How to Become a Webmaster

Do you recognize website elements? Are you good with design? You could have a great future as a webmaster!

Job Overview

$75,660
Bachelor's Degree
1 to 5 years
None
302,300
22%
65,700
Find Related CareersSOURCE: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Webmasters create, improve and administer a variety of organizational websites and content. They also update security issues and software patches for the website as they become available.

Requirements and Qualifications

Webmasters typically work in an office environment, usually full time. Because websites sometimes have technical issues at inconvenient times, you may need to work odd hours to fix problems. Qualities you’ll find helpful include analytical, organizational and problem solving skills, concentration, being detail oriented, creativity and ingenuity as well as customer service, leadership and teamwork.

Typical Education

For positions not requiring a a great quantity or level of programming, an associate’s degree may suffice, but for the best positions and pay, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field provides a great advantage. Focusing your studies on programming, computer languages such as HTML, JavaScript or SQL, as well as knowledge of multimedia programs such as Flash is extremely helpful. Some graphics design course work is also helpful for visually strong websites.

Steps to Become a Webmaster

While you are completing your educational process, you may wish to start compiling a portfolio, or a select sampling of your best current work to show potential employers or clients. Having some experience in web design, programming and graphics or multimedia software will be beneficial in looking for a job. Certification through the International Webmasters Association or Certified Internet Webmasters shows employers that you’re familiar with common areas of interest in website administration.

Similar Jobs

Maybe it’s the idea of dealing with fixing things at whatever time they choose to stop working, or you’re just not that keen on HTML, but you’re just not sure this is the position for you. That’s fine! Here are some additional careers you may want to look at that have a similar path:

  • Do you find new technologies fascinating? Computer and information research scientists plan, design and test new technology and invent new uses for existing technology.
  • Great with handling multiple projects and overseeing teams? Computer and information systems managers have responsibility for their organization’s technical assets.
  • What does it take to break it? Computer hardware engineers design, create and test computer hardware including drives, circuits and chips.
  • Like Java better than HTML? Computer programmers create new software programs or edit existing ones using computer languages.
  • Great at the help desk? Computer support specialists provide in-house and customer support for a variety of computer problems.
  • Can you find room for improvement? Computer systems analysts look at existing computer systems and recommend ways to upgrade or improve them.
  • Want to keep records? Database administrators store, recall, maintain and secure company and customer electronic records.
  • Like to convey information in images? Graphic designers plan, design and create visual concepts that communicate ideas, information or stories.
  • Good at keeping things running? Network and computer systems administrators handle daily operations of an organization’s computer and network assets.
  • Are you a creative problem solver? Software developers plan and design how software programs will run computers and allow computerized tasks to be completed.
  • Have a way with words? Technical writers create documentation, instructions and specifications for a variety of products.

Salary

The average annual wages for a webmaster was $75,660 as of May 2010, more than double the annual average pay for all careers. Most webmasters work full time hours.

Job Outlook

Over the next decade, webmasters can expect faster than average growth in this sector at 22% as compared to the average of all career paths at 14%. Job prospects are good to favorable, with mobile and cloud computing presenting a multitude of new opportunities.

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