acumen it is important to do continual learning and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends is essential. Networking and building a strong portfolio can also help increase visibility and attract potential clients.

Additionally, freelancing or starting a side business can be a great way to monetize your skills and experience. With hard work and dedication, there are many opportunities for front-end developers to make money in today’s job market.

Related:

How To Make Money as a Front End Developer (12 Ways)

What is a Front End Developer?

Different Kind of Developers