Have you ever enjoyed an exciting game of Canvas Tetris, desperately waiting for the straight piece, or a nail-biting game of Flappy Bird, continuously trying to beat your high score?
If so, you can thank the Node.js developers for that JavaScript is the most popular programming language and has changed web development and the tech world in ways that were unthinkable some years ago.
Node.js is one of the best JavaScript cross-platform environments to execute JavaScript codes outside a web browser. No wonder Node js jobs are in high demand and have been among the top jobs to check out in 2022.
What Do Node.js Developers Do?
Node.js developers are responsible for writing server-side web application logic for Javascript or other programming languages like Ruby and Python.
On a typical Node js job workday, employees are tasked with backend services and managing data exchanges between the server and the user-facing application.
Additionally, Node.js developers perform database maintenance to ensure that applications are up to date and top-quality, thus offering users the best possible experience.
Node JS Roles and Responsibilities
- Creating and maintaining server-side application logic
Server-side scripting is a technique used in web development. It involves making use of scripts on a web server for the sole purpose of producing a personalized response for each user or client request on the website.
One of the vital Node.js jobs responsibilities is creating and maintaining the server-side application while keeping it up to date and exciting for users.
- Writing high quality, readable, and testable code
To make automated testing fast, easy, and enjoyable, professionals at node developer jobs need to write testable code. For a test not to fail, they must determine what goes wrong every time and fix the problem immediately.
They also need to verify and write even the smallest units of behavior in the code. That said, some codes are written in such a way that it is nearly impossible to write a good unit test for them.
- Designing and enhancing applications for high performance, low latency, and high availability
Node js jobs play a crucial role in all applications. Node.js developers design apps or games, making sure they have low latency and high performance. They also ensure that the system or server has high availability, which means that they’re responsible for having a reliable server that operates without ever failing.
- Implementing data and security protection
Developers hired at any Node.js job should master various techniques to help a company protect its data from intentional or accidental destruction, modification, and disclosure. Furthermore, they must know different data security technologies like data encryption, data masking, data erasure, and data resilience.
- Creating data storage solutions
Storing data electronically and making it machine-readable is critical in Node js developers jobs. One of the Node.js developers’ primary duties is to make data easily accessible and as reliable as possible.
- Working with a team of developers on developing applications and systems
Nodejs jobs always require a great team to build a successful application or system. Node.js developers need to design, test, and define how to implement a new program or software.
They can develop these applications or systems using different methods such as Agile Development, DevOps Deployment, Waterfall Development, or Rapid Application Development.
Work Environment
Most Node.js jobs are carried out in an office environment. Node.js developers work as a team with other developers. By sharing the same workplace, they can discuss and improve the applications or system software they’re working on.
However, some companies offer remote Node.js jobs, especially now that the work-from-home mentality has become a trend. A professional hired as a remote employee is usually employed for two- or three-week projects and their employment relationship with the company is that of a freelance Node js developer.
Work Schedule
Node.js developers typically work for 40 hours per week, but there is always some flexibility with the hours. Besides, since most Node.js developers work with a developing team, there are always regular team meetings that can last up to four hours.
In Node js remote jobs, work time is around 20 hours per week because most remote Node.js developers work part-time.
Moreover, Node.js developers often work on a contract basis. The contract duration can be anywhere between a few months and a few years, with the possibility to be hired for a full-time position or at part time node js jobs after said contract expires.
How to Become a Node.Js Developer?
If you aspire to become a Node.js developer, you need to acquire specific skills and qualifications and have a Bachelor’s degree in any Node.js related areas. Let’s see some of the necessary skills that an excellent Node.js developer needs.
Important Skills and Qualities
- Development experience in designing object-oriented Javascript
To apply for any Javascript jobs out there, Node.js developers must know how to use self-contained pieces of code to develop applications necessary in programming and designing object-oriented Javascript.
- Full knowledge of Node.js
Node.js developers must know how to build fast and changeable network applications. So, if you plan to apply for a Node.js developer job, make sure you’re familiar with everything there is to know before sending your Node js resume.
- Knowledge of web libraries and frameworks
Node.js developers should understand the difference between a web library and a web framework. They also need to know how to write Javascript open-source web frameworks using AngularJS, PolymerJs, and ClosureJS.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Node.js developers need to be good at collecting and analyzing data. They must also have excellent problem-solving abilities because issues always occur in this line of work, whether they are application or system-related.
- Attention to detail
In Nodejs jobs, you need to keep your eyes wide open all the time, as the slightest distraction may lead to an application or system failure. Therefore, paying attention to even the smallest of details is essential.
- Understanding of server-side templating languages
Knowledge of server-side templating languages is a necessary skill to be hired at Node js developer jobs. Applicants should know some of the most used server-side templating languages, such as Jade, EJS, PHP, and many others, depending on the technology stack.
- Knowledge on how to create Node.js applications
If you’re applying for any Node js jobs, knowing how to create Node.js applications is necessary. There are different types of Node.js applications, and Node.js developers need to know all of them. Also, before applying for a job, make sure you have some familiarity with IoT, Real-Time Chats, Complex-Single Page Applications, and Microservices Architecture.
- Thorough knowledge of code versioning tools
Node js developer jobs entail keeping track of every software code modification in a special kind of database. Node.js professionals need to use code versioning tools such as CVS, SVN, GIT, Mercurial, and Bazaar.
Education
To be hired at a Node.js job, you need a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or any other related area, such as computer engineering or information technology. You should also take some development courses that involve algorithms, analytics, data structures, and computer organizations.
Licenses and Certifications
There are two certification exams that you can take if you want to score one of many Node.js developer jobs. The first exam is the OpenJSNode.Js Application Developer (JSNAD), where you will mostly learn how to create applications with a focus on Node.js core APIs.
The second exam is called OpenJsNode.js Services Developer (JSNSD), where you can learn how to create and protect Node.js servers and services.
Salary
Node.js salaries in the US range between $71,000 to $175,000. Specifically, the average Node.js jobs salary in the US is around $112,500, with an average hourly rate of $57.76.
However, it all depends on the years of experience you have as a Node.js developer. Entry level Node js jobs start at $71,000 per year, while senior Node.js developers, who are more experienced, can make up to $175,000 per year.
Moreover, location always plays a massive role. Missouri and Massachusetts pay higher than the national average salary, with Missouri at $146,250 and Massachusetts at $140,000. The wages in New York range between $125,000 and $130,000.
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, js jobs, alongside other web developing positions, will see a growth of 13% between 2018 and 2028. That’s an 8% higher growth than any other occupation in the US.
Job Prospects
Node.js roles are among the top ten tech jobs in the US. When Node.js won first place in the Libraries, Frameworks, and Tools category in 2018, it was clear that Node.js developers would soon be in high demand.
That’s why it comes as no surprise that Nodejs developer jobs are a hit with the tech market. According to a search by Indeed’s Hiring Lab, job searches for Node js rose by 57% over the past years.
Summary
The future of the web developing world and JavaScript lies in Node js jobs. Following the Node.js developer’s profession can be an exciting journey for anyone who wants a web development career and is keen on learning different program languages. Hopefully, this article helped you understand Node.js and prepare for a career at a Node.js job better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Node js useful?
Node.js is useful because of its single-threaded nature. It’s a beneficial open-source platform as it can be used in traditional websites and backend API services. Node.js developers are excellent at building fast, scalable networks while offering higher performance and faster development of js software and services.
Node.js has been extremely fast at multi-user real-time data solutions. Hence, it’s not surprising there are currently so many Node.js job openings.
Is Node js good for backend?
Node.js is a runtime environment that allows software developers to launch both the frontend and the backend of web apps using JavaScript. When it comes to the backend, between Js and Python, Python is the best option for servers performing numerical computations and machine learning.
However, Node.js shines in most general web services. It’s especially good at real-time web applications, browser games, chats, time trackers, and many more. This is the main reason why a lot of companies decide to use Node.js for production, and Node.js jobs are in high demand.
What can I do with Node js?
Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment that implements Javascript code outside a web browser. Developers use Node.js in many different ways, but here are some of its primary functions:
– Package management through npm, bower, and jspm
– Module management with webpack
– Task running and automation through grunt or gulp
– Creation of backend web applications
– Command line tools
– Desktop applications
How much do Node developers make?
A Node.js developer makes between $75,000 and $175,000. The average Node.js jobs salary in the US is around $112,500. Experience is vital as junior Node.js developers make $71,000 per year, while a senior Node.js developer can make up to $175,000 a year. In the US, the highest-paid Node.js developers are in Missouri and Massachusetts.
Is it worth learning Node JS?
Knowledge is a powerful weapon when searching for Node js jobs. Learning Node.js can prove to be one of the most significant investments, as it’s a well-known program language regularly used by developers.
Here are some of the reasons why someone would benefit from learning Node.js. The first is that Node.js allows you to write in both client and server, which revolutionizes the whole JavaScript process.
The second reason is that Node.js can be used in more ways rather than just web development. Last but not least, the future of Node.js developers is bright, so investing in learning this programming language is undoubtedly worth it.