Interactive Site Development

Interactive Site Developer Overview

The work created by interactive site developers is impossible to miss. From websites that let users connect with each other—whether through social networking, commenting, or messaging—to P2P video games and animated online banners, interactive site developers are the professionals responsible for creating the unique online codes that make emerging technologies possible.

What separates interactive site developers from more traditional site developers is user involvement. That is, the ability for users to connect with each other through digital means. This coding is typically more advanced than basic HTML. Interactive developers need to have expertise in interactive design, content authoring, and system design, along with basic skills in software engineering, programming, and 3D technologies.

Interactive site developers can expect to be compensated well thanks to a high demand for their expert skills, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranks the profession among the highest paying specialties within the computer science industry.

Interactive Site Developer Training & Education

The vast majority of applicants seeking careers in interactive site development are graduates of four-year institutions who majored in a computer science-related field. This path, however, is not a requirement for developers, and many choose to instead focus their undergraduate education on learning about interactive media, advertising, or marketing. No matter what degree is obtained, it is important to note that graduates should leave school with a fundamental understanding of interactive media technologies, including web, audio, and video programming.

Beyond that, interactive developers need to have a wide breadth of knowledge of web-based codes and programming, including expertise in streaming video, Flash, Fireworks, Photoshop, CSS, JavaScript, XML, Adobe PDF, among others. Although specific employers may require knowledge of different programs, it is important that those hoping to enter the field understand the fundamentals of a large number of digital technologies in order to be successful on the job.

Interactive Site Developer Career & Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information scientists—including researchers, developers, and analysts—earned a median annual income of $93,950 as of May 2006. Although the BLS does not keep records of specific salary statistics for interactive site developers, it does note a 2007 Salary Survey published by Robert Half International, which found that the average senior web developer earns between $71,000 and $102,000 per year. More recently, a 2009 report published by PayScale.com found that the median salary for senior interactive website developers with five to nine years experience was $73,116, with those developers working for private firms earning the highest salaries and those working for non-profit organizations earning the lowest.

Characteristics of a Successful Interactive Site Developer

To be a successful interactive developer, one must be naturally curious, since a large part of the job will include testing out and trying new digital products. This person should also be extremely creative with a strong attention to detail and feel comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

The field itself is evolving and changing rapidly, requiring interactive site developers to continually spend time refreshing and growing their skill sets to keep up with the digital revolution.

Article Resources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Voyages
Payscale
The Web: Creating and Changing Jobs. Trends and Issues Alerts
Information Systems: The e-Business Challenge