Pros and Cons of Working as a HTML Engineer
HTML engineers are also known as Web developers. They're responsible for the technical maintenance and creation of Web sites that utilize HTML code. Look into the specific pros and cons of this profession and decide if it is right for you.
| Pros of a Career as a HTML Engineer |
|---|
| Certification is often sufficient for an entry-level job* |
| Good career option for those with artistic ability* |
| Demand for Web developers is expected to be strong (20% increase) between 2012 and 2022* |
| Ability to work remotely* |
| Cons of a career as a HTML Engineer |
|---|
| Susceptible to eyestrain and carpal tunnel syndrome* |
| Potential for long hours (25% of network systems employees worked over 40 hours per week in 2012)* |
| Sometimes engineers may have to be 'on-call' after business hours to fix problems and bugs* |
| Rapidly changing technology demands consistent training and flexibility* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Duties, Salary, and Career Information
HTML engineers use the HTML programming language to create Web applications and to manage their production and implementation. In addition to developing the functionality of applications and websites, they also affect the visual appearance and design of their creations. Once their applications are designed and implemented, engineers also maintain and repair these applications when they fail or malfunction.
Job Outlook and Salary Information
In May of 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary of Web developers was approximately $63,490. The BLS also noted that there will be high demand for Web developers between 2012 and 2022 as use of the Internet increases and more data is transferred and stored on the Web. The agency projects that job opportunities will grow steadily as technology advances and Web usage continues to grow.
What Are the Requirements?
In order to begin a career as an HTML engineer or Web developer, you'll most likely need a bachelor's degree in computer science. However, there are also some employers that may only require work experience and professional certification. In addition to your educational background, you'll also need to be able to work collaboratively, stay on top of current trends in technology, and have some experience with other programming languages and frameworks.
Job Postings from Real Employers
- A New York City computer startup is looking for a front-end HTML engineer who is able to create code and work with designers, engineers, and product managers. You'll also need to understand interactive design and work with new Web technologies.
- A California company is seeking an HTML engineer to develop large-scale eCommerce applications. A successful applicant must have a bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience in eCommerce design and development.
- A Boston company is interested in hiring a senior HTML site developer with at least seven years of experience. The preferred applicant also needs to be able to work independently, as well as being part of a team, and he or she must be able to convert visual concepts into HTML applications.
How to Stand Out in the Field
In addition to your academic and professional experience, you may want to find other ways to distinguish yourself from other HTML engineers looking for employment. One way to do this is to look into HTML certification. You may find a handful of computer software companies and other information technology organizations that offer this kind of professional credential. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, this type of certificate may help you in your job search.
Alternative Career Paths
If you decide that a career as a HTML engineer isn't for you, you may want to look into another similar career.
Computer Programmer
If you'd like to work in other programming languages, you may want to look into working as a computer programmer. As a programmer, you'll modify existing programs and create new code to translate software concepts into working applications. The BLS notes that jobs for programmers are expected to increase by about 8% between 2012 and 2022. This will largely be caused by international outsourcing. The BLS also reported that in May of 2013, computer programmers earned a median annual salary of roughly $81,000.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts use technology to insure that an organization is able to utilize their information systems to achieve their goals. Systems analysts are also called upon to repair and reconfigure failing systems or improve working systems. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of computer systems analysts was $85,320 in May of 2013. The agency also projects that the employment of analysts will increase by 25% between 2012 and 2022.
Computer Support Specialist
If you decide to pursue a career as a computer support specialist, you'll offer assistance to organizations and individuals experiencing issues with their information systems. Support specialists tend to both software and hardware and help make sure a company's information technology runs efficiently and effectively. The BLS expects job opportunities for support specialists to grow 17% between 2012 and 2022. The organization also reported that in May of 2013, the median average salary of support specialists was approximately $48,900.
