WordPress development has come a long way since the platform launched in 2003. Once a simple blogging platform, it has grown into a powerful Content Management System (CMS) favored by millions of users. This evolution has naturally led to a rise in demand for WordPress developers, so it’s important for all stakeholders to have a clear understanding of their compensation.
For business owners and hiring managers, offering competitive salaries is a strategic move to attract and retain top talent. Meanwhile, salary transparency empowers developers to negotiate fair compensation and evaluate job opportunities.
This article will provide valuable insights into global and U.S.-specific salaries for WordPress developers, covering full-time and freelance rates. We’ll also answer some important questions, including:
- What are the average salary and hourly rates for WordPress developers?
- How do geographic locations influence WordPress developer salaries?
- What compensation can WordPress developers expect in different sectors and companies?
- How do full-time salaries compare to freelance WordPress earnings?
Let’s begin!
Understanding the pay scale for WordPress developers
Current salary trends
Salary ranges depend greatly on years of experience, skill level, and location. The average annual salary for WordPress developers is $77,500 according to Talent.com, which is approximately $32.76 per hour. On the other hand, ZipRecruiter reports that WordPress developers are estimated to earn around $41 per hour on average, with the highest average hourly rate being $75.24.
Entry-level positions pay up to $57,186 annually, whereas the most experienced developers earn around $112,563 per year.
Global factors affecting salary trends
Economic conditions, remote work, and technological advancements have all impacted WordPress developer salaries. Here’s a breakdown of the influence of each:
- Economic conditions: Strong economies may lead to higher demand and better salaries, while economic downturns can result in lower wages.
- Remote work: The shift towards remote work has allowed companies to hire talent from around the world, leading to a more competitive job market. Companies may also adjust salaries based on the talent’s local market conditions.
- Technological advancements: As the demand for skills like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity proficiency rises, salaries for developers with those skills are likely to be higher.
Benefits and bonuses
Full-time WordPress developer positions may come with additional benefits, such as healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and performance-based or annual bonuses.
While freelancers may not have access to the same benefits, they can still negotiate for perks or bonus structures in contract agreements. For example, you could negotiate a higher rate in exchange for taking on more responsibilities or request access to the paid software you need to complete your project.
Maximizing earning potential with Codeable
Using a platform like Codeable can significantly raise a WordPress developer’s salary in different ways:
- High-value clients: Codeable connects developers with serious clients who are willing to pay appropriately for high-quality work.
- Rigorous vetting process: Only highly skilled and experienced WordPress developers are accepted onto the platform, leading to higher payouts for developers.
- Competitive wages: Codeable offers developers a minimum rate of $80-120 per hour on a project, which is significantly higher than the industry average.
- Quality matchmaking: One of the biggest advantages of Codeable is that developers can earn more than their standard rate. When a developer submits their interest in a job through the platform, their rate is presented as an average alongside a small number of other interested developers. This means clients choose based on quality and the right match for their project rather than just price.
Codeable’s success stories highlight the benefits of joining a platform that connects developers with clients who understand the true value of the work they do. One freelance developer even earned $100,000 in his first seven months on Codeable.
Navigating full-time vs. freelance WordPress earnings
Overview of full-time vs. freelance work
Full-time work typically offers a stable income, health insurance, retirement plans, and job security. Freelance WordPress developers can work for multiple clients on a project-by-project basis and have the freedom to set their own rates and hours. They also have the potential to earn more through gig economy platforms like Codeable, Upwork, and Freelancer.
However, the choice between full-time and freelance work depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Let’s take a look at the key differences:
| Category | Full-time work | Freelance work |
|---|---|---|
| Contract type | Typically involves long-term contracts with a single employer. | Involves short-term projects or gigs with multiple clients. |
| Job security | More stable. | Dependent on securing and maintaining clients. |
| Work-life balance | May offer less flexibility. | Offers flexibility to set one’s own schedule and work from anywhere. |
| Earning potential | Pay may be lower compared to freelance rates. | Higher earning potential through various gig economy platforms. |
| Control | Little to no control over schedule and projects. | Full control over schedule, projects, rates, and client selection. |
Full-time vs. freelance earnings potential
Aside from years of experience and seniority, factors such as location and the complexity of the platform used also play a role in determining salaries.
For example, developers in big cities like New York and San Francisco typically earn more than those living in cities with lower costs of living. Similarly, a developer who works with a more complex platform like Drupal may earn more than a WordPress developer.
Hourly rates for freelance WordPress developers can also vary based on factors such as experience, project complexity, and client demand. Rates can even vary from platform to platform. According to Upwork, WordPress developers can expect to make anywhere between $15 to $28 per hour, whereas on Codeable, you could earn up to $120 per hour.
When setting their rates, freelancers must account for the additional expenses and considerations that come with being self-employed. This includes factoring in their own taxes, insurance premiums, and the lack of paid time off that salaried employees typically receive. To compensate for these extra costs, freelancers may need to charge higher hourly or project-based rates.
Career development opportunities
Full-time employment often comes with structured career advancement opportunities, such as promotions and raises.
Some companies also offer mentorship programs, where experienced professionals guide and support newer employees in their career development. These opportunities can be valuable for those looking to specialize in a specific area of WordPress development or to move into leadership roles.
However, freelancers have the flexibility to selectively take on projects that expand their skill set and industry connections. But keep in mind that freelancers also need to be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities and building their professional network, as they don’t have the same level of structure and support as full-time employees.
How to maximize your hourly rate as a WordPress professional
Developers can earn higher hourly rates by specializing in high-demand areas like eCommerce, Application Programming Interface (API) integration, and advanced customizations. These skills can elevate developers to top-tier status, allowing them to charge premium rates.
This level of expertise aligns perfectly with platforms like Codeable. Our rigorous vetting process ensures only top-tier developers are available, justifying higher hourly rates due to guaranteed quality and expertise.
Hiring top-tier developers also brings long-term benefits and value to a project. You can expect:
Codeable and similar platforms also play a crucial role in standardizing rates for premium WordPress services, offering a more curated and quality-focused approach compared to generalized freelancer marketplaces.
When negotiating rates with top-tier WordPress professionals, businesses should define project scope, understand the developer’s expertise, evaluate return on investment, and consider the long-term value. This can help establish a mutually beneficial partnership with top-tier WordPress developers.
With a satisfaction-based payment system and a money-back guarantee, Codeable provides a risk-free way to access high-quality WordPress development services. By choosing Codeable, businesses can ensure a successful partnership with world-class WordPress developers, as we prioritize quality, expertise, and fair pricing.
Top-paying cities and companies for WordPress developers
Global platforms like Codeable offer WordPress developers the opportunity to access a wider client base, leading to higher hourly rates compared to local markets.
The adoption of remote work has further expanded the reach of these platforms, allowing developers to connect with clients from around the world and negotiate rates based on their expertise. Let’s break down the rates locally and around the world:
U.S. salary insights
According to a recent salary report, Washington offers the most competitive compensation package, with an annual salary of $119,882. The lowest-paying area is Puerto Rico, where WordPress developers earn an average annual salary of $54,282. Here’s a breakdown of the highest and lowest-paying states by hour:
The high hourly rate in Washington can be attributed to several factors, including the cost of living, the competitiveness of the job market, and the presence of major tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia.
International perspective
The global nature of the tech industry and the rise of remote work have expanded the opportunities for WordPress developers to earn competitive salaries worldwide. Key financial centers and tech hubs around the world, such as Zurich, Geneva, London, Berlin, and Singapore, offer attractive compensation packages for top-tier WordPress developers.
In Switzerland, senior JavaScript developers can earn up to $126,000 per year, and senior Ruby developers might receive as much as $160,000 annually. This is significantly higher than the average salary for WordPress developers in the United States, which is $101,928 per year.
Countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden also offer competitive salaries and benefits packages that reflect the high demand for their expertise:
- Norway: Senior Hypertext Processor (PHP) developers can earn up to $79,500 annually, while senior Python developers might receive as much as $94,500 per year.
- Denmark: Senior JavaScript developers can earn up to $74,000 per year, whereas a senior Ruby developer could earn up to $111,000 per year.
- Sweden: Senior Python developers can earn up to $106,000, whereas a senior Java developer might earn up to $85,000 yearly.
Impact of company size and reputation on salaries
Newer or niche firms may offer competitive salaries to attract top talent, while more established companies offer higher salaries due to their reputation and resources.
According to Dice’s Salary Survey, the impact of company size on salary varies across different age groups in the technology sector.
For example, as per the report, tech professionals in their 20s who work at companies with fewer than 50 employees might earn significantly less than their counterparts at firms with 5,000 or more employees. This trend continues across various age brackets, with salary potentials generally increasing in correlation with company size.
The survey also notes that salary levels have largely plateaued, and companies are increasingly leveraging benefits and perks to remain competitive. These benefits can include flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and equity in the company.
Current economic climate
Anticipated shifts in technology, emerging market demands, and changing skill requirements can also influence salary structures within the industry. For example, with the increasing focus on cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing, developers with expertise in these areas may get higher salaries.
Effective strategies to increase your income as a WordPress developer
Here are some strategies you can implement to boost your income as a developer and advance your career:
- Skill development: Continuously enhance your skill set by learning new programming languages, frameworks, and advanced WordPress tools.
- Personal branding: Working on a strong portfolio, blogging, and participating in speaking engagements are all great ways to establish yourself as a thought leader in the WordPress community.
- Networking: Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and niche WordPress job forums to expand your network and discover better-paying opportunities within the industry.
- Soft skills: Sharpen your soft skills, particularly in communication and negotiation, as they are crucial in securing higher salaries and better contracts.
- Certifications and courses: Consider obtaining certifications or completing specialized WordPress development courses to showcase your expertise and potentially increase your rates and salaries.
- Side business and passive income: Explore opportunities for creating passive income streams, such as developing and selling WordPress themes or plugins.
- Stay updated: The most important thing is to stay up-to-date with the latest WordPress developments and industry standards to remain competitive and offer cutting-edge solutions to clients.
Codeable’s role in setting competitive rates
We want our clients to receive high-quality work, and we want our developers to be paid for what they’re worth. With an hourly rate that includes a 17.5% fixed service fee, developers are fairly compensated for their expertise while clients receive quality work at transparent rates.
By joining Codeable, developers gain access to a diverse pool of clients, opening up new income opportunities and expanding their professional network. Our quality-first approach enhances the developer-client relationship and could translate into higher earning potential for those who deliver exceptional results.
To kickstart your WordPress development career, check out our helpful resources. They’ll serve as a useful guide for setting rates and managing client expectations to prepare you for success.
Connect with top WordPress talent on Codeable today
With Codeable, you can trust that you’re working with the best WordPress developers in the industry, who are handpicked through our vetting process.
The top-tier developers on our platform offer a wide range of services, including theme and plugin development, security enhancements, performance optimization, and even small WordPress tasks like creating a landing page.
By working with Codeable, businesses can benefit from:
- A satisfaction-based payment system: Getting started with Codeable is 100% risk-free. We offer a 28-day bug-fixing warranty and a fair refund policy.
- Access to a global pool of professionals: We’ve created a network of the world’s best WordPress developers.
- Quick matching with a qualified developer: Need help on an urgent project and don’t have the time to sift through hundreds of applications? We can help you get matched with the right person for your project in under a day.
Our commitment to quality is unmatched, with a money-back guarantee, high satisfaction rates, and return client statistics that speak for themselves.
Ready to level up your WordPress projects with top-tier expertise? Consider Codeable as your go-to platform for hiring WordPress experts. Get started with a project today and experience the difference!
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