Career Path Guide
If you want to become a Flash programmer, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for it:
• Do you enjoy working with computer languages?
• Are you interested in graphics and multimedia applications?
• Do you have a high degree of patience and focus when working?
Those who become Flash programmers are typically individuals with a natural aptitude and interest in computers and information technology. They also tend to have the ability to plan and organize their work thoroughly.
Working in this profession is an excellent choice for those who want a career that allows them to leverage their skills and interest in multimedia development into a well-paying career that requires little formal education and offers scheduling flexibility.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a Flash programmer. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Flash Programmer
You typically do not need any formal post-secondary education in order to qualify for Flash programming jobs, as related work experience and training is typically satisfactory for many employers. However some employers may require you to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field such as computer science, software engineering, video game design, multimedia design or interactive education.
There are many post-secondary institutions in North America that offer Flash programming and ActionScript training through certificate, associate and bachelor's degree programs. These programs typically offer coursework in Flash programming, media arts, Internet application development, game development and many other areas.
General Job Description
Flash programmers, also known as Flash developers, are responsible for producing computer applications such as video clips, advertisements, games and others by using programs which enable the generation of such an application, such as Adobe Flash. They may perform a variety of Flash-related tasks, including back-end programming for video games or front-end design and Flash implementation for websites.
Typical Job Duties
• Use Flash-generating software such as Adobe Flash
• Produce an application that can interact with people, such as a video game
• Create a concept for a Flash application that satisfies the needs of consumers
• Perform testing of the Flash application, and identify imperfections
• Correct and problems identified during testing
• Assist in the marketing and distribution of the application
Who Employs Them?
Flash programmers are hired on a full-time, part-time or contractual basis by different types of small, medium and large organizations, including:
• Software design companies
• Graphic design companies
• Computer programming companies
• Video game development companies
• Internet application companies
• E-commerce application development companies
• Self-employment, as freelancers
Flash Programmer Certification
Certification may not be a formal requirement for many jobs in this field, although obtaining it can be of great benefit to your career in the long run, as it demonstrates professional competency, and dedication to your career.
If you choose to become certified in Flash, you can do so by visiting the website of the company that produces Flash technology, Adobe. Adobe offers the opportunity to earn a basic Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) certification. To do so, you must pass a Flash proficiency exam at an authorized testing center.
You may also simply take a certification exam for a specific Adobe product, such as Flash CS5 or Flash for mobile applications developers.
Success Tip: Adobe provides preparatory Flash training classes through instructor-led classroom and online sessions, as well as self-study manuals
Skills and Traits Needed to Become a Flash Programmer
To be effective in a career as a Flash programmer, you need to posses a certain set of soft skills, hard skills, and personality traits. These skills and traits will allow you to perform your job duties with competence, as well as overcome the challenges of this career.
Soft Skills
• Able to concentrate for long periods of time
• Able to pay very close attention to detail
• Must be able to communicate ideas clearly
Personal Characteristics
• Enjoy learning new computer languages and programming styles
• Able to work well alone and with others
• Enjoy developing innovative solutions to problems
• Able to remain patient and persistent when debugging programs
Hard Skills
• Well versed in Flash animation techniques
• Experience with programming languages and methods, such as HTML, ActionScript, Flex, PHP and JavaScript
• May require competence in Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects
Flash Programmer Jobs
Our job board below has "Flash Programmer" postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
Average Salary Level
The earnings of Flash programmers can vary based on many factors, including the size and type of their employer, their individual qualifications, and many others.
Flash Programmer Salary - Canada: According to the 2018 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working as part of the "Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers" occupational group earn an average salary of $81,552. According to 2018 wage and salary information gathered by the Government of British Columbia, those working in B.C. within the same occupational group earn an average of $73,195 per year.
Flash Programmer Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary level of workers in the Computer Programmers occupational group is $74,280 per year.
Work Environment Typical to This Career
Setting: Many Flash programmers work in offices, and work directly with other team members on large projects. However, since Flash development and programming can be done anywhere, many Flash programmers work from home.
Hours: Flash programmers may work a wide variety of different schedules; some work a typically 40-hour work week, or work on rotating shifts that can include evenings and weekends, while others may work on their own schedule from home. Many Flash programmers are required to put in long hours from time to time, in order to de-bug programs, or to meet tight deadlines.
Working Conditions: The work of Flash programmers may be done independently or as part of a team, although they must typically take direction from either managers, game developers, or directly from clients. Their work may become stressful when complex coding is needed, when deadlines are approaching, or when the client is not happy with the result of their work. Flash programmers must also ensure they follow ergonomic work practices, as they must work in front of a computer for many hours a day, which can strain the eyes, back and wrists quite easily.
Similar Careers in Our Database
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to "Flash programmer", as they involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a Flash programmer.
Occupations in Alberta: “Computer Programmer.” (March 31, 2018). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
Computer and Information Technology: “Computer Programmers.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
Career Profiles: “Flash Developer.” (n.d.) Get in Media website. Retrieved November 22, 2019.
Please Note: Much of the information for this career guide was gathered from actual job postings, which due to the brief nature of their online presence, are not listed here as sources.
Scholarships for Becoming a Flash Programmer
All of the scholarships found on our Computer Science Scholarships and Software Engineering Scholarships pages are relevant for this career.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a Flash Programmer. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
