Builds web applications and CMS-driven sites with PHP and frameworks like Laravel or Symfony.
Entry
Intermediate
Coding
High
Key skills
Common progression
- PHP Developer
- Senior Software Engineer
Career overview
The PHP Developer builds web applications, APIs and CMS-driven sites with PHP. The ecosystem has matured enormously with Laravel and Symfony, and PHP still powers a huge share of the web including WordPress, Drupal and many e-commerce platforms. The role is common in agencies, e-commerce and content platforms, and leads to senior software engineering, technical lead or full stack roles.
Main responsibilities
- Write, test and review production code
- Design and document REST APIs
- Model and query relational databases
- Build user interfaces with modern frameworks
- Write unit and integration tests
- Refactor legacy code and reduce technical debt
- Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines
- Keep technical documentation up to date
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
- Prepare and execute change requests in production
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Common entry point
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Common entry point
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- Zend Certified PHP Engineer
- Laravel Certification
- Symfony Certification
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Possible branches
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Overlap: 39% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: JavaScript, PHP or Node.js, SQL basics
View roadmapOverlap: 28% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Programming (Python/Java/Go), API design, SQL & data modelling
View roadmapOverlap: 17% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Frontend frameworks, Backend (Node/Python/Java), SQL & data modelling
View roadmapWhere can you go from here?
A typical progression built from real career relationships. Click any role to open its profile.
- PHP Developer
- Senior Software Engineer
Soft skills
- Autonomy
- Rigour and attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Clear communication
- Technical curiosity
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