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Job outlook for php developers in the United States
Php developer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected php developer job growth rate is 13% from 2018-2028.
About 20,900 new jobs for php developers are projected over the next decade.
Php developer salaries have increased 11% for php developers in the last 5 years.
There are over 181,872 php developers currently employed in the United States.
There are 166,706 active php developer job openings in the US.
The average php developer salary is $91,010.
Are php developer jobs in demand?
Php developer job and salary trends over time
Php developer jobs over time
Php developer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 181,872 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 140,270 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 42,460 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 31,178 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 30,905 | 0.01% |
Average php developer salary over time
Php developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $91,010 | $43.75 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $88,011 | $42.31 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $86,018 | $41.35 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $84,234 | $40.50 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $81,930 | $39.39 | +1.8% |
Php developer jobs by state
Most common states for php developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 735 | 106% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,272 | 39% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 408 | 39% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 235 | 38% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 339 | 35% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,049 | 34% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,417 | 33% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,081 | 30% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 895 | 29% |
| 10 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,145 | 28% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 269 | 26% |
| 12 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 199 | 26% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 485 | 25% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 339 | 25% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,338 | 24% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,319 | 24% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,075 | 23% |
| 18 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 187 | 22% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 128 | 22% |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,335 | 20% |
Most common cities for php developers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $103,104 |
| 2 | Coppell | 2 | 5% | $79,202 |
| 3 | Columbia | 3 | 3% | $102,994 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 9 | 2% | $82,222 |
| 5 | Austin | 9 | 1% | $81,321 |
| 6 | Washington | 6 | 1% | $97,681 |
| 7 | Baltimore | 5 | 1% | $103,123 |
| 8 | Akron | 2 | 1% | $90,779 |
| 9 | Alexandria | 2 | 1% | $92,316 |
| 10 | Cincinnati | 2 | 1% | $88,192 |
| 11 | New York | 12 | 0% | $90,752 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 6 | 0% | $97,531 |
| 13 | Dallas | 4 | 0% | $79,372 |
| 14 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $80,903 |
| 15 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $88,743 |
| 16 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $80,313 |
| 17 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $92,340 |
PHP Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of php developer experts
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Middle Georgia State University
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Idaho State University
Wright State University
Southeastern Louisiana University
Gannon University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Keiser University Latin American Campus.
Florida Atlantic University
University of New Haven
Murray State University
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Indiana University South Bend
Pennsylvania State University - Erie (The Behrend College)
Illinois Wesleyan University
New Mexico State University
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What PHP Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What will help PHP Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
What will help PHP Developers increase their earning potential?
Ahmed Imteaj PH.D.: Research Salary Trends: Before entering the job market, research salary trends for entry-level positions in your field and location. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary can provide valuable insights into typical salary ranges for different roles.
Acquire In-Demand Skills: Identify in-demand skills and technologies in your field and focus on acquiring them through coursework, certifications, internships, or personal projects. Skills such as machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science are highly valued and can command higher salaries.
Gain Relevant Experience: Prioritize gaining relevant experience through internships, co-op programs, part-time jobs, or freelance projects. Practical experience can significantly increase your market value and make you more attractive to employers.Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Highlighting your unique qualifications can increase your chances of landing interviews and negotiating a higher salary.
Prepare for Salary Negotiations: Before entering salary negotiations, research the typical salary range for the position and location, considering factors such as cost of living and industry standards. Practice articulating your value proposition and be prepared to negotiate confidently for a salary that reflects your skills, experience, and market value.
Consider Additional Benefits: In addition to salary, consider other benefits and perks offered by employers, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and bonuses. These benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation package.
Tina Ashford
Professor of Information Technology/Faculty Curator of the Museum of Technology/DoIT Internship CoordinatorMiddle Georgia State University
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
What will help PHP Developers increase their earning potential?
Tina Ashford: My first piece of advice is to embrace lifelong learning. Tech never sleeps, so neither should your curiosity. View mistakes as growth opportunities, and stay a student forever. Next, optimize your communication and teamwork skills to bridge the gap between techies and everyone else. Critical thinking is your secret sauce, so use it to solve problems creatively and anticipate the future. Finally, specialization is great, but keep an open mind. A broader skillset makes you adaptable, ready to seize unexpected opportunities. Network actively, build relationships, and most importantly, stay passionate. Let your tech enthusiasm fuel your career.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to an PHP Developer?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What PHP Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: This one I'm not sure how to answer as it is too broad. I would say work hard and do quality work, but that seems obvious.
What PHP Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikyra Capson: Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim ChairWright State University
Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Department
What skills stand out on PHP Developer resumes?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Web Developer: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, PHP, Python, APIs, Web user interface design.
What hard/technical skills are most important for PHP Developers?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Particularly for a web developer, HTML/CSS skills, scripting langue competency.
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.
Professor of Computer ScienceSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Computer Science
What skills will help PHP Developers earn the most?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Web and Mobile App development will help you earn the most.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for PHP Developers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D.: Computing is ubiquitous, and with more industries moving to remote work, location is becoming less critical. If the internet reaches a place reliably, computing jobs can be located there.
How do you envision technology impacting PHP Developers in the next 5 years?
Dr. Stephen Frezza Ph.D.: Breadth and depth: Computing is becoming more like engineering; where the value of the product, its lifetime risks, costs, and benefits are more critical than just it's roll-out. So the engineering competencies that have always been a part of computing will become more central. Computing is also expanding; the role of data and the shift of once-research technologies (like machine learning) into production applications will continue to require computing graduates to broaden their base and continue as learners. This will cause shifts in what is considered 'fundamental' and the need for professionals to continue to hone and redevelop their technical skill sets.
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.
Director, Dual-Degree Engineering Program, Assistant Professor of PhysicsXavier University of Louisiana
Department of Physics and Computer Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on PHP Developers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic has made a substantial impact on every industry across latitude and longitude. It adapted us to the new normal, which some industries see as a boon and others as bane. HigherEd, which happens to be the oldest and mature industry, is no exception. The cohort of graduates who are very special because they are flexible, comprehend concepts via simulations, videos and peer mentoring. The benefits of these pedagogies are unique, thought provoking and content rich. Subsequently, our conventional methods to calibrate or gauge student's learning outcomes were fine-tuned to current circumstances. Moreover, the prominence of online learning has also enabled us to bridge the gap. So, the repercussions of pandemic on current graduates would be narrow and low-gravity.
What's a good job out of college for PHP Developers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: With increasing unemployment rates, it would be challenging for most of the graduates to find suitable and relevant jobs. More precisely, the pandemic has increased the competition by reducing the number of job vacancies. However, the students with prior internships and research experiences have an advantage to be absorbed quickly but the majority would still be on a hunt mode. In this perspective, they may want to be strategic and pursue jobs that are at a junior level but aligned with their strengths and passion. Self-employment could be other means where they could be on the learning curve and hone skills that are desired. Volunteering has always rewarded those who have embraced it. In short, graduates have to digest the current scenario and strategize their skill sets to land in their dream job.
What technical skills for an PHP Developer stand out to employers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: In any job market, employers always desire graduates with sound technical skills that complement their teams. For instance, graduates may want to be cognizant of disruptive technologies in their fields such as software programming, coding, designing, 3d printing, project management, digital marketing, technical writing, data analytics and etc. In addition, employers have special fondness for graduates with multidisciplinary capabilities and skills. Having such sound skills would enable them to evolve as an independent thinker and thrive as a team player.
Elio Rivas
Department Chair – Software Engineering & MIS Keiser University Latin American CampusKeiser University Latin American Campus.
Software Engineering and Management Information Systems (MIS) Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on PHP Developers?
Elio Rivas: Of course, due to the pandemic impact, a lot of companies have been forced to downsize. Nowadays the companies are looking for highly experienced professionals instead of new graduates. Even though the working modality has changed to remote, the exigencies/requirements for job applications are getting harder for new graduates.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for PHP Developers?
Elio Rivas: English is 95% percent required in most of the applications. The new graduates face the challenges to know and have experience in almost all the programming languages and companies ask to be certified in most of the cases.
Companies in Nicaragua don't have a culture for training their workforce. This means that neither new graduates have the budget to get certified nor experienced workforce.
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.
ProfessorFlorida Atlantic University
Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
What's a day at work look like for an PHP Developer?
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.: I teach engineering and computer science, these areas are less prone to the pandemic as they lend themselves to transfer well to virtual work employment. The President's focus on building the infrastructure also is great for these majors.
What's a good job out of college for PHP Developers?
Christopher Martinez Ph.D.: The best job you can have out of college is a job you have passion for and will set you up to advance your career. If you have always wanted to work in aerospace, then you should seek out that field from the start. I hate to see students settle for a job because of pay or because they feel they can move to their dream field later.
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer ScienceMurray State University
Computer Science and Information Systems
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for PHP Developers?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: A bachelor's degree in computer science is extremely valuable. It has been and continues to be one of the most valuable college degrees a student can pursue. I really think all areas of computing are in demand, but web and mobile computing might be one of the strongest. Some employers do like to see extra certifications in addition to the bachelor's degree. There are literally hundreds of certifications available in the computing industry. They all vary in the required amount of time, effort, and money. I think anything that can set a candidate apart from other candidates is valuable, and that includes any certification. I would not recommend investing thousands of dollars into additional certifications after completing a bachelor's degree, but I don't think it's a bad idea for students to pursue one of the free or lower-cost certifications that are available - especially those students who might not have strong internship experience, extracurricular activities, projects, etc. to put on their resumes. I think anything DevOps related or cloud-based like Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Azure are especially valuable right now.
What skills stand out on PHP Developer resumes?
Dr. Y. Ken Wang: We encourage our students to prepare their online portfolio starting from their first year at college. The projects they've done and the commits they've recorded on Github are the best presentation of their skills and experiences. We emphasize both technical and social skills. In terms of technical skills, we ask our students to take Linux operating system with Apache and PHP, two programming languages (C#, Python, PHP, Java, or Javascript), and a networking practicum class. These are the core competency we found competitive on the job market.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for PHP Developers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Y. Ken Wang: Other than San Francisco Bay, Seattle, New York, Boston, DC, we found Pittsburgh is a popular place for our students as well.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on PHP Developers?
Hang Dinh Ph.D.: I don't think there will be an enduring impact from the coronavirus on graduates of mathematics and computer science. The Internet and technology industries are booming during the pandemic, which needs graduates in math and computer science.
What type of skills will young PHP Developers need?
Hang Dinh Ph.D.: In the coming years, when life is still being impacted by the pandemic in some way, graduates who enter the workforce may need skills that help them work efficiently from home. Those skills would include time management, self-motivation, and the ability to use technology. Of course, they still need the skills that are usually needed for their jobs, such as communication skills, teamwork, etc.
What experience really stands out on PHP Developer resumes?
Hang Dinh Ph.D.: Determining which experiences stand out on resumes depends on the position. For example, when we look for developers for ExtentWorld, we would love someone with experience in building complex or large scale systems and in designing advanced algorithms. The experience of simple coding would not stand out for such a position. At ExtentWorld, we have code-generating tools that help us build a complex one-stop social media platform at Extentworld with just two developers. This means the simple coding tasks can be automated. Graduates of computer science should have more than just coding experience.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on PHP Developers?
Elisa Beshero-Bondar Ph.D.: Yes, there certainly will. My digital project design course this fall involved seniors working entirely remotely on teams, and learning to work with GitHub, as well as Slack and Discord to coordinate together. Everything was more virtual than ever this year, and I know that these students learned more than ever before the pandemic about virtual task management and teamwork, because they relied on it more than ever to be connected with each other. They're marked by that awareness, and my colleagues indicate that those who graduate will be more resourceful and productive than before, and ready to work at a distance as needed.
What type of skills will young PHP Developers need?
Elisa Beshero-Bondar Ph.D.: Our graduates will need the vital skill of "looking stuff up" to find the most reliable and cost-efficient technological tools for a task. They need strong virtual as well as in-person communication skills, and they need experience with careful data and file curation. They need to be good at debugging problems and finding solutions, rather than presuming that the tech a company relies on will "just work." These things will help our students find good jobs and become indispensable employees.
What experience really stands out on PHP Developer resumes?
Elisa Beshero-Bondar Ph.D.: Designing and developing a whole project from plan to completion, whether solo or on a team. A student with coursework involving coding won't stand out as much as a student who has applied what they have learned to a project they made themselves or with a clearly defined role on a team. A student who successfully leads a project team (during a pandemic!) clearly has much to offer the workforce.
Brian Law
Assistant Professor of Computer ScienceIllinois Wesleyan University
Computer Science Department
What general advice would you give to an PHP Developer?
Brian Law: i) Explore your options thoroughly. Too many students get bewitched by Big Tech companies, with their bold promises, their fancy campuses, their big recruitment events, and their nice swag. Nowadays, this also happens to students with start-ups. But those jobs are not only highly competitive, but they also have very similarly exacting work cultures and very little work-life balance. These are cutthroat environments that are, frankly, not suited for everyone. Instead, many graduates would probably be happier working at, say, medium or small-size companies where they can find a workplace culture that fits them rather than the other way around, or non-tech companies where the pressure is lower because the goal is more stability and support rather than rapid innovation. Of course, this is the exact same dynamic that plays out with young consultants, accountants, lawyers, and doctors, who are also often initially attracted to high-powered, high-pressure environments but often end up deciding it's not for them, especially as they get older and start thinking about families.
ii) Specialize. There's no job out there with the title, "Computer Scientist." Employers are looking to hire you for a specific set of skills and knowledge. If you can identify the area of Computer Science you're interested in and the work you want to do in that area, you can again get a big leg up over your competition if you can demonstrate that you actually want to do what your future employer wants you to and that you're good at it. If you want to work with databases, then take those extra database electives and learn some other database technologies on your own time, and your resume will stand out amongst all the others for any DBA job.
iii) Don't sweat it too much. You've probably been alive for 22 years or so, so you'll probably be in the labor force for 50+ years. Your first job is not going to be your last job, and you may easily find your career path taking unexpected turns that you never even knew existed. Just like you didn't know what the areas of computer science were as a freshman, there are many many CS-related job types out there that you're not even aware of, and 50 years from now, there will probably be even more. While it may seem like your first job will set you on one path for the rest of your life, really it starts you towards 5000 possible paths out of millions in total. No, you don't get the stability of a "job for life" anymore, but that can also be freeing in a way. Don't worry about finding that "perfect" job; even if you did find it, you and the world around you will change over time anyway, so just take your first step confidently and always keep an eye out for your next one.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the PHP Developer job market given the pandemic?
Brian Law: I'm not sure the pandemic has really changed anything, so much as it's accelerated existing trends. Large firms are still expanding their IT workforces - or planning to when the economy recovers - with increased interest in data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, especially with an eye towards contracting IT infrastructure and services, and moving towards decentralized work, whether that be in the form of remote work, "smart" technology, and/or the cloud.
All of these were happening already pre-pandemic as the various technologies matured, but the pandemic seems to have accelerated those trends as companies are both tightening their belts in the short-term and planning ahead for the long-term. Smaller firms may be struggling to survive, but technological progress has not stopped, so while overall job numbers may be down in any given month, that just means there's a lot of pent-up demand for when the economy recovers.
For example, the pandemic has pushed a lot of small businesses and restaurants to adopt online ordering and shopping systems; those systems aren't just going away when the pandemic ends, and new post-pandemic businesses will have to compete against incumbents with significant technology investments.
What PHP Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brian Law: There are several areas that are "hot" right now, such as the previously-mentioned data science, artificial intelligence, and systems, but also cybersecurity and databases/data warehousing. That being said, the most important thing for a new graduate seeking employment to do is just to do anything, produce something. Tech employers don't and have never trusted computer science credentialing; that mistrust is the origin of the infamous "tech interview," used to verify whether a candidate actually has the technical skills to back up their piece of paper.
So to preemptively answer that question and get a leg up on other candidates, graduates should be sure to generate some artifact(s) that demonstrate(s) their technical and organizational skills. Show them that you can plan a project, design it, see it through in programming it, and do so in a responsible, organized manner (good coding style, readable code, well-documented, and using proper version control), and you'll have addressed your future employer's greatest worries right off the bat.
If it's a project in one of these "hot" areas or specifically tuned for the work the employer does, all the better, but anything the employer is doing is probably leagues beyond what a fresh graduate can do by themselves in a few months, so ultimately they're not going to be that impressed with your domain-specific technical knowledge. Instead treat it more as an opportunity to show off your "soft" skills, your programming maturity, and your ability to actually produce a product rather than just answer exam questions. And while you're at it, you might as well make it something fun for yourself so you'll be driven to finish it.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on PHP Developers?
Dr. Shaun Cooper Ph.D.: For most graduates, no. Most employers have their own platforms, so the effects from the pandemic are not in play as the employer; the investment into the new graduate would be similar with or without the pandemic. The new graduate may have a more difficult time catching up from the loss of some educational experiences from the pandemic, but I think it will even out in twelve to eighteen months. Some examples of the biggest challenges for new graduates are the transitions to working with others and being in offices. The past eighteen months has allowed all of us to enhance our bad personal habits; the new graduate is likely to bring these to work and expect that this is normal (e.g., bathing, eating at the desk, playing games during work time).
What type of skills will young PHP Developers need?
Dr. Shaun Cooper Ph.D.: Most young graduates want to be game developers. Frankly, there are too few jobs in game development for students to find a reasonable change. The skills employers want are in using SQL with relational databases, and they want the ability to work in a full stack development environment and the willingness to learn new platforms and programming environments. The employer has a huge investment in their development stack, and the new employee has to learn that stack. Also, they want employees with the ability to communicate with management and, most importantly, the ability to work with others. The graduate should be solid in basic data structures and how they are applied to solutions. Additionally dynamic HTML web services are welcome.
What experience really stands out on PHP Developer resumes?
Dr. Shaun Cooper Ph.D.: The most important experience on a graduate's resume is the fact that they worked during their undergraduate years. Employers certainly prefer a student who has had a computer science-related internship, but regular employment experience is equally important. The recruiters want to see a person who has been in the employment system. A student who has never had any job is more of a gamble to an employer.
As for internships, one internship is good. A second one is even better. Preferably doing a different activity and maybe at a different employer.
As the Chief Information Officer at NMSU (now retired), I oversaw 100-plus regular employees. When we interviewed new graduates, it was very important to me to see that the applicant had consistent, continuous (part-time) employment.