Why a Career in Power Platform Development is a Smart Move: Demand, Potential Salary, and Future-Proofing Your Career

Mark Jones
April 22, 2023

The Microsoft Power Platform revolutionises how businesses build and deploy applications, automate processes, and analyze data. With its suite of tools, including Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents integrated into hugely popular tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Office and Outlook, it’s no wonder that companies are rapidly adopting the Power Platform to meet their ever-evolving needs.

As a result, there’s a growing demand for skilled Power Platform no-code developers who can harness the platform’s potential and create innovative business solutions. If you’re considering a career change or looking to kickstart your professional journey, there’s never been a better time to dive into Power Platform development. In this blog post, we’ll explore why a career as a Power Platform Developer is an excellent choice, focusing on the right mindset, demand, and potential salary. We’ll also share a couple of success stories to help inspire you.

Future-Proof Your Career in the Age of AI and Automation

As advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation continue accelerating, the job market is significantly transforming. Traditional roles in various industries are being replaced or redefined by technology, making it crucial for professionals to adapt and develop new skills to stay relevant. Here’s why embracing tech skills, like those required for Power Platform development, can future-proof your career:

  1. Increasing reliance on technology: Across industries, businesses rely on technology to streamline operations, optimize processes, and enhance decision-making. By developing tech skills and expertise in platforms like the Microsoft Power Platform, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in a rapidly evolving job market where technology is at the core of business operations.
  2. Complementing AI and automation: While AI and automation will almost certainly replace many job functions, they also create new opportunities for professionals with the right skills. For example, Power Platform developers can harness AI and automation technologies to build innovative solutions that drive business growth. By embracing tech skills, you can work alongside AI and automation rather than being replaced by them.  The AI market is projected to reach a staggering $407 billion by 2027, up from its estimated $86.9 billion revenue in 2022​. It’s also predicted that 400 million workers could be displaced because of AI
  3. Tech skills in high demand: As the job market shifts towards technology-driven roles, demand for professionals with tech skills continues to grow. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 50% of all employees will require reskilling by 2025, focusing on tech skills such as data analysis, software development, and digital marketing. By mastering Power Platform development and related skills, you can capitalize on this demand and secure your place in the future job market.
  4. Lifelong learning and adaptability: One of the critical advantages of embracing tech skills is the opportunity for lifelong learning and adaptability. As technology evolves, professionals who remain curious and committed to continuous learning will be better prepared to navigate the changing job market. By developing a growth mindset and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in Power Platform development, you can ensure your career remains future-proof.

In summary, as AI and automation reshape the job market, developing tech skills that will help you stay relevant and future-proof your career is more important than ever. By pursuing a career in Power Platform development, you can embrace the opportunities presented by emerging technologies and secure a successful, fulfilling professional journey in the age of AI and automation.

To be a Power Platform Developer you need the right mindset..

Moving into the technology field requires a certain mindset as it changes more often and faster than virtually all other industries. Look how fast tech like AI, Metaverse, crypto and climate change is changing the world.

Here are some key attributes you must learn to have the right mindset to work as a Power Platform Developer.

  1. Growth mindset and embracing challenges: The world of technology is constantly evolving, and Power Platform professionals must have a growth mindset to succeed in this rapidly advancing field. Embracing challenges and learning from failures is crucial to growing your expertise and staying relevant in the industry. You’ll develop the resilience needed to excel as a Power Platform developer by viewing setbacks as learning opportunities.
  2. Curiosity and continuous learning: Successful Power Platform developers have an innate interest and a passion for constant learning. They stay updated with the latest features, best practices, and industry trends to create cutting-edge solutions for their clients. By dedicating time to expanding your knowledge, you’ll improve your skills and establish yourself as an expert.
  3. Adaptability and embracing change: Rapid technological advancements require Power Platform developers to be adaptable and open to change. As new tools and technologies emerge, developers must be willing to learn and adjust their approaches to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing change, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities that come your way.
  4. Problem-solving orientation and collaboration: Power Platform development is about solving real-world business problems. A problem-solving solid orientation and a collaborative mindset are essential for working with cross-functional teams to design and implement effective solutions. By developing these skills, you can tackle complex projects and deliver value to your clients and employers.

Power Platform and no-code tools are seeing explosive growth

The demand for Power Platform developers is skyrocketing as more businesses adopt the platform to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge. According to a recent LinkedIn report, job postings for Power Platform-related roles have increased by over 300% in the past year. This growing demand can be attributed to:

  • The increasing popularity of low-code/no-code platforms allows businesses to build and deploy custom applications without extensive coding expertise quickly.
  • The need for agile and scalable solutions to address the challenges of digital transformation in various industries.
  • Microsoft’s continuous investment in expanding and improving the Power Platform makes it a go-to choice for many organizations.

“At Microsoft, a simple run of the numbers on how many apps will be built in the next five years shows how critical low-code and no-code software will become. Microsoft expects 500 million new apps to be built in the next half decade, which is more than all the apps built in the last 40 years.

“If that’s true, 450 million have to be built with a low-code [Power Platform] tool,” said Charles Lamanna, corporate vice president of the citizen applications platform at Microsoft.

CNBC News

More people are searching for the key products in the Power Platform on Google.

Take a look how the Power Platform and it’ main 3 products are trending:

Power Platform – Google Search Trend
powerplatform google trends
Power BI – Google Search Trend
power bi on google trends
Power Apps – Google Search Trend
power apps on google trends
Power Automate – Google Search Trend
power automate on google trends

As more companies embrace the Power Platform, skilled developers will continue to be in high demand, providing ample job opportunities and a promising outlook for your career.

The Power Platform Pays Really Well:

A career as a Power Platform developer offers competitive salaries and substantial earning potential. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a Power Platform developer in the United States is around $95,000 annually, with entry-level positions starting at $65,000. As you gain experience and certifications, your earning potential can increase significantly, with senior Power Platform developers earning over $130,000 annually.

Here are some examples of the salaries and jobs on offer:

Power BI Jobs:

Contract Power BI Developer – £500 / Day
contract power bi developer
Power BI Developer – £60-£70k / year
power bi developer

Power Apps Jobs:

Power Platform Developer – £40k-£60k
power platform developer job
Power Apps Developer – £47K – £63k
permance power apps developer job

In addition to attractive base salaries, Power Platform developers can enjoy lucrative freelance and consulting opportunities, providing an additional income stream and the flexibility to work on diverse projects.

Job Security and Stability

The job security and stability offered by a career in Power Platform development are highly appealing, especially in today’s unpredictable job market. As businesses across various industries embrace digital transformation, the need for skilled Power Platform developers remains consistent. Key factors contributing to job security in this field include:

  1. Diverse industries and sectors: Power Platform developers can find employment opportunities across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, education, and government. This diversity ensures you’ll always have options to explore and new challenges to tackle, making your career more resilient to economic fluctuations.
  2. Microsoft’s commitment to the Power Platform: As one of the world’s leading technology companies, Microsoft continues investing heavily in the Power Platform, regularly adding new features and enhancements. This ongoing commitment translates to a stable career path for developers specialising in this technology.
  3. Transferable skills: The skills you develop as a Power Platform developer are transferable and valuable in other IT roles. This versatility means that even if you decide to transition to another area of the tech industry, your experience and expertise will remain highly relevant and sought after.

Opportunities for Growth and Continuous Learning

A career in Power Platform development offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can accelerate your career trajectory and unlock new opportunities by staying proactive and investing in learning and development. Consider the following avenues for growth:

  1. Skill development through certifications and training: Microsoft and companies like Collab365 offer a range of certifications for Power Platform developers, such as the Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert. These certifications can validate your skills, demonstrate your expertise to potential employers, and increase marketability. Get started by taking one of Collab365’s Online Challenges and earn a certification.
  2. Expanding expertise in other Microsoft technologies: As a Power Platform developer, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your skillset and delve into related Microsoft technologies, such as Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365. This expanded knowledge base will open up new career paths and allow you to offer more comprehensive solutions to your clients and employers.
  3. Embracing new features and updates in the Power Platform ecosystem: Staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the Power Platform ecosystem is crucial for your long-term success. You can ensure your solutions remain cutting-edge and relevant by mastering and integrating new features into your projects.
  4. Networking and community involvement: Engaging with the Power Platform community can help you grow professionally and personally. Attend conferences, webinars, and local meetups to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and learn from experts in the field. Networking can also open doors to new job opportunities and collaborations.

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

One of the most attractive aspects of a career in Power Platform development is the potential for work-life balance and flexibility. In today’s fast-paced world, finding a job that offers professional success and personal fulfilment is invaluable. Here’s how a career in Power Platform development can help you achieve that balance:

  1. Remote work opportunities: As a Power Platform developer, you’ll often have the option to work remotely. According to a study by FlexJobs, 80% of IT professionals reported better work-life balance when working remotely. Remote work can increase productivity and overall job satisfaction by eliminating the need for a daily commute and providing more control over your work environment.
  2. Freelance and consulting opportunities: Power Platform development lends itself to freelance and consulting work, allowing you to choose projects that align with your interests and skills. This flexibility lets you set your schedule, control your workload, and maintain a better work-life balance. According to a report by MBO Partners, 67% of full-time independent professionals reported having a better work-life balance than traditional employees.
  3. Customizable career paths: The diverse range of industries and sectors that employ Power Platform developers means you can tailor your career path to suit your personal preferences and goals. This flexibility empowers you to create a professional journey that aligns with your values and desired lifestyle, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Success Story: Connor Deasey

The potential for success in Power Platform development is not just theoretical – countless professionals have leapt into this rewarding field and experienced firsthand its benefits. Let’s take a look at some success stories that demonstrate the power of embracing a career in Power Platform development:

Connor Deasey’s journey to becoming a Power Platform Trainer in the Collab365 Academy is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and hard work. Like many young people, Connor started his career in jobs that didn’t fully utilize his potential or allow him to grow professionally. He worked at a cinema and in retail, but he always knew that he had the potential to be more creative.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Connor found himself out of work and uncertain about his future. But instead of letting this setback define him, he decided to take action and make a change. He set his sights on becoming a Power Platform Developer and began to learn everything he could about the field. Despite having no prior experience in tech, he was determined to succeed.

Connor joined Collab365 as a trainee Power Platform Developer and quickly proved himself a dedicated and hard-working team member. He embraced the challenge of learning a new field and quickly developed the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in his new role.

But Connor didn’t stop there. He knew he wanted to share his newfound knowledge with others and help them achieve their professional goals. So, he has now transitioned to becoming a Trainer in the Collab365 Academy, where he could use his skills and experience to help others succeed.

Today, Connor is a respected and successful Trainer in the Collab365 Academy, where he inspires others to believe in themselves and their ability to cross-train in new fields. He proves that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anyone can achieve their dreams and transform their lives.

From Retail to Trainer, it’s possible!

The video below is an example of how far Connor has come in such a short time. This video is him introducing an 8-hour Workshop teaching beginners how to build a Learning Management System with the Power Platform and Dataverse.

 Connor’s story is a reminder that the path to success is rarely a straight line. It takes courage, resilience, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone to achieve greatness. But anything is possible with the right mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning. Connor Deasey is living proof of that.

Success Story #2: Stephen Walther

For 20 years, Stephen Walther worked as a restaurant manager, honing his leadership, teamwork, and customer service skills. But despite his success in the hospitality industry, he always knew that his true passion lay in technology. He spent his spare time tinkering with computers and teaching himself the ins and outs of various software programs, dreaming of a tech career.

One day, Stephen decided to take the leap and pursue his dream. He joined the Collab365 Academy and signed up for their 5-Day Power Platform Challenge, where he built a complete application using Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, SharePoint, Teams, and Planner. The experience was transformative for Stephen, who realised he had found his true calling.

Stephen continued his learning journey, taking on new challenges and expanding his skills. His hard work paid off when he was offered an interview at a consultancy in Canada. Despite having no formal experience in tech, Stephen impressed his interviewers with his self-taught skills and his certification from Collab365. They recognized his potential as an entry-level Microsoft 365 consultant and offered him the job.

Stephen’s journey from restaurant manager to Microsoft 365 consultant is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, determination, and self-belief. By taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Collab365 Academy and believing in himself, Stephen was able to turn his dream of a career in tech into a reality.

Stephen’s story inspires anyone who has ever felt trapped in a career that didn’t fully utilize their skills and passions. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and the right resources, anyone can make a career change and pursue their dreams. Whether you’re a restaurant manager, a retail worker, or a student just starting, the Collab365 Academy and the Power Platform are powerful tools that can help you achieve your goals and transform your life.

How to Get Started with Power Platform Development

Now that you’re hopefully convinced that a career in Power Platform development is a perfect choice, it’s time to start your learning journey. You can acquire the skills needed to excel in this rewarding field with the right resources and dedication. If you would like to dive more into getting started with the Power Platform, then take a look at these in-depth articles:

If you’re rushed for time, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your Power Platform development career:

  1. Recommended learning resources: Explore the free and paid online resources to begin your Power Platform education. Microsoft Learn offers accessible learning paths and modules for Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Power Virtual Agents. Additionally, consider investing in courses from reputable platforms like Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy for more comprehensive, in-depth instruction.
  2. Obtaining certifications: As you gain proficiency in Power Platform development, validate your skills by obtaining industry certifications. For more information, check out Power Up Your Career with Power Platform Training and Certification.
  3. Building a portfolio and gaining experience: Showcase your Power Platform development skills by creating a portfolio of projects demonstrating your expertise. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives or offer your services to non-profit organizations to build a body of work that impress potential employers. Remember, hands-on experience is invaluable in the tech industry and will help you stand out in the job market.
  4. Networking and community involvement: Engage with the Power Platform community to expand your professional network, learn from experienced developers, and discover job opportunities. Participate in forums, attend local meetups and conferences, and join online communities like the Collab365 Academy or the Power Apps Community to connect with like-minded professionals and deepen your knowledge.

Conclusion

A career as a Power Platform developer offers exceptional benefits, including competitive salaries, job security, work-life balance, and continuous learning opportunities. Adopting the right mindset and taking the necessary steps to kickstart your career can unlock your full potential in this thriving field.

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and resources to begin your Power Platform development journey, it’s time to take the plunge and start building a successful, fulfilling career. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and never stop growing – a rewarding career as a Power Platform developer awaits you!

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