WordPress has been around for years, but it’s never been more relevant than it is now. According to W3Techs, it powered 45.8% of all websites in 2023, up from 43.2% the year before. That kind of growth shows just how deeply it’s used in the digital space. (1)
Businesses of all sizes can rely on WordPress to run everything from online stores to publishing platforms. But with that demand comes a growing need for people who know how to make the most of what WordPress can do. If you’re thinking about sharpening your skill set or carving out a niche, this is one career path you’ll want to keep an eye on.
WordPress Skills Are in High Demand
You’ve likely seen WordPress pop up in job listings that have little to do with traditional tech roles. That’s because it plays a part across many department processes, including marketing, content, and operations. Employers want someone who can own the entire experience—site performance, user flow, and long-term growth included.
According to Motion Recruitment’s 2025 IT Salary Guide, IT and tech salaries rose by 1.8% in 2024. That’s a slight dip from the year before, but job roles tied to WordPress remain strong earners, especially when combined with UX, speed optimization, or custom builds. Hiring managers care less about titles and more about what you’ve actually delivered.
What makes WordPress stand out in hiring skilled candidates is how adaptable it is. You can create MVPs, scale content platforms, or build integrated systems all within the same agile learning environment. If you know how to turn that kind of flexibility into something measurable, you’re not just supporting a site. You’re pushing the business forward.
Remote Work and Freelance Opportunities Are Wide Open
WordPress fits perfectly into today’s remote-first world. Distributed teams, solo entrepreneurs, and global agencies are all looking for people who can build, maintain, and improve WordPress sites from anywhere. If you’ve got the specialized skills and can communicate clearly, you’re already in demand.
Freelancers and remote employees have even more freedom in this space. Many businesses don’t need full-time support. They want someone who can step in, fix an issue, and keep things running smoothly. It’s a growing trend, knowing that an estimated 64 million Americans did freelance work in 2023, up by 4 million from the year before, with many contributing their in-demand skills to flexible, project-based tech jobs like WordPress development. [2]
If you’ve done this kind of work before, your portfolio will speak louder than any pitch deck. A niche can make you more memorable. Maybe you build fast WooCommerce stores or custom themes for design agencies. Being clear about what you offer helps the right clients find you faster. Practical skills are useful, but focused expertise is what lands the project.
E-Commerce Roles Are Expanding
WooCommerce is one of the most widely adopted e-commerce platforms online. It gives businesses more control without the complexity of larger systems. That’s why companies often prefer WordPress developers with a deeper understanding of how to build fast, secure, and scalable stores.
Success in this space goes beyond getting a store live. You need to improve checkout flow, optimize for mobile, protect user data, and deliver a level of experience that keeps customers coming back. If you can do that, you’re making a direct impact on revenue.
What separates standout developers is their ability to connect code with business results. Faster load times, better conversions, cleaner admin setups—those are the things that move numbers. The ability to make smart technical decisions with business outcomes in mind is rare, and it definitely stands out.
Agencies and In-House Teams Are Hiring Smart
Agencies are constantly hiring, but they’re being more selective. Technical skills still matter, but they’re also looking for people who can lead projects, communicate well with clients, and keep deadlines on track. So, if you can work independently and get results, you’re exactly who they want.
Agency work moves quickly, too. One week, you’re building a real estate site; the next, you could be launching an online shop. If you’re able to adapt fast and switch gears, it can be a great way to grow your advanced skills and expand your portfolio.
Meanwhile, in-house roles offer more stability. These teams often focus on long-term growth, platform improvement, and internal collaboration. If you can build strong systems, solve problems quickly, and work across departments, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to step into a key role.
What Clients Are Really Looking For
Basic WordPress knowledge doesn’t carry much weight anymore. Clients and employers want depth. This means being able to troubleshoot without plugins, write clean code, and optimize performance across a wide range of devices and user types.
If you’re a developer, HTML, CSS, PHP and JavaScript still matter. But so do things like Core Web Vitals, modern frameworks, and performance tuning. If you’re a designer, it’s about more than looks. Clean, responsive interfaces that are easy to navigate are what clients remember. And if you’re managing projects, being able to plan, scope, and lead a build from start to finish is a real asset. (3)
Just as important is how you explain your work. You don’t need to be a salesperson, but you do need to help clients understand your decisions. Clear communication, patience with feedback, and the ability to work with non-technical teams all go a long way.
Final Thoughts
WordPress is practical, flexible, and tightly connected to how businesses operate online. That said, companies aren’t looking for someone to manage a blog; they’re hiring experts who can build real digital experiences that grow traffic, improve conversions, and support the bottom line. The demand is real. The opportunity is wide open. And if you’ve got the skills, the timing couldn’t be better.
References:
- “20 WordPress Statistics You Should Know in 2023,” Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/website/wordpress-stats
- “What To Know About The Freelance Workforce As It Grows And Changes,” Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/edwardsegal/2024/05/14/how-and-why-the-freelance-workforce-continues-to-grow-and-change/
- “How to Become a WordPress Developer [+ Tips from WCEU Speaker Paul Bearne],” Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/website/become-wordpress-developer