If you’re looking for an exciting new career or are looking to make the transition from in-house or agency to freelance, then becoming an online marketer is a great choice. The demand for online marketers is projected to grow by 24% in the next five years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
No matter where you are in the world, you can set your own hours and work remotely, which makes this career extremely flexible. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the ins and outs of becoming an online marketer in California, the #1 state for tech jobs. Keep reading for more information about living in California and becoming a successful online marketer.
Top 5 Factors for Hiring Web Developers in California
If you’re considering a move to California, then it’s important to find a job that suits your skills. It would be best to start your job search early in the game, especially if you’re looking for a remote job. Once you settle in and start getting used to the idea of living in a different state, you can start applying for jobs that interest you. Keep reading for more information about the top five factors for hiring web developers in California.
1. Experience
If you have little to no experience in web development, then it’s going to be very hard for you to find a job. On the other hand, if you have some experience, then you’ll be able to pick up new skills very easily and fast. If possible, look for internship opportunities in your area of expertise. This will not only give you invaluable experience, but it’ll also show you what areas you need to focus on in case you ever want to become a solo entrepreneur. Keep in mind that experienced web developers can usually command a higher salary, so make sure to weigh this factor accordingly.
2. Location
Remote work is becoming more and more common, and many employers will prefer to hire freelancers located in a certain area. If you’re looking to secure a job in California, then it’s vital that you live in one of the top 5 most populated cities. Otherwise, your dream of working from home may remain just that. Of course, you can always commute if you need to, but you’ll have to bear the additional cost of traveling to and from your workplace. In terms of finding a specific location, it’s best to use online directories like Crunchbase, which connects employers with entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to apply to all the jobs you find, regardless of whether you’re located in California or not.
3. Education
Although experience is important, so is education. Just because you don’t have a four-year degree in computer science doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed as an online marketer. On the contrary, many successful solopreneurs started out without a degree and learned the trade as they went along. If you’re looking to secure a position in California, then make sure that you’ve received some sort of education in the field. In order to be competitive, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with familiarity with some of the more popular CMS platforms, like WordPress and Joomla. If possible, you should also consider pursuing a graduate degree in web development so that you can further specialize in your area of expertise and become an even more valuable asset to a company.
4. Salary
The cost of living in California is high, especially in the bigger cities. If you’re looking to make the move and are considering renting a place, then make sure to budget for additional living expenses. Besides, if you’re looking for cash-paying jobs, then make sure to consider the state’s cost of living before making any assumptions about your earning potential. The truth is that, even in California, the cost of living can be fairly high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a web developer in California is around $80,000 per year. That’s higher than the national average of $67,000 per year, so if you can find a job that pays well, then it’s well worth it to move to California.
5. Workstyle
Working remotely as a web developer is something you can easily get used to. However, if you’re looking to secure a job in California, then it’s important that you fit the workplace culture. Even if you have significant experience, you may not be viewed as an essential part of the team if you don’t share the same workstyle. In the industry, there is an abundance of remote work, but not every workplace is made for it. For instance, if you’re used to working in an office setting, then make sure that your current employer provides you with the resources needed to do your job effectively. You can also ask for an office relocation as part of your job offer in order to take advantage of the state’s plentiful sunshine and temperate climate. Some companies may even provide you with a van or a car to get to and from work. If you can manage to find a job that accepts remote workers, then moving to California may be a good idea, as there are plenty of opportunities to be had. Just make sure to be upfront about your preferences and ask for what you need in the way of resources. You may find that your existing workload just can’t be shifted to allow you to work remotely, in which case you’ll just have to get used to doing your job from home.
Above all else, make sure that you’re proud of your decision to live in California. The state is known for its gorgeous weather, incredible food, and laidback lifestyle. If you can find a way to make the most of the good life that California has to offer, then moving to the Golden State may be a smart choice. Just keep in mind that, whether you live in San Francisco, Los Angeles, or one of the other many beautiful California cities, life can still be difficult if you don’t have what it takes to succeed in this state.
More information about the top five factors for hiring web developers in California can be found on the Statista website.