JavaScript Developer: Career Path

JavaScript is eating the software industry and it would be foolish not to pay attention to it. Be it through leading UI frameworks like React or building new applications with Node, a JavaScript developer is versatile and has no shortage of opportunities.

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What does the JavaScript Developer career path entail?

JavaScript Developer

JavaScript is leading the polls – be it as one of the fastest growing, most popular or widest used programming languages. The recent growth of leading UI frameworks, as well as web and cross-device libraries has led to the repeated explosion of JavaScript in popularity.

That also has its effects on the job market: 40% of new development jobs list JavaScript as one of the required or good-to-have skills. Salaries are also changing: Whereas "UI developers" used to be at the lower end of the development salary spectrum, "JavaScript developers" now stand much closer at the top with 6-figure salaries as the average.

And yet, the job market does not seem to be saturated yet. Good developers are needed! Great developers are uniquely situated to get into engineering management positions too.

Best books to explore the JavaScript career path.

A well-written and thorough book can be an amazing path to build deeper understanding and also act as a handbook as you discover the internet's vast resources.

These are our and our experts top picks to get started building career-relevant skills.

JavaScript: The Definitive Guide

For nearly 25 years this best seller has been the go-to guide for JavaScript programmers. The seventh edition is fully updated to cover the 2020 version of JavaScript, and new chapters cover classes, modules, iterators, generators, Promises, async/await, and metaprogramming. You’ll find illuminating and engaging example code throughout.

A Smarter Way to Learn JavaScript

The author wrote the book and exercises especially for people who are new to programming. Making no assumptions about what you already know, the author walks you through JavaScript slowly, patiently. They explain every little thing in sixth-grade English and avoid unnecessary technical jargon like the plague.

Maintainable JavaScript: Writing Readable Code

You may have definite ideas about writing code when working alone, but team development requires that everyone use the same approach. With the JavaScript practices in this book—including code style, programming tips, and automation—you will learn how to write maintainable code that other team members can easily understand, adapt, and extend.

JavaScript: The Good Parts

Considered the JavaScript expert by many people in the development community, author Douglas Crockford identifies the abundance of good ideas that make JavaScript an outstanding object-oriented programming language-ideas such as functions, loose typing, dynamic objects, and an expressive object literal notation. Unfortunately, these good ideas are mixed in with bad and downright awful ideas, l…

Effective JavaScript

In order to truly master JavaScript, you need to learn how to work effectively with the language’s flexible, expressive features and how to avoid its pitfalls. No matter how long you’ve been writing JavaScript code, Effective JavaScript will help deepen your understanding of this powerful language, so you can build more predictable, reliable, and maintainable programs.

Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition

This much anticipated and thoroughly revised third edition of Eloquent JavaScript dives deep into the JavaScript language to show you how to write beautiful, effective code. It has been updated to reflect the current state of JavaScript and web browsers and includes brand-new material on features like class notation, arrow functions, iterators, async functions, template strings, and block scop…

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Courses to deepen your JavaScript skills.

These days, courses are no longer a sequence of videos. They are usually accompanied by projects and a learning community, keeping you accountable and on the path.

Our experts recommend these courses, from free selections to paid programs.

The Complete JavaScript Course 2020

Become an advanced, confident, and modern JavaScript developer from scratch. Build 6 beautiful real-world projects for your portfolio (not boring toy apps). Complex concepts like the 'this' keyword, higher-order functions, closures, etc. This best-selling course can truly take you from zero to one …

JavaScript 30

Beginner to Intermediate developers and designers who want to become comfortable with both JavaScript fundamentals and working in the DOM without a library. You should already know some JavaScript to start - This isn't a JavaScript 101 course. We learn by application - encountering many new situati…

UI: Advanced JavaScript

We're obsessed with making the most effective developer education content on the planet. On average, it takes us around 1,900 hours to create a new course. While others prioritize quantity, we optimize for quality. After learning about the topic you'll receive a quiz to make sure you have a solid …

Top JavaScript Certifications

Understanding all core concepts of JavaScript is key to claiming your next certificate. If you need help brushing up on your skills, consider reaching out to one of our mentors.

JavaScript Institute Certification

Hosted by javascriptinstitute.org

The JavaScript Institute offers you a JavaScript certification program designed by JavaScript experts. It will help you to comprehensively learn about JavaScript technology, as well as it will allow you to assess your programming skills and prove your competences. JavaScript is the most commonly…

JavaScript Certification Coaching

Hosted by mentorcruise.com

Consider reaching out to a coach specialized in JavaScript certifications. They can help you prepare for your exam, and provide you with the necessary resources to succeed. MentorCruise is the best place to find a coach for your JavaScript certification. Here are a few top picks:

JSA – Certified Associate JavaScript Programmer Certification

Hosted by js.institute

JSA – Certified Associate JavaScript Programmer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the candidate’s proficiency in Object-Oriented Analysis, Design and Programming (OOA/OOD/OOP), as well as the more advanced use of functions in the JavaScript language.

Prices sta…

JSE – Certified Entry-Level JavaScript Programmer Certification

Hosted by js.institute

JSE – Certified Entry-Level JavaScript Programmer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of the JavaScript language core syntax and semantics, as well as their proficiency in using the most essential elements of the language, tools, and resourc…

Scaler JavaScript Course With Certification

Hosted by scaler.com

Kickstart your journey into web development with this free JavaScript course online with a certificate. Designed for beginners, this comprehensive JavaScript online course covers the essential concepts and skills needed to master Javascript, one of the most popular and widely used programming la…

UCDavis: JavaScript Basics

Hosted by edx.org

This course introduces the programming language JavaScript and shows the websites that include the type of interactions students will eventually be able to develop.
Learners will understand the importance of how JavaScript was developed and why such history impacts the way JavaScript is curre…

JavaScript Workshop

Hosted by mentorcruise.com

Consider joining a workshop specialized in JavaScript. Workshops are a great way to learn new skills, and get hands-on experience. MentorCruise is the best place to find a workshop for your JavaScript certification. Here are a few top picks:

Get the guidance you need on the JavaScript Developer career path

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!


At the outset of my career, I was beset with many questions and confusion as to the path I should follow and the skills I should acquire. However, I was fortunate enough to find a mentor who not only provided me with direction and purpose but also gave me a …

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👋 Welcome! I'm Andy, a self-taught developer with a unique background in paediatric nursing and recruitment. In 6 months, I successfully transitioned to tech and have worked at an AI company and now HealthTech (so yes it is possible 😊) For your journey I want to help you as much …

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I'm a full-stack web developer with 18 years of experience. A "design engineer" is someone with skills in both design and web development and usually works with that intersection. Having expertise in both fields allows me to build stuff like this: https://verveui.pro I'm very proud of the work I've done …

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Hi, I'm MJ, a software engineer at AWS with 5 years of experience. I transitioned into tech by teaching myself programming in just 3 months when I was 30—a decision and investment that has profoundly changed my life. If I can do it, I believe you can too. I’m here …

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Hello there! I'm Muhib, a seasoned Software Engineer and former Lead Instructor at a top coding boot camp. Over the last three years, I've personally helped over 100 students achieve their goals and build successful careers in tech. I specialize in Full-Stack JavaScript and Python development. With my expertise, I'm …

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Are you a junior developer looking to fast track your career in web development? Do you need guidance on learning the right and up to date content, building real-world projects, and preparing for job interviews? Look no further! I am a Senior Software Engineer with 9 years of experience in …

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The JavaScript must-reads you shouldn't miss.

Key articles and posts of industry experts can help you get a better picture of what you are getting into.

In our opinion, these are some must-reads you really shouldn't miss.

Full Stack Developer's Roadmap

It's easy to focus on the front end of web development, but what about the back end? Learning about the back end improves your front end skills. Here are some resources for full stack development that you can save for later.

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JavaScript Visualized: the JavaScript Engine

JavaScript is cool, but how can a machine actually understand the code you've written? As JavaScript devs, we usually don't have to deal with compilers ourselves. However, it's definitely good to know the basics of the JavaScript engine and see how it handles our human-friendly JS code, and turns it into something machines understand!

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70 JavaScript Interview Questions

A collection of 70 real-world JS interview questions, as collected by a full-stack developer in the space. Crucial to go through these as a job hunter and make sure you pass the next interview with flying colors!

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Opportunities and projects in the JavaScript space.

In the end, advancing your career is all about getting the right opportunities at the right time and a good portion of luck.

These are some interesting things going on in the JavaScript space and you probably don't want to miss them.

Write a NPM package

JavaScript and NPM relies on open-source. As a developer, you are in the best position to share your knowledge and share your work. Being a NPM package author also puts you on the radar of companies, so get on this!

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Growing into a Senior JavaScript Developer role pays off – $40,000 up to per year.

Not only is the progression from individual JavaScript Developer to a Senior role a natural progression, it also makes all the difference in your average salary.

On a global average, Senior JavaScript Developer receive a $40,000 salary hike over entry-level JavaScript Developers when they go from individual contributor to senior personnel.

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Related career paths

If you like JavaScript careers, you might also be interested in these other career paths.

Get the help you need & advance your career

Being part of one of the fastest growing technologies in the world is exciting. If you ever feel overwhelmed, our mentors are here for you!