PHP Developer [Remote Jobs]

What does a PHP Developer do?

A PHP Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining web applications and websites using the PHP programming language. Their main tasks include:

• Writing clean, scalable, and efficient PHP code to a high standard
• Producing detailed specifications and documentation
• Troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining the core software and databases
• Integrating internal components focused on user experience developed by frontend developers
• Adjusting the web application to work across different browsers
• Developing and deploying new features to facilitate related procedures and tools
• Following industry best practices and contributing to all phases of the development lifecycle
• Liaising with clients and stakeholders to gather and define project requirements
• Designing solutions and features to meet project requirements
• Developing testing and validation processes
• Deploying code to the live environment

PHP Developers typically work as part of a full-stack team responsible for all aspects of ongoing software development, from initial specification through to development, testing, and launching. They may work for large companies creating new software, digital agencies, or within the IT department of a business.

What are the key skills required for a PHP Developer?

To become a PHP Developer, you need to possess the following key skills:

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in PHP programming language and its frameworks like Laravel, CakePHP, CodeIgniter, Symfony or Yii
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript for frontend development
• Understanding of web architecture, client-server communication, RESTful APIs
• Experience with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git
• Ability to write clean, scalable, and efficient PHP code
• Proficiency in developing and deploying new features
• Troubleshooting, testing and maintaining core software and databases

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail to ensure code quality and accuracy
• Problem-solving skills to identify and fix bugs
• Analytical skills to make logical, data-driven decisions
• Time management skills to meet deadlines
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Creativity to understand project objectives and create engaging products
• Strategic planning to streamline the development process

Other Skills

• Basic design skills to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces
• Understanding of web hosting platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Heroku
• Knowledge of web development tools like PhpStorm, Zend Studio, NetBeans

To acquire these skills, aspiring PHP Developers can pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or software engineering, or complete a VET course like a Diploma of Information Technology. Gaining hands-on experience through internships and contributing to open-source projects is also highly valuable.

What are some common tools used by PHP Developers?

Some of the most common tools used by PHP Developers include:

Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)

• PhpStorm – A popular IDE specifically designed for PHP development, with features like built-in debugging tools and integration with version control systems
• Visual Studio Code – A lightweight IDE with a vast ecosystem and support for numerous extensions, making it easy to build PHP projects
• Eclipse – A full-featured IDE with a rich PHP environment that provides debugging, integration with third-party tools, and more

Debugging Tools

• Xdebug – A debugging extension available in most modern PHP IDEs, useful for debugging PHP projects

Testing Frameworks

• PHPUnit – A testing framework for writing tests on PHP projects to ensure code reliability
• Behat – A testing framework that supports the Behavior Driven Development (BDD) approach, preferred for increasing collaboration among stakeholders

Database Management Tools

• phpMyAdmin – A MySQL database manager and administration tool that provides an interactive user interface for creating and modifying databases

Cloud-based IDEs

• Cloud9 IDE – A cloud-based online IDE that supports real-time code collaboration and provides modern features

Other Tools

• Composer – A dependency manager for PHP that allows developers to declare and manage dependencies
• Laravel Valet – A development environment for Mac minimalists that provides a blazing fast local development environment
• Symfony CLI – A command-line tool that provides a fast and efficient way to create, develop, and maintain Symfony applications

These tools help PHP Developers streamline their workflow, improve productivity, and create robust web applications.

How to find a job as a PHP Developer?

Here are some key steps to find a job as a PHP Developer:

Build Your Skills

• Gain proficiency in PHP programming language and its frameworks like Laravel, CakePHP, CodeIgniter, Symfony or Yii
• Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript for frontend development
• Understand web architecture, client-server communication, RESTful APIs
• Get experience with databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
• Familiarize yourself with version control systems like Git
• Develop skills to write clean, scalable, and efficient PHP code

Gain Experience

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or software engineering
• Alternatively, pursue a VET course like a Diploma of Information Technology
• Seek internship programs while studying to gain hands-on PHP coding experience
• Contribute to open-source projects to build your portfolio

Create an Online Presence

• Build a strong portfolio showcasing your PHP projects
• Maintain an active GitHub profile to demonstrate your coding skills
• Create an online resume and profile on professional networking sites like LinkedIn

Search for Job Openings

• Browse job boards like SEEK, Upwork, and LinkedIn for PHP Developer job listings
• Look for opportunities at large companies creating new software, digital agencies, or IT departments
• Consider freelancing on a contractual basis through platforms like Upwork

Prepare for Interviews

• Be ready to discuss your technical skills, experience, and projects
• Practice coding challenges and whiteboard exercises
• Research the company and role to demonstrate your interest and fit

By following these steps and continuously learning and improving your skills, you can increase your chances of landing a rewarding job as a PHP Developer.

Is it possible to work remotely as a PHP Developer?

Yes, it is possible to work remotely as a PHP Developer. Many companies are open to hiring PHP Developers for remote positions, allowing them to work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Some key points about remote PHP Developer jobs:

• Job boards like Upwork have a large number of open remote PHP Developer positions
• Companies like XM are actively hiring remote Senior PHP Developers
• LinkedIn shows over 6,000 PHP Developer job listings in the United States alone, many of which are remote roles
• In Germany, there are 82 PHP Developer jobs listed on GermanTechJobs, with some offering remote work options

What is the job outlook for PHP Developers?

The job outlook for PHP Developers is positive, with employment expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

Key points about the job outlook for PHP Developers:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% increase in web development jobs, including PHP, by 2026, which is more than double the average for all occupations
• Employment of PHP Developers is anticipated to increase between 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations
• The projected PHP Developer job growth rate is 13% from 2018-2028, with about 20,900 new jobs projected over the next decade
• There are currently over 181,872 PHP Developers employed in the United States, with 166,706 active job openings

The strong job outlook is driven by the continual expansion of the software development field, with the creation of new websites and increasing connectivity demands. Small and large businesses rely on functional websites built with PHP to meet their e-commerce and productivity goals.

However, developers who expand their skills beyond a single programming language like PHP typically experience the most job growth throughout their careers. Acquiring additional skills in areas like JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, Python, APIs, and web user interface design can further enhance job prospects for PHP Developers.

What are the average salaries for PHP Developers?

The average salaries for PHP Developers in the United States are:

• $91,010 per year, with a range typically between $67,000 and $122,000
• $102,005 per year as of April 2024
• $81,000 per year on average, with a low of $55,000 and a high of $100,000 according to Glassdoor
• $86,000 per year on average, with a low of $16,000 and a high of $137,000 according to ZipRecruiter
• $64,000 per year on average, with a low of $43,000 and a high of $94,000 according to PayScale
• $94,000 per year based on job offers posted on Indeed

The average hourly rate for PHP Developers is $43.75. Salaries can vary based on factors like location, education, and experience. The highest paying states for PHP Developers are Nevada, Washington, and Maryland.

The average PHP Developer salary has risen by $14,786 over the last ten years, from $76,224 in 2014 to $91,010 in 2024, a change of 11%.