Discover the Best Web Development Classes in Chicago
Web Developers create, build, and maintain websites and web applications. As part of web development, Web Developers are responsible for web design, web programming, and database management. Web Developers more or less construct and maintain websites using code made up of a variety of programming languages.
There are three main categories of web development: front end development, back end development, and full stack development.
Front end refers to the portion of a website that a user sees. Front End Web Developers are primarily responsible for how a website or app looks and feels to a user. Because of this, they’re sometimes called Web Designers. Front End Web Developers need to know how to translate a website’s concept and design into code. To do this, they’ll need to be proficient in programming languages like HTML and CSS as well as web frameworks.
Back End Developers are responsible for creating a website or app’s framework and ensuring that it performs how it should. They need to make sure that the website is functioning properly. Back End Developers are required to know how to build servers with modern frameworks and be able to manage databases and data on web servers. Unlike Front End Developers, Back End Developers should know server-side programming languages like Python, Ruby, and PHP.
Full Stack Developers are familiar with both front and back end development. They’re competent in a wide range of programming languages so that they can improve both the look and functionality of a website. Full Stack Developers are in high demand because of their versatility, wide skill set, and range of knowledge.
Learning web development can open you up to new career opportunities. Web Developers play an essential role in establishing a company’s digital presence. There is a high demand for Web Developers that’s only expected to increase over the next several years. Learning web development can also help you work on creating a website for your business or personal brand.
Best Web Development Classes & Schools in Chicago
In-person web development classes are offered in the Chicago area. Web development requires extensive work and knowledge, so classes focus on a wide variety of topics and skills. There are boot camps available that can provide you with a comprehensive overview of front end, back end, or full stack development. Programming and software-focused classes are also available to enroll in.
Sprintzeal Americas, located in downtown Chicago, offers a beginner-level JavaScript class. This programming language is used to make web pages interactive. In the class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of JavaScript, like coding conventions and standards, and the language’s core APIs. It’s advised that you have experience with at least one programming language before enrolling in this four-session class.
For an introduction to HTML, sign up for a class with Computer Training Source. Their beginner-level HTML course will teach you how to write HTML to design or change web pages. By the end of this class, you’ll know the importance of understanding HTML as you receive an introduction to the basics of the language, from structuring text and creating tables.
Computer Training Source also offers a beginner-level introduction to CSS. Learning CSS can help you style and lay out web pages. In this seven-hour class, you’ll review CSS essentials, learn to build effective navigation and page layouts, and more. This class can be followed up with their intermediate-level CSS courses. All classes take place at their Schaumburg location.
If you can’t attend an in-person class in Chicago, you have the option of enrolling in an online web development class. These classes are taught by live instructors over a video web conferencing platform. You can take them from any interruption-free environment with a stable internet connection, making them ideal for those with busy schedules.
For an in-depth overview of front end web development, enroll in NYC Career Centers’ Front-End Web Development Certificate program. You can take the class full-time during weekdays (four weeks) or part-time during evenings (four months). Learn how to code websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from an expert instructor. No prior coding experience is required.
Another useful class for learning front end web development is the Flexbox, Grid, & Bootstrap course offered by Practical Programming. This class is ideal for intermediate-level learners looking to expand their knowledge of CSS. Practical Programming also offers a three or six-session Front-End Tools & Portfolio class. Students of all skill levels are welcome to join and receive hands-on experience and demonstrations with Git and GitHub.
Noble Desktop provides a broad overview of front and back end web development in their Full-Stack Web Development Certificate program. This interactive online class offers 420 hours of hands-on instruction. Students will become prepared to break into the world of web development, software engineering, and computer science after learning how to program the visual appearance of a web application and the infrastructure needed to maintain a complete web page.
Developer Bootcamp offers on-demand learning options for those interested in learning web development. On-demand learning is ideal for those with busy schedules who have the motivation to self-teach. Developer Bootcamp’s Web Development Bootcamp is a four-course track that you can follow at your desired pace. This boot camp will introduce you to core concepts of web development. Students have the option of adding additional courses to their track.
Chicago Industries That Use Web Development
Web Developers are in high demand. They are essential to getting a company’s website up and running. Several industries in Chicago rely on high-quality web development and, therefore, hire Front End, Back End, and Full Stack Web Developers.
Tech
The tech industry is thriving in Chicago. Companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Salesforce have operations in the Windy City. Startup tech companies have also been drawn to the area because of the available talent pool and its existing business infrastructure.
Web development in the tech industry is essential. Web Developers build websites and applications for tech companies that are visually appealing to consumers and perform optimally. If a tech company has a website that doesn’t look well-designed or one that doesn’t function, it reflects poorly on the company. Tech companies must have talented Web Developers who can optimize the website’s appeal and performance.
Finance and FinTech
Chicago is ranked one of the top 10 financial centers in the world. The city has the third highest employment in the finance industry in the US. In 2022, there were over 300 FinTech companies in the area, employing the city’s diverse pool of talented engineers and programmers.
Web Developers create websites and apps for finance and financial technology companies to help them market to consumers and investors. They play an important role in developing and refreshing a company’s brand image through digital channels.
Web Developers are involved in creating well-developed financial apps, which can make banking and other financial services more accessible for customers. This then makes customers more likely to continue using a company’s services.
Transportation
The transportation industry is booming in Chicago. The city is known for reliably moving freight and people. There are six Class I railroads in the region, totaling up to 3,900 miles of rail lines, and 10 interstate highways, totaling 30,000 miles. In 2022, Chicago's transportation and logistics industry employed over 250,000 people.
Web Developers are responsible for providing transportation companies with apps and websites that can help them manage their business operations. They also create accessible, easy-to-use tools for those looking to keep up with their transportation options, like bus apps, metro apps, and other digital services.
Web Development Jobs & Salaries in Chicago
Web development skills can help start a career in a wide range of industries. The type of career you can have after learning web development will depend on your level of experience and if you have specialized in front end, back end, or full stack web development.
Front End Web Developer
Front End Web Developers are responsible for managing the visual appeal of a website. They use programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to ensure that a website is both interactive and attractive.
The average annual salary for Front End Web Developers in Chicago is $108,000 with potential additional cash compensation of $8,000.
Back End Web Developer
Back End Web Developers program the internal systems operating in a website’s background. They’re responsible for data storage, security, and other server-side functions. Back End Web Developers typically are expected to know Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and other server-side programming languages.
Back End Web Developers in the Chicago area are estimated to make an average of $158,000 per year. Because many tech companies that require Back End Web Developers operate in Chicago, the salary range is quite wide. The lowest reported salary, according to Indeed, is $109,000 and the highest is $230,000.
Full Stack Web Developer
Full Stack Web Developers can maintain both the front and back end of a website. They are becoming increasingly in demand as companies look for Web Developers with a large skill set who can contribute to both the front end and back end processes. Full Stack Developers are also responsible for developing and maintaining web services and interfaces, building new product features, performing tests and troubleshooting software, and collaborating with other departments within their company.
According to Indeed, Full Stack Web Developers make an average of $131,000 per year in Chicago. This is 6% higher than the national average. The highest-paid Full Stack Web Developers in Chicago reportedly work for companies in the finance and technology industries.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers, also known as Software Developers, create software for computers and applications. Web Developers can transition into Software Engineer roles because they have overlapping skill sets and knowledge.
The average salary of a Software in Chicago is $110,000 with possible cash compensation of around $14,000.
