Are React Developers in Demand in 2023?

Building websites and apps that look great and work smoothly is super important.

That's where React comes in. It's a toolbox web developers use today to build web applications and excellent UI interfaces.

Going by the numbers, React has amassed enormous popularity and is still the most preferred frontend library by many developers, according to the State of JavaScript 2023 survey. This then introduces an assumption: React developers must be in huge demand, right?

To a beginner, this sounds like great news, but is it? And to some of us who have been in the tech space for a while, we’ll confidently say there are many metrics to consider before you can answer yes to such a statement.

In this article, we will dive into the big question of whether React developers are in demand. We'll explore different places, check out what people think, and figure out if being a React developer is a wise choice.

Are Many Companies/Orgs Shifting to React?

Yes, many companies and organizations are shifting to React. In fact, a 2022 study by TechBehemoths found that React is the most popular JavaScript library in use today, with more than 75% of IT companies using it.

Over the years, Reacts’ adoption rate has increased stealthily since its release in 2013. As of 2023, 11,927,781 live websites use React.

So, why is there a massive uptake in the React library among developers, companies, and other businesses?

Reasons vary, but the top among them is that React is a very versatile framework that one can use to build various applications, from simple websites to complex enterprise applications. It is also efficient and performant, making it a good option for enterprise-level applications. Here are more reasons that make React a go-to framework for building UIs:

• Large community support, including Facebook, who are the creators.
• Performance: React renders its components using a virtual DOM (Document Object Model). This means it only updates the parts of the DOM that need to be updated, which can lead to significant performance improvements.
• Scalability: React is designed to be scalable. This means you can use it to build large, complex web applications without sacrificing performance.
• Maintainability: React's component-based architecture makes it easy to maintain code. This is because components are self-contained and can be easily updated or replaced.
• Customization: React is highly customizable. This means that you can tailor it to the specific needs of your project.

Some top tech companies using React include:

Now that we know whether companies are shifting towards React and the reasons propelling their moves, let’s talk about money.

Salaries in Different Demographics

When it comes to earning as a React developer, where you work can make a difference. Here's the lowdown on React developer salaries in different places:

• United States: React developers in the US earn the highest salaries worldwide, establishing their position as top earners in the industry. Glassdoor reports that the average salary between a junior and senior React developer can range from $88,060 to $112,370 annually. In the US, tech hubs like San Francisco and New York often offer higher salaries due to the higher cost of living.

  Here’s a simplified table with salary estimates we analyzed from Glassdoor, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed showing average React developer salaries in the US based on years of experience.

• Europe: Across Europe, salaries vary. According to Indeed, Western European countries like the UK, Germany, and Switzerland have the highest salaries. Salaries between junior and senior developers range from €50,000 to €120,000 annually. In Eastern European countries, wages might be lower but still competitive, ranging from €30,000 to €72,403.
• Asia: The average React developer salary in Asia is $63,384. Junior React developers in this region earn an average of $52,923, with senior developers topping the chart with an average salary of $73,797. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore report having the highest salaries.

From the analysis above, it’s clear that salary ranges vary with each region. Having collected data from platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed, here’s a simplified graph showing React developer salaries in top English-speaking countries from entry-level to senior roles.

Factors Affecting ReactJS Developer Salary

Several factors influence how much you can earn as a React.js developer:

• Experience Level: Like any job, experience matters. Junior developers might start with a lower salary, but your earnings can increase as you gain skills and years.
• Location: Where you work matters. Big cities or tech hubs tend to pay more due to higher living costs and demand.
• Company Size: Working for a big tech company might mean a fatter paycheck than a small startup.
• Skill Set: Additional skills like knowledge of related libraries, tools, or back-end technologies can add value to your salary.

Number of Jobs Compared to Other Frameworks

When it comes to job opportunities, React developers are in high demand, and the numbers show it:

• React Dominates Job Boards: A quick search on job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor reveals a plethora of job listings (Remote, contractual, part-time, and full-time) for React developers. This listing is higher than other top frontend frameworks such as Angular and Vue, which displays React’s job market dominance.
• Wide Industry Adoption: React's popularity spans various industries, from tech and e-commerce to finance and entertainment, creating diverse job prospects.
• Stack Overflow Trends: According to Stack Overflow's developer survey, React has consistently ranked among the most sought-after frameworks in recent years. This is evident in their latest 2023 survey, where React emerges as the most used web framework used by professional developers.

Opinions from Forums and Developer Communities

Let's hear from the experts and what they’re saying about React’s jobs demand and salaries.

• Reddit: Several users on this r/reactjs subreddit thread have reported positive experiences in terms of salaries. One user mentions a huge demand for good React developers, while another notes that React developers receive excellent compensation.
• Stack Overflow: According to this survey from the Stack Overflow forum, React was in the top 10 best-paying frameworks with an average salary of $69,480.
• Zero To Mastery (ZTM): After taking the r/reactjs subreddit ZTM web developer online course, bootcamp graduate Payton is a professional developer working with the React library today.

Generally, React developers share positive experiences of finding rewarding positions and negotiating higher pay. These firsthand accounts reinforce React's strong standing in the job market and the lucrative compensation it offers.

Conclusion

So, what's the verdict?

React is like a golden ticket for job hunters in the tech world. The money is good, and the demand is real.

Whether you're starting or looking to level up, React has your back. From different places and what people say online, it's clear: React is a smart career move.

As time goes on, React isn't going anywhere – it's sticking around, promising cool things for those who choose to be React enthusiasts.

That said, if you're thinking about a web development career that's exciting and pays well, go for React. Learn it. Master it. And wait to reap tremendous rewards.