Web Manager

Education and Training: Certification or bachelor degree in a computer related field
Average Salary: $71,100
Job Outlook: Very good

Web managers are also known as webmasters or web administrators in the United States. They are responsible for maintaining websites and ensure minimal downtime, fast loading speeds, and safe browsing for users. Some web managers may also do web development work by creating applications and software programs for websites while others could be involved in designing the website.

In addition to this, a web manager’s job also includes maintaining site statistics and analyzing traffic trends. Web content managers are in charge of maintaining website content. They ensure that new content gets uploaded on time and make it available to users without any technical glitches. For this purpose, they must be knowledgeable about website development software like Wordpress and others.

Education and Training Requirements

An associate degree or certification in a computer related field is required to become a web manager. This could be computer sciences or information technology. Some firms hire graduates with advanced bachelor degrees for technically challenging positions. These positions are a mix of a traditional web manager role and that of a computer or network administrator or even web developer.

Web developers must have a bachelor’s degree and certifications which display their experience in website designing.

A web manager can find more employment opportunities if they increase their skill set by adding certifications. Since computer technology is rapidly changing, they must keep expanding their knowledge through continuing education programs or training offered by software companies.

Getting the Job

Web managers are required by all businesses that rely on the internet for their business. These include e-commerce websites, social networking sites, blogs, or even high traffic personal websites. Job opportunities exist everywhere – from small towns or large metropolitan cities since businesses require the support of webmasters to function smoothly in the online world.

You could either join a web development firm or a large online business. In case of the former, webmasters will have multiple clients. Another option is freelancing. With the expanding reach of the internet, a lot of businesses are moving online and require the services of a web manager without investing in hiring a full time employee.

Job Prospects, Employment Outlook, and Career Development

Employment opportunities for web masters and computer system administrators are expected to increase 20% by 2018. This increase will be due to more and more businesses moving online as well as an increase in the number of internet users.

Web managers will find more job opportunities in the healthcare sector as hospitals start providing online consultations and advice to patients.

Web managers with 5-8 years of work experience can find senior web manager positions in large firms and businesses, where they handle a team of web managers. However, it is important to keep adding new skills to your resume so you can find better job opportunities.

Working Conditions and Environment

Web managers work in comfortable air conditioned offices or computer laboratories. Most work 40 hours a week but may have to work overtime in case of technical problems such as website downtime.

Injuries are uncommon but long hours in front of a computer can cause spinal problems, hand and wrist injuries, and eyestrain. Freelance web managers can invest in ergonomic chairs to avoid back injuries.

Salary and Benefits

As of May 2008, the median annual wage for web managers was $71,100. Those with more than ten years of work experience earned $100,000 and above. Web managers working in rural areas or smaller towns typically earned between $40,000 and $60,000.

Benefits include sick leave, bonuses, paid time off, and health insurance. Freelance web managers and entrepreneurs do not get benefits like health insurance.

Where to Go for More Information

Association for Computing Machinery
2 Penn Plaza, Ste. 701
New York, NY 10121
(800) 342-6626
www.acm.org

National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies
Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Circle SE, N211
Bellvue, WA 98007
(425) 564-4229
www.nwcet.org

University of Washington Computer Science and Engineering
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-1695
www.cs.washington.edu