If you love building sites and want to make money, WordPress is a solid shortcut. It powers over 40% of the web, so companies are always hunting for people who can set up, customize, and maintain sites quickly. Below you’ll find the most common WordPress roles, a quick hiring checklist, and tips to level up your rates.
First, know the job titles you’ll see on job boards. A WordPress developer writes themes and plugins, handles custom PHP, and integrates APIs. A WordPress designer focuses on layout, typography, and the visual side of a theme. Site managers keep sites secure, update plugins, and fix bugs. Finally, many freelancers offer full‑service packages that cover design, dev, SEO, and ongoing support.
Most positions fall into three buckets: full‑time at an agency, in‑house at a brand, or contract/freelance. Full‑time roles often come with benefits and a steady paycheck but may limit the tools you use. Freelance gigs give you freedom to pick projects, but you’ll need to hustle for clients and manage invoices.
1. Show a live portfolio. A static screenshot isn’t enough. Host a few sites on a sub‑domain, point out the challenges you solved, and include before‑after stats. 2. Learn the must‑know plugins. Elementor, Yoast SEO, and Advanced Custom Fields are everywhere. Being comfortable with them saves interview time. 3. Master the WordPress REST API. More companies expect headless setups or custom front‑ends, so knowing how to pull data via API makes you stand out.
When you apply, tailor your resume to the posting. Mention the exact versions of WordPress you’ve worked with, the number of sites you’ve built, and any performance improvements you achieved (e.g., page load reduced from 3.2 s to 1.1 s).
Don’t forget soft skills. Communication, time‑management, and the ability to explain technical stuff to non‑tech clients keep you from getting stuck on “I can code, but can I talk?"
Finally, set a realistic rate. For freelancers, start at £30‑£40 per hour if you’re new, then raise it as you add custom plugin work or e‑commerce expertise. Agencies typically pay £35,000‑£55,000 a year for junior devs, climbing to £80,000+ for senior roles.
With the right mix of portfolio pieces, plugin knowledge, and clear communication, you’ll start getting interview calls within weeks. Keep learning – new blocks, Gutenberg, and headless trends keep the market hot, and you’ll stay in demand.
Curious if WordPress development is worth your time? This article breaks down what a career in WordPress really looks like in 2025. We’ll talk about earning potential, job stability, skill requirements, and the realities of working full-time or as a freelancer. You’ll get practical advice on landing your first gig and growing your skills. Plus, there are tips from personal experience you won’t find anywhere else.