A WordPress developer is a ‘full-stack’ developer which means they are capable of developing both the front and back end of a website.  This requires a range of technical expertise in software development and computer programming, which is why most professional WordPress developers complete a tertiary qualification.  These range from a BSc in Computer Science to a diploma or certificate in software development.  There are also many different WordPress courses, resources and tutorials on offer - via both online and in-person training.  However, a successful WordPress developer requires a high level of skills and knowledge and there is no substitute for practical experience in web development and web design.

WordPress users need to have sound technical skills in order to use this content management tool effectively.  There are a vast number of plugins available for customising a website and enhancing its design and functionality, but installing these can be time-consuming and frustrating if you don’t have the technical skills.  These plugins also require frequent updating and it can become quite costly if you end up paying for unnecessary plugins.

WordPress is widely acknowledged as the leading content management system in the world.  This is backed up by data, with a 2022 survey from W3Techs revealing that WordPress is used by 43.2% of all websites on the internet and has a market share of 65%.

Given that WordPress is such a globally popular content management system, there is an ongoing need for people with relevant skills and expertise in WordPress web development.  Being a WordPress developer is a rewarding career for independent freelancers as well as for those employed by specialist IT companies.

WordPress uses four coding languages namely PHP, JavaScript, HTML and CSS.   Of these, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is the main programming and scripting language because it runs the open-source platform from the server.

The best way to practice WordPress is to build your own website.  It’s easy to make a start using this powerful open-source platform, and once the basics are in place, you can develop your technical proficiency and learn new skills as you build your site.  Bear in mind that it can take time to make meaningful progress, so it’s best to tread slowly and carefully so as not to get discouraged.

The hourly cost of a WordPress developer in Australia costs anything between $55 to around $200 per hour. 

These charges vary according to the person’s skills, seniority and experience and also on the complexity of the work required.  For example, if you want someone to build an ecommerce website for your small business, you will pay more per hour than if you just required a simple website for blogging.

It’s not possible to put a price on the cost of a WordPress website because the final number depends on so many different variables, including the number of pages, the degree of customisation required, whether an online marketplace is required etc. 

A ballpark figure for a WordPress website in Australia is around $2 500 to $5 000 for seven to 10 pages.  It is always worth shopping around to find an affordable and innovative WordPress web developer who can build a highly effective website for your business within your budget limitations.