Pros and Cons of a .NET Web Programmer Career
Like many computer experts, .NET web programmers (also known as web developers) create and maintain Internet sites and applications for businesses. Check out these pros and cons to see if a career as a .NET web programmer is right for you:
| Pros of a .NET Web Programmer Career |
|---|
| Higher-than-average salary (about $95,510 annual median as of 2014)* |
| Faster-than-average projected job growth (17% from 2014-2024)* |
| Needed in a wide range of industries (computer systems design, telecommunications, business, insurance, etc.)* |
| Opportunity to be your own boss (17% were self employed in 2010)* |
| Cons of a .NET Web Programmer Career |
|---|
| Often requires years of experience in the web development field* * |
| Requires continuing education to stay abreast of advancements in technology* |
| Need specialized expertise in the .NET framework** |
| Requires knowledge of a range of programming languages (SQL, HTML, etc.)** |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **February 2012 CareerBuilder.com job postings
Essential Career Info
Job Description
As a .NET web programmer, depending on the size of the company you work for, you could design, implement and maintain an entire website, or you could work on one facet of the site, such as visible interface design or database management. With some fundamental business acumen, you can determine the needs of your company or client and steer the platform in the most effective direction. While working in the .NET framework, you'll use various programming languages, like C++ or Visual Basic. Once you've programmed the website to your employer's specifications, you'll work out any bugs and maintain the site to ensure full functionality.
Salary Info and Job Prospects
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that .NET web programmers, as well as other web developers, earned a median wage of nearly $95,510 as of May 2014. Though the computer systems design industry was the largest employer of web programmers, other leading industries included management, scientific and technical consulting services, companies, enterprises and wired telecommunications carriers. The BLS expected that employment for these professionals would increase by 17% from 2014-2024, which is a faster-than-average rate compared to other occupations across the nation. This projected growth is the effect of the continued expansion of e-commerce; however, growth may be limited by outsourcing to other countries.
Education and Training Requirements
Many web programmers have bachelor's degrees in computer science, programming or other related fields. In a computer science program, for example, you can expect to take courses in data structures and algorithms, programming languages, operating systems and software engineering. For positions that involve a lesser degree of programming, you may qualify with only an associate's degree. No matter your level of education, you'll need to continue learning throughout your career, either through formal education or self study, in order to stay informed of advancements in the field.
Skills
Generally, employers are looking for .NET web programmers who are detail oriented, organized and able to multitask. Since you will most likely be working with a web team, you need to be able to effectively communicate with and sometimes manage other workers. Creativity is also necessary, particularly for positions that require you to design the visual appearance of websites.
Job Postings from Real Employers
Employers looking to hire new .NET web programmers tend to call for applicants who have at least two years of experience in web development or application programming in addition to a bachelor's degree. You may also need expertise in programming languages related to .NET, like HTML and SQL. Check out these summaries of job postings open in February 2012:
- A healthcare facility in California was looking to hire a junior .NET web programmer to design, develop and maintain the facility's web application. The company wanted a programmer with a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience as well as strong problem-solving skills.
- An e-commerce software company in Michigan wanted a .NET programmer with three years of experience in systems design and architecture and a strong background in e-commerce and web application development. Along with .NET expertise, applicants need experience with C#, JavaScript, HTML and other languages.
- A promotional products manufacturer in Iowa was searching for a web developer and .NET programmer to develop and maintain e-commerce websites. They asked for applicants with a bachelor's degree, two years of web-based application development and an online portfolio. Applicants also need experience with programming languages like CSS, HTML and SQL.
How to Stand Out in the Field
Enhance Your Education
One way to demonstrate your proficiency in .NET is to earn a certificate in the framework. Some schools offer certificate programs in .NET as part of their professional development departments. These programs may be available only to individuals with previous experience in web development. You'll learn about the .NET framework and associated programming languages as well as application and web programming.
Supplement Your Programming Skills
Since programmers often develop websites for companies, you might find it helpful to have some fundamental business knowledge. Degree programs in computer information systems, for example, combine computer science coursework with business courses. You might also choose to take courses in marketing, management, finance or accounting while earning you computer science degree. Additionally, the BLS notes that employers sometimes prefer applicants who've taken courses in graphic design, particularly for positions that involve maintaining website appearance.
Other Careers to Consider
If you're not sure you want spend all your time coding, you can still work in the information technology field as a network or computer systems administrator. In this job, you'll install and maintain businesses' computer systems, and you'll generally need a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. The BLS reports that jobs in this field were projected to increase at a rate of 28% from 2010-2020, which is faster than jobs for web programmers; however, network or computer systems administrators tend to earn lower median salaries (about $71,000 as of 2011).
If you do like programming but want to be more involved with software design, you could consider a career as a software developer. In this career, you can choose to specialize in either systems software or applications software. The job outlook for software developers is very good, with a projected employment increase of 30% in the 2010-2020 decade, according to the BLS. These professionals also tend to earn higher salaries than web programmers; the BLS reports that applications software developers earned a median salary of around $89,000 as of 2011, while systems software developers earned a median salary of about $97,000.
