Back-End Web Developer with jQuery Salary in 2024
How statistics are calculated
We count how many offers each candidate received and for what salary. For example, if a Back-End Web developer with jQuery with a salary of $4,500 received 10 offers, then we would count him 10 times. If there were no offers, then he would not get into the statistics either.
The graph column is the total number of offers. This is not the number of vacancies, but an indicator of the level of demand. The more offers there are, the more companies try to hire such a specialist. 5k+ includes candidates with salaries >= $5,000 and < $5,500.
Median Salary Expectation – the weighted average of the market offer in the selected specialization, that is, the most frequent job offers for the selected specialization received by candidates. We do not count accepted or rejected offers.
Trending Back-End Web tech & tools in 2024
Back-End Web
What does a back-end developer do?
A back-end developer is in the back end of a more or less invisible system of unseen work, but vital all the same to web development. Back-end developers make sure the website or application works how it should. They have to deal with servers, databases, and application logic. They develop systems and processes. They maintain databases. They deal with bugs. They interface with APIs. They make security systems work correctly.
Specifics differ from firm to firm, but on the back end a back-end developer might oversee some, most, or all of the following:
- Developing the systems and processes to meet the application’s specified requirements
- Maintaining databases, including data storage and retrieval, organization, backups, and security
- Finding and fixing bugs in the back-end code
- Managing any APIs the company uses to integrate applications, both externally and internally
- Conducting performance optimization to increase efficiency and improve the user experience
- Building and managing libraries of code for reuse by developers across the business
- Helping develop the overall architecture of the application’s back-end
- Securing the application from cyberattacks
Back-end developers also work together with front-end developers to transform their function into user-facing content in the app interface. Back-end developers often deal with managers, architects, designers, researchers, IT security and so many others to make web applications work.
In the end, front-end developers aim to make the interface fun, playful, and interactive while back-end teams build up the invisible structures that power the front-end.
Back-end Developer Skills
Ok, so we now know what a back-end developer does (mostly). But what does she need to know in order to do it? In this part, we’ll be looking at the primary skills to look for if you’re hiring a back-end developer, or if you’re hell-bent on becoming one.
Programming Languages
Web developers use a multitude of languages to build the servers, databases, and application logic on servers. Here is the list:
Python
Python is a general-purpose programming language, commonly used for building the non-public, or ‘back-end’, part of software programs and web applications currently charging you for breakfast, dinner, or that retro toy you ordered on a whim on a marketplace site last night. It is a powerful language that is enjoyable to write in, and able to operate well for any purpose you throw at it. Every back-end programmer should at least have a basic level of knowledge about it.
Java
Java, another general-purpose language, is often used in the back-end of application development for the same reason. It’s deployable across many environments and flexible enough to power very large, complex, high-performance software projects.
PHP
PHP is a so-called server-side programming language – this basically means, you create a website using PHP which dynamically loads content at the demand of the user (or the browser requesting the page). PHP dynamically builds the page on the server from content of housed databases. The opposite of this is a static website – which means you create a website, and it’s stored completely on the servers and therefore presented exactly the same to all visitors – even if, in PHP, the display can be different.
Other Languages
True, there are many other programming languages that back-end developers might prefer. There’s Ruby, a high-level language that allows one to build both web and mobile applications in a quick and effective manner, there’s C, a lower-level language (and the most popular language in the world), and there’s .NET, a framework provided by Microsoft to build websites and web apps.
Furthermore, a back-end developer might write code in SQL (Structured Query Language) or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), programming languages that are geared towards database management.
Front-End Languages
Although it’s often the case that the back-end developer works almost exclusively on the server-side in a language like PHP or Java, some basic knowledge of front-end languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript will still come in handy when you work on a web-based project. In general, there are three technical languages that you learn on the front end:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language): Codes content (text and links) and structure of a web page. All web pages are built with HTML, and its file names always end in .html.
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Because Cascading Style Sheets are a programming language that describes how pages should look – without it, the web would be filled mostly with seas of block text and images with no layout or style. CSS is also the reason that web page content adapts to fit different browser sizes and devices.
- JavaScript: Often abbreviated as JS, developers use it to change animations, dynamically update page content, and on websites run scripts without having to ask the back-end.
These languages will make it easier for you to work with front-end developers and designers and, if there is a bug that uses both front-end and back-end resources, it will help you to diagnose it faster. They are also good skills to learn in general, especially if you want to learn design or become a full-stack developer.
Database Management
Moving data in or out of the application database, a significant part of the back-end developer’s work, comes under the scope of modern database technologies.
Databases can be divided into two types: relational databases and non-relational databases. Relational databases store related data points like a customer such as name, and email or account ID. Relational Databases are data arranged in a tabular manner with relata in the same row and the language used to interact with it is SQL.
Then, in contrast to relational databases, non-relational databases (or NoSQL databases) don’t typically store data points based on their relatedness (though they might relate the data nonetheless). Instead of rows in tables, non-relational databases store their information in Extensible Markup Language (XML) and/or JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). Useful knowledge about NoSQL database programmes, such as Redis and MongoDB, can go hand-in-hand with SQL on the back-end.
Server-Side Software
Back-end developers get process versions in server systems. You should be familiar with standard server software such as Apache, Nginx, Microsoft IIS, and Linux-based operating systems. You should know how web servers receive and handle requests for web pages on websites, how they store the data they get, and the basics of keeping them scalable and safe.
APIs
An API – an application programming interface – is a set of definitions and protocols that allows two applications (or pieces of software) to talk to and share data with each other. An API goes out and listens for incoming requests from another application, and then responds by carrying out that request (which could be requesting or modifying some chunk of data in the database of the other app). Every time you see one piece of software reused in another, APIs made it possible. Apps such as Facebook, YouTube, Google and Spotify make tons of their data available through public APIs.
There are plenty of APIs in existence today, the most prominent of which are REST APIs. If you want to be a web developer, you’ll need to have a working knowledge of REST APIs (and possibly SOAP ones), a technology that ties together not only different applications owned by different vendors, but also individual back-end services.
Data Structures and Algorithms
In contrast to other, more concrete technologies that will be discussed below, data structures and algorithms are highly conceptual but still incredibly important. A competent back-end developer must have a decent understanding of these areas to perform his or her job, which is why they appear in the academic curriculum of computer science.
Making a picture in the mind: a data structure is a pattern we use in a computer to organise data. The above examples were arrays, linked lists, trees, and tries; hash tables, heaps, stacks, and queues – the back-end developer will run into most or all of these at some point in their career.
Broadly, an algorithm is a defined process to solve a problem. Every back-end developer is familiar with the foundational algorithms of computer software: you’ll use some form of sorting algorithm; you’ll write some kind of search algorithm for searching texts or databases; you’ll parse and compare strings; you’ll hash stuff to make comparisons between string lengths easier; you’ll use recursive algorithms, or code that’s essentially a textual expression of how a function repeats itself.
Other Important Skills
There is also much more that you can learn in the domain of back-end programming than just those core skills, as listed above. Here are some more skills that you will find useful as a back-end programmer:
- Experience with a version control system — likely Git, as well as familiarity with GitHub
- Knowledge of orexperience with server management
- Communication skills, and an ability to explain complex technical topics to non-experts
- Time management skills, as you’ll likely be balancing several responsibilities at once
- Understanding of cloud computing and hosting
- Understanding web accessibility best practices
- Understanding cybersecurity best practices
Where is jQuery used?
Slide and Glide with Animations
- Think Powerpoint is cool? jQuery sprinkles fairy dust on websites, making them slide, fade, and bounce without breaking a sweat.
DOM's Personal Stylist
- jQuery is like the fashionista of DOM elements, giving your tags a makeover with a snap of its functions!
Ajax's Speedy Deliveries
- Want your data fast, like pizza delivery? jQuery's Ajax methods serve up content so fresh, it feels like it's straight from the oven!
Event Whisperer
- jQuery listens to events better than a therapist, responding to clicks and hovers with more empathy than your best friend!
jQuery Alternatives
Vanilla JavaScript
JavaScript is the core language of the web used to create and control web content. It's supported by all modern browsers without the need for external libraries.
// jQuery example: $('#element').addClass('new-class');
document.getElementById('element').classList.add('new-class');
- Lightweight, no library overhead
- Direct browser support, no dependencies
- Modern browsers have closed most of the functionality gap
- May require more verbose code for complex tasks
- Higher learning curve compared to jQuery's simplicity
- Browser inconsistencies might still exist in less common situations
React
React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, most commonly known for its efficient update and render of components.
// jQuery example: $('#app').html('Hello, world!');
ReactDOM.render(
<h1>Hello, world!</h1>,
document.getElementById('app')
);
- Creates large-scale, interactive web apps
- Component-based architecture facilitates code reuse
- Virtual DOM optimizes rendering performance
- Requires bundling and transpilation for browser support
- Larger overhead compared to vanilla JS and jQuery
- Focus on web applications rather than small DOM tasks
Vue.js
Vue.js is a progressive framework for building user interfaces, favoring an approachable, versatile, and performant frontend ecosystem.
// jQuery example: $('#app').text('Welcome to Vue.js!');
new Vue({
el: '#app',
data: {
message: 'Welcome to Vue.js!'
}
});
- Easy to integrate with other projects and libraries
- Detailed documentation makes learning curve gentle
- Lightweight and approachable compared to larger frameworks
- May be overkill for simple, static pages
- Community is smaller than React or Angular
- Tooling and state management can be complex
Quick Facts about jQuery
The Humble Beginnings of jQuery
Picture it: 2006, a time when JavaScript was as wild as the Wild West. Along trots John Resig, a coding cowboy with a dream to tame the chaos. Behold the birth of jQuery, the trusty steed that helped devs wrangle Document Object Models without breaking a sweat. This was no ordinary horse; it was a unicorn that spread rainbows in the form of simplified syntax!
jQuery: The Version Saga
With the wisdom that only version numbers can impart, jQuery matured faster than a teen idol. From its inception, its versioning had more drama than a soap opera. Who could forget the leap from 1.x to 2.x, waving goodbye to IE 6/7/8 holdouts as it sailed towards modern browsers? And when version 3.x galloped in, it brought promises of less bloat and more speed – like a diet that actually worked!
Groundbreaking? More Like Earth-Shattering!
Back in the olden days (we're talking '07), jQuery introduced chaining, and it blew developers' minds like a popped balloon at a silent retreat. A symphony of actions could be strung together in one line of code. Behold the magic:
$('#element').addClass('party').fadeIn('slow').html('Whoa, Nelly!');Suddenly, scripts were as sleek as a greased dolphin, sliding through tasks with an elegance that was nothing short of revolutionary!
What is the difference between Junior, Middle, Senior and Expert jQuery developer?
| Seniority Name | Years of Experience | Average Salary (USD/year) | Responsibilities & Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 | 40,000-60,000 |
|
| Middle | 2-5 | 60,000-85,000 |
|
| Senior | 5+ | 85,000-120,000 |
|
| Expert/Team Lead | 7+ | 120,000+ |
|
Top 10 jQuery Related Tech
JavaScript
Kicking it old school, yet utterly indispensable, is JavaScript – the granddaddy of web development. This is the Gandalf of languages for anyone wishing to conjure magic with jQuery, as it's the bedrock that jQuery is built on. One does not simply walk into jQuery without a solid understanding of JavaScript. It's like showing up to a wizard duel with a rubber chicken. You need to know your loops from your closures, and your variables from your hoisting.
HTML/CSS
HTML and CSS are like the bread and butter of web development. Ignore them, and you’re going on a digital diet nobody asked for. These two are your canvas and paint; without them, you’re not painting the Sistine Chapel; you’re doodling in the dirt. Dive deep into the DOM (Document Object Model) and get cozy with CSS selectors, because with jQuery, you'll be manipulating these like a puppet master.
jQuery UI
This is like jQuery's more flamboyant cousin who shows up at the party with extra widgets, effects, and a whole suite of interactions. Want to make your elements draggable or resizable? That’s a piece of cake with jQuery UI. Want to show off with some fancy-shmancy animations that don’t require you selling your soul to complex JavaScript? jQuery UI is your go-to.
<script>
$( "#draggable" ).draggable();
</script>jQuery Mobile
It's the 21st century and if your website walks like a dinosaur on mobile devices, it's time for an intervention. jQuery Mobile will transform your mobile web applications into Usain Bolt. It’s all about touch-optimized web apps that play nice with different screen sizes and orientations. Your websites will be swiping right into everyone's heart.
AJAX
Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) – here’s your ticket to a seamless, no-refresh-needed, your-coffee-won’t-have-time-to-cool kind of web experience. With AJAX in your tool belt, you can make your web pages communicate with the server in the background, just like ninjas carrying out secret missions while you’re none the wiser.
<script>
$.ajax({
url: 'YourEndpointHere',
success: function(data) {
// Celebrate your success in stealth mode
}
});
</script>JSON
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is like the Esperanto for data exchange among APIs. It's simple, it's text-based, and every language speaks it. When it comes to feeding data to your jQuery functions, JSON is as delicious as it gets. Nom nom, eat up that structured data.
<script>
$.getJSON('YourAPIEndpointHere', function(data) {
// Relish the structured data as if it was your grandma’s secret recipe.
});
</script>REST APIs
Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs are basically the wizards of the web world, allowing data to teleport between client and server. Your jQuery magic wand can conjure up GET requests to summon information or POST ones to send out data, all in the realm of HTTP methods. Abra-REST-cadabra!
SASS/LESS
SASS and LESS are like steroids for your CSS, giving it superpowers that regular CSS could only dream of in its wildest dreams. Variables, nesting, mixins, oh my! They compile down to standard CSS but not before letting you write your styles with elegance and grace. It's like having a CSS butler do your laundry and fold your clothes too.
Git
No one wants to end up being the developer who overwrote their teammate's week-worth of code. Enter Git, the time-traveling sheriff of version control. With its branches, commits, and merges, Git helps you manage your codebase like a pro. Make a mistake? No worries. Rollback like you're in a time machine. Just don’t get lost in the branches; we're coding, not making an episode of ‘Lost’.
Webpack/Babel
In the high-stakes potluck of web development, Webpack is your utensil, combining all your different flavors of code into one delicious dish. And Babel? It's the universal translator that ensures your fancy modern JavaScript doesn't end up looking like gibberish to older browsers. It transpiles your ES6 and beyond into something every browser can digest. Tres magnifique, no?