UI developers shape the way we interact with the digital world.
User interface (UI) developers combine programming, psychology and
creative design to craft intuitive controls for software and hardware.
The UI developer’s mission is to create an interface that behaves as
users would it expect it to, facilitating a seamless and efficient user
experience.
In the decade leading up to 2020, a record number of businesses will
launch new computer systems and applications to gain a competitive
advantage in the increasingly cloud-based digital world. Demand for
talented user interface developers will flourish in all
programming-centric domains, including web, software and mobile
application development.
There is a range of UI development classes and accredited degrees
featuring coursework in the skills needed to become an user interface
developer. Compare
UI development training programs in the U.S., Canada and online below.
a.k.a. UI Engineer | Graphical User Interface (GUI) Designer | Mobile UI Developer | Web UI Developer | UX Developer
User Interface Developer Skills & Responsibilities
Typical day-to-day activities and marketable skill sets for UI developers include the following. User interface developers:
- Are fluent in the essential front-end web development languages, i.e., HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
- Are skilled in modern web and application programming skills, such as Java, .Net, AJAX, PHP, XHTML and Ruby.
- Utilize Adobe Creative Suite programs, e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash & Flex to mockup and design UI elements.
- Use responsive web design to create user interfaces that automatically conform to multiple screen sizes and devices.
- Conduct usability testing to identify and fix UI problems, and gather real-world intelligence from their target market.
- Utilize social networking APIs (from Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) to integrate social actions.
- Should have working knowledge of one or more of the leading DBMS, e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle and IBM DB2.
- Collaborate with business and IT decision makers to discuss user interface requirements and brainstorm UI ideas.
- Use visual aids, including wireframes, storyboards and UI flow charts, to plan and present user interface designs.
- Are familiar with popular content management systems (CMS), e.g., WordPress, Joomla!, Magneto & osCommerce.
- Wield their knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to develop search engine-friendly user interfaces.
- Keep current with the latest trends and best practices of UI/UX design and HCI (human-computer interaction).
- Successful UI development managers need superior soft-skills in
areas like verbal and written communication, team leadership and project
management, to effectively communicate with business decision-makers
and subordinates.
User Interface Developer Salary
- The average starting salary for User Interface Developers in the U.S. is $91,000.
Salaries for UI Developers and related positions by experience, medium and specialization:
- User Interface Designer: $85,000
- User Experience Designer: 86,000
- Front-End Web Developer: $90,000
- User Interface Developer: $91,000
- iOS User Interface Developer: $93,000
- Android User Interface Developer: $96,000
- Lead User Experience Designer: $99,000
- Principal User Interface Designer: $101,000
- Senior User Interface Developer: $111,000
The hourly wage for user interface developers ranges from $25 to $94
per hour, depending on the individual’s experience, geographic location,
skill set and portfolio.
The uniquely projectized nature of user interface development
translates to a decent number of contract positions with monthly
compensation. The monthly UI developer pay scale ranges from $8,600 to
$9,700 per month. As you can see, contractors tend to make a higher
per-unit wage than full-time employees, in lieu of the stability and
benefits of full-time work.
Sources: Indeed.com | Glassdoor.com
UI Developer Education Requirements
UI development employers typically require candidates to have at
least a bachelor’s degree, with a major in Computer Science, Web
Development, Human-Computer Interaction, Mobile Computing, Graphic
Design, Software Engineering or a related field of study. As in most
creative, project-driven roles, a strong portfolio of your best work
will play a key role in UI developer hiring and upward mobility.
Marketable skills to look for in an UI development education program
include front-end web development, interactive media design,
human-computer interaction, usability testing, mobile development,
graphic design, and team-centric
soft skills,
such as effective interpersonal communication, leadership and project
management. Marketable programming skills for UI developers include
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, AJAX, JSON, jQuery, Java, Ruby on Rails, and SQL
database development. UI devs will also benefit from learning Photoshop,
Flash, Flex and Illustrator from the Adobe Creative Suite.
The subject matter in UI development training lends itself well to both live online
ILT and self-paced distance learning.
Compare the top-ranked
courses and degrees that align with user interface developers’ training & skills requirements.
User Interface Development Training
Browse the top-reviewed accredited college degrees, professional
certificates and self-paced online training programs matching the user
interface developer education requirements and career track.