If you see a website that’s user-friendly and extremely interactive, know that a senior front-end developer is the visionary and brain box behind the marvel of software. What goes on behind the scenes is applaudable. But whether it's websites or mobile applications, what happens on the front end of the development is the most important aspect of this user experience.
Not only that but a front-end developer connects the back-end development to the front-end. The importance of a skillful front-end developer is undeniable as he plays a major role in the development of any software project.
However, we won’t deny the fact that finding a person with all the technical skills and openness for teamwork is not easy. You have to go through a large number of applications to find the best fit.
Well, here’s the catch. Our article shares all the inner hacks that you should be well informed about when hiring an apt senior front-end developer. By the end of this guide, you’ll be familiar with different hiring models, their salaries, and the top skills the applicant must have to create, manage and complete outstanding front-end projects.
Senior Front-end Developer Job Profile
A senior front-end developer works on building the user interface of a mobile application or website. They showcase their skills with the application’s visual elements, including graphics, typography, and layouts. They also ensure smooth interaction between the app and users.
However, several other tasks make senior front-end developers superior to junior developers. Usually, their job profile includes the following chores:
- Creating and applying design planning
- Designing new applications and websites
- Working on coding assignments and code reviews for functionality and accuracy
- Training team members and mentoring junior developers with delegated tasks
Furthermore, senior front-end developers take over the entire development workflow process by composing terms of references and technical specifications. Likewise, seniors are also counted on for defining calculated risks with projects, especially those with a high budget.
Some organizations fail to understand the core difference between the job types of junior and senior front-end developers, and they often end up choosing the wrong person for the job. Therefore, you must determine the fine line that separates a senior from a junior.
A senior developer has a work experience of 5 to 8 years, whereas juniors have 0 to 1.5 years of experience in the field. As compared to a senior-level front-end developer, juniors only perform minor bug fixes and they only work on an app's “admin-side”, internal tools, and features. They assist senior developers in gathering user reviews about programs’ functionality. Additionally, they respond to requests made by seniors and the whole development team.
Let's continue the discussion by learning the main responsibilities of a senior front-end developer.
6 Major Responsibilities Of A Senior Frontend Developer
Senior front-end developers have to wear different hats because of their position. While there are many responsibilities of an experienced front-end web developer, here are the six most important ones you should consider.
1. Documentation
Documenting front-end tasks of software is essential for a senior front-end developer. This includes making complete outlines, such as product requirements and goals. They must ensure that all the noted tasks are in sync with the backend services and user interface changes. This practice is critical because it keeps the development tasks smooth and delivers results on time.
2. Developing New Features
The senior front-end developer’s core responsibility is to add new features to an application. However, they are in charge of performing this duty from the user-centered design approach.
All the software and programs they create with new features should prioritize human interactions and behaviors. This means that they must not only find ways to add the latest attributes to the solution but also assure them of being problem-solving and user-friendly.
3. Crafting Prototypes
A senior front-end developer should know how to make a simulation of the final design. It allows the design team to bring a high user experience to the application. A skilled senior developer understands when and how to take steps to make things easy while focusing on good practices and maintaining accurate code architecture.
And to do this effectively, a senior frontend developer must know how to utilize view-layer-oriented and component-based frameworks like React.js and Vue.js.
4. Building Reusable Codes
Code reusability allows senior frontend developers to build new reliable and efficient applications through previously written codes. This practice improves the quality of the software, decreases complexity, and saves time. But since it's a significant responsibility, a senior front-end developer should know when to use the reusable code approach in the development environment. Some approaches include:
- Referenced Reuse: Creating a new project by adding the previous code’s library or header file
- Forked Reuse: When a developer uses someone else’s code after making alterations to fit their project
- Opportunistic Reuse: If the developer discovers a part of the code in the new application where they can reuse the old code
5. Maintenance And Optimization
A senior front-end developer is required to maintain and optimize the features of the web or mobile applications and ensure that the app is compatible with the latest technology. They may be required to update the user interface by changing trends and styles following users’ behaviors for the website’s long-term success.
Likewise, they need to monitor the performance of the UI to ensure it is responsive and does not lag. Another major responsibility of a senior front-end developer is to design a maintenance schedule.
6. Debugging Errors
The right candidate must know how to identify the root cause before starting with the debugging process. They should prepare a detailed test plan and start fixing issues by following the front-end debugging methods:
- Brute Force
- Back Tracking
- Cause Elimination
All the senior front-end developers at Aloa are fully aware of these responsibilities. Our professionals are experts at software documentation, application development, and prototyping. Our remote work teams are always one step ahead of identifying bottlenecks and solving them at their core. Our continuous training ensures that the front-end team is always ready and fully equipped for optimizing web applications.
Businesses must understand the skill sets to look for in a senior front-end developer before making a decision. Let’s take a look at a few that are essential.
What Skills Should You Look For In A Senior Front-End Developer
Before entrusting a candidate with all the primary responsibilities, you must analyze their skills and knowledge. So here are some necessary skills you should seek in a senior front-end developer.
I. Working On Version Control Systems
Senior front-end developers must deeply understand using version control systems like Git. It’s an open-source tool that allows developers to collaborate with other team members and track changes in codebases. This tool also helps them browse repositories, saving time finding previous files. However, it is also essential that the candidate should be able to fix Git’s issues that may arise from time to time.
II. Understanding Of JavaScript Frameworks And Libraries
JavaScript is a popular programming language for developing interactive elements in applications. While there are several JavaScript frameworks and libraries to build user interfaces and create a powerful and user-friendly UI of a website or mobile app, a suitable candidate should know at least the following:
- React - Used to create user interfaces that require less loading times
- Redux - Permits developers to develop programs with minimal complexity
- Vue.js - Gives senior front-end developers a free hand to customize applications
- Node.js - Used for both front and backend development and aids horizontal and vertical scaling of the app
- TypeScript - To write codes with fewer bugs which are straightforward to merge with JavaScript programs
III. In-Depth Knowledge Of HTML And CSS
HTML is a markup language that is used to develop websites and web-based applications. It makes programs and browsers search-engine friendly. On the other hand, CSS is a design language that helps create visual structure and aesthetics of applications.
When combined, these languages can do wonders for your website. But it is only possible when the candidate has complete command over them. Therefore, having extensive and practical knowledge of HTML and CSS is a must for any senior front-end developer.
IV. Expert At API Integration
Application Programming Interface or API is a set of protocols that facilitates the exchange of data or messages. API integration plays a key role in the software development process, especially regarding front-end development.
A senior front-end software engineer can build a user-friendly and highly interactive platform with the help of API integration in real time. It allows developers to add custom functionality and third-party services to their applications. Using APIs is vital for seniors as they are required in almost every eCommerce store. So they should know how to create their own APIs for testing prototypes through some of the famous platforms, such as:
- Quotes API
- Fake Store API
- JSONPlaceHolder
V. Proficient At Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization is not just a specialty in the marketing field but also an important segment of web development. As a senior frontend engineer, the person is also in charge of the SEO performance of the applications.
Why so? Because on-page SEO requires knowledge of HTML, HTML5, and CSS. The outcomes are more fruitful when the senior front-end developers plan, monitor, and apply search engine optimization techniques from the very start.
VI. Leadership Skills
A senior front-end developer must possess leadership abilities as they usually have an entire team to manage and mentor. Through proper communication skills, they should provide proper guidance and set timely goals. They should also build a positive and respectable work environment where every single member can give their best.
VII. Design Skills
A senior front-end developer with outstanding design skills can create an attractive and impactful face for an application. It’s part of their job description to be well aware of the new technologies and latest trends in the design industry.
They should know which color combination and font family to use to make the front end more appealing. Likewise, they must be aware of the negative and positive spacing and use them in balance to create catchy layouts that are easy to focus on.
Salaries Of Senior Front-End Developers For 2023
Most employers get puzzled about offering salaries to a senior front-end developer. To help you with this, we have mentioned salaries for senior front-end engineers in the US and the rest of the world. Use our guide to offer a competitive salary so you don’t lose an excellent candidate.
Salary Of A Senior Front-End Developer In The US
So how much should you pay a senior front-end developer in the US? Here’s the answer.
The estimated average salary of a senior front-end developer in the United States with a proper educational background in computer sciences is $119,989 per year. The amount covers the basic annual pay of $100,212 with additional bonuses or commissions of $19,777 per annum.
Now, let’s discover how much you should expect to pay to a senior frontend developer in other US states:
- California - USD 144,364 per year
- New York - USD 130,975 per year
- Arizona - USD 115,123 per year
- Alaska - USD 115,109 per year
- Texas - USD 114,690 per year
- Colorado - USD 113,890 per year
- Illinois - USD 110,028 per year
- Pennsylvania - USD 108,067 per year
- Ohio - USD 107,026 per year
- Florida - USD 106,822 per year
Salary Of A Senior Frontend Developer Across The World
Now let’s take a look at the annual salary of a senior frontend developer in the following countries:
- China - $127,760 per year
- Switzerland - $128,197 per year
- Netherlands - $107,445 per year
- Canada - $83,209 per year
- Australia - $77,531 per year
- Denmark - $77,208 per year
- Norway - $76,881 per year
- Germany - $73,795 per year
- United Kingdom - $70,648 per year
- Japan - $46,971 per year
How To Find A Senior Front-End Developer?
Hiring is a crucial process. If recruiting the right candidate can prosper your business, the wrong candidate can waste your time and monetary resources. So to ensure your company grows after onboarding a senior frontend developer, find the applicant through the following process.
A. Know What You Need
The most important part of hiring a senior front-end engineer is to understand your business requirements. You can identify your organization’s needs by analyzing your past projects and current requirements and a thoughtful discussion with the concerned department.
All these details will help you set the standards and you will come up with accurate requirements. For example, you want a senior front-end developer with 6 years of experience who should:
- Have Agile work practice
- Understand APIs and implement SEO
- Guide less experienced team members
- Work in a team environment with the organization’s CMS
- Progress with projects according to your customers' needs
- Lead the entire frontend setup, design, and continuous maintenance
- Deliver timely websites and mobile applications using JavaScript, HTML, or CSS
B. Budget Wisely
Now that you understand your requirements, you should calculate the cost and expenses of hiring a senior front-end developer, including the recruitment process. This may also include purchasing hardware, furniture, and anything else that makes room for the new recruit.
It is extremely important that you don’t exceed your budget, or it can negatively impact your resources. If things are going south, plan them as per your financial strength. For instance, if a developer with 6 years of experience demands a $102,000 annual salary, try seeking someone with 4 or 5 years of industry exposure. Doing so will be more convenient for your company in the long run.
C. Pick An Appropriate Hiring Model
There are quite a few hiring models which you can adapt according to your needs. Let’s take a look at each one of them:
Option 1: Hire A Remote Resource
Aloa Frontend Development: On Time, On Budget, High Quality
Aloa is a global leader in helping businesses scale their frontend development teams. Whether you are looking to staff multiple senior developers or build out a specific product, Aloa ensures that you are working with the best frontend development talent from around the world.
Aloa has vetted 10,000+ software agencies around the globe to identify and hire the best senior frontend developers. Our strict vetting process sets you up for success, giving you a clear path to interviewing top-tier candidates. The developers in our network are well-versed in various programming languages and frameworks.
Aloa will deliver Performance Reports to ensure you receive consistent updates on your project's progress so you stay informed and confident with every step. At Aloa, we make sure that you get your software built on time, on budget, and high quality.
Option 2: Freelancers
Many companies prefer hiring freelance senior front-end developers for their part-time development needs because it reduces hiring costs. And why not. There’s plenty of talent on freelancer marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr to help you with the projects.
However, one cannot guarantee high-quality deliveries from all freelancers. It is because they are mostly engaged with multiple projects, which leads to a lack of commitment. They are also difficult to supervise and may cause a security threat to your confidential business information.
Option 3: Hire A Full-Time Onsite Resource
Although freelancing has become popular, many companies still believe the table trend is an appropriate hiring model. Hiring a full-time senior front-end developer assures:
- Better monitoring
- Greater productivity
- Long-term commitment
On the other hand, hiring full-time front-end engineers have flaws like:
- Hiring cost
- High payroll
- Infrastructure expenses
- Bonuses and increments
D. Interview Potential Candidates
Regardless of the hiring model, you should always interview candidates. Prepare questions related to the senior front-end development position. You should analyze their problem-solving capabilities and behavior regarding teamwork and look for the best answers to shortlist the best applicants for the next step.
E. Take-Home Coding Test
A take-home coding test is a small project you assign to the potential candidates to screen and select the most qualified candidate. You can give them technical tasks like small bug fixes, unit testing, and image optimization to test their skills and speed. Score each applicant and conduct another round of interviews with the top scorers to discuss further. If the candidate needs resources to prepare for their tests, they can check out sites like ProProfs, Kahoot!, or ExamLabs.
Conclusion
Front-end senior-level developers have huge responsibilities on their shoulders. They are countable for accurate documentation, building new and improved features, and prototyping the idea. Moreover, they are also answerable for optimizing solutions and debugging errors in the system.
But finding the right candidate is not an easy job. With so many candidates available in the job market, you can never be sure of the right fit for your organization. And we can help you with the whole process.
At Aloa, we provide the top-notch talent of senior front-end developers to work on your projects as a team. You can visit our official website or contact us at resources@aloa.co for any information related to remote workforce and development services.
