The Day-to-Day as a Web Developer
A Web Developer builds and deploys products using programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web Developers won’t be doing all of this on their own, though. They often work on teams alongside Designers, Project Managers, and Product Managers to maintain, troubleshoot, and build websites and web platforms. They can find employment full-time or part-time, remotely or onsite. There are also plenty of freelance opportunities.
Web Developers can specialize in front-end (what the user interfaces with), back-end (the behind the scenes and databases), or full-stack development (both front-end and back-end). Common combinations of technology like programming languages and frameworks are often learned in bundles called a “stack.” Stacks can focus on the front-end, back-end, or both – the full-stack. A Web Developer’s employer will determine their day-to-day tasks but they usually update current websites to meet modern standards, build user interfaces, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer.
What Skills Should Web Developers Have?
A Web Developer should be proficient in popular coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Depending on whether they choose to specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack, a Web Developer might also need to know languages like PHP, Ruby on Rails, Python, or Java. They should familiarize themselves with frameworks and libraries such as JavaScript Frameworks and Python libraries to make their coding more efficient and scalable. Those specializing in back-end development will also need to have in-depth knowledge of databases and SQL.
Recruiters will also look for soft skills like good communication, ability to work well on a team, and critical thinking. Detail-oriented and self-motivated problem-solvers who do well under pressure will thrive in the Web Developer position. A Web Developer must be adept at self-learning as technologies and best practices are constantly changing and learning will be a career requirement.
Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Web Developer
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Python
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. It is used to write scripts, automations, algorithms, manipulate data, and create frameworks. Python prioritizes simplicity, easy to learn syntax, readability, and versatility.
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SQL
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a computer language used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data which is stored in a relational database.
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Web Development
Web development is the practice of building, creating, and maintaining websites. Web development uses coding languages to build a website for the internet.
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Front-End Web Development
Front end web development manages the part of the website that a user sees and interacts with in their browser. Front End Developers design, analyze code, write code, and debug the client-side of an application or website.
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HTML & CSS
HTML is Hypertext Markup Language and CSS is Cascading Style Sheets. HTML is used to create web page structure and text while CSS is used to style the structure and text visually. HTML can be used to create objects like sections, menus, and functions within a webpage. CSS is used to select those objects and style them with fonts, colors, layout, and more to make the webpage visually appealing.
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JavaScript
JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language. It is mostly used for interactive effects and user experience enhancements within web browsers. JavaScript also has frameworks which allow Developers to quickly find and execute small chunks of prewritten JavaScript in a standard, predictable way.
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React
React is an open-source JavaScript library that is maintained by Facebook for building user interfaces. React is often used as a base in the development of single-page or mobile applications, social media style applications, and other web platforms.
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Ruby
Ruby is a dynamic, interpreted, high-level, open-source programming language which emphasizes simplicity and productivity. The syntax is designed to be natural to read and easy to write. It is used to build web applications. The development framework, Ruby on Rails, is the most popular implementation of Ruby.
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Git
Git is a distributed version control system that is standard in software and web development. Git allows multiple developers to work on the same project at once or a single developer to keep track of changes. It also creates a simple environment to conduct A/B testing. Git is designed to optimize speed, data integrity, as well as distributed and non-linear workflows.
Web Developer Salaries
A Web Developer in the United States makes, on average, $81,062 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for Web Developers vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Web Developer salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $81K source n/a
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Fairfax, VA
$139K
source
+71.66%
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Washington, D.C.
$114K
source
+40.7%
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Dallas, TX
$95K
source
+18.13%
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Alexandria, VA
$95K
source
+17.78%
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Los Angeles, CA
$94K
source
+16.63%
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Orange County, CA
$90K
source
+12.15%
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Miami, FL
$82K
source
+2.38%
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Chicago, IL
$82K
source
+1.43%
- U.S. Average $81K source n/a
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Houston, TX
$77K
source
-5%
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New York City
$71K
source
-12.41%
Typical Qualifications to Become a Web Developer
You do not need a higher education degree to become a Web Developer, but many Web Developers have a four-year computer science degree. There are no industry standard certifications for Web Developers but they can get certifications in specific technologies from certain vendors or for completing online learning modules from coding bootcamps or schools.
Searching for Web Developer Jobs
Web Developers may be employed within a corporate company, a startup, a nonprofit organization, a government department, or a small business. Web Developers with strong time management, communication, and business skills, may find satisfaction working as an independent contractor or freelancer.
You can find Web Developer jobs on these sites:
- Indeed
- Google Jobs
- Glassdoor
- AngelList
- Dice
- GitHub
- Authentic Jobs
- Mashable
- Stack Overflow
- Startupers
- StartupHire
You can find freelance and remote Web Developer jobs on these sites:
Tips to Become a Web Developer
The demand for Web Developers grows exponentially year over year. While there are an abundance of jobs open in this field, you’ll need to have a strong portfolio, be diligent about networking, and nail the technical interview to land a job.
Along with a polished résumé, a Web Developer should have a well-rounded portfolio that is focused on either front-end, back-end, or full-stack. Posting these portfolio examples on GitHub is common practice so that potential employers can view your code.
Web Developers should also be utilizing LinkedIn to its fullest potential. Your LinkedIn profile should be up-to-date and include all past experiences–even in unrelated fields. If you include keywords relating to Web Developers’ skills and responsibilities, you’ll get more views from recruiters. It should also show and tell how your past experiences offer transferable value to your position as a Web Developer, especially if you’re changing careers from another field.
To get a leg up, try to connect with a point person with a letter of introduction at each company you send an application to, whether you applied via LinkedIn or not. This will provide you name recognition and sometimes first-hand advice. You should also make these connections with people who might be your manager at any company you would like to work for regardless of whether they have posted job openings. As a freelancer or contractor, making these connections is equally important.
What Job Titles Would a Web Developer Hold?
Web Developers can apply for a variety of positions that may be narrowed down based on front end, back-end, full-stack, industry, and location. Web Developers will likely start out in junior or entry-level positions but will find that rising the ranks to a Senior Web Developer is possible relatively quickly and will result in a better annual salary. Here are a few options you might be qualified for as a Web Developer:
- Full Stack Engineer
- Full Stack Web Developer
- Full Stack Software Engineer
- Full Stack Architect
- Front End Developer
- Back End Developer
- Mobile Developer
- Junior Developer
- Associate Developer
- Senior Developer
- Web Development Apprentice
- Web Development Instructor
Additional Web Developer Resources
- Web Developer Job Description
- What Software Do Web Developers Use?
- Best Cities for Web Developers
- Is Web Development a Good Career?
- Is Web Development Right For Me?
- What Degree Do You Need to Become a Web Developer?
- Web Developer Career Path
- Web Developer Certifications
- How to Become a Web Developer Without a Degree in 2024
- How to Become a Freelance Web Developer in 2024
- How to Become a Web Developer in 3 Months
- Web Developer Interview Questions
- Web Developer Resume Guide & Tips
- Web Developer Cover Letter
- Web Developer Job Search Tips & Best Practices
- Web Developer LinkedIn Profile Guide & Tips
- Where and How to Secure Web Developer Freelance Jobs
- Web Developer Portfolio Website Guide & Tips
- Web Developer Job Outlook
- What Classes to Take to Become a Web Developer
- How to Become a Web Developer At Home
Related Careers
Web Developers might find related careers like Mobile App Developer, Mobile App Designer, User Interface Designer, User Interface Engineer, or Software Engineer enticing. Most of these positions pay similar salaries to a Web Developer and have similar day-to-day operations but use other technologies. Some ways to upskill into these positions would be to learn languages like Swift, Objective-C, or Go; practice wireframing and prototyping; or pick up more back-end and low-level programming languages Java or C++.
If you’re a Web Developer you might find that pivoting toward data science and machine learning is more your speed! This would include more algorithms, analysis, automation, and visualization and less building but with some of the same languages you’ve already used as a Web Developer.
Salary Comparison to Web Developer
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Back End Developer
$158K
+95.32%
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Full Stack Developer
$127K
+57.16%
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User Experience Designer
$124K
+54.17%
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JavaScript Developer
$114K
+41.37%
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Software Engineer
$105K
+29.71%
- Web Developer $81K n/a
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Web Designer
$53K
-33.64%
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User Experience Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$124K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$82K / year
User experience (UX) designers are responsible for ensuring that digital products offer a seamless user experience, through prototyping, user research, and user testing. They will test the navigation and functionality of websites, apps, and more. UX designers must stay current on design trends to ensure ongoing adherence to best practices. They will also conduct ongoing user research to understand the habits and needs of users.
Learn about becoming a User Experience Designer -
Web Designer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$53K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$69K / year
Web designers design the appearance and workings of a website. They use their understanding of both visual design and technical design principles to create functional web layouts. Some web designers work from home and enjoy the flexibility of freelance work, while others work for agencies or businesses. Good web designers have the experience and foresight to anticipate the end-user experience and design for ease of use and navigation.
Learn about becoming a Web Designer -
Software Engineer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$105K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$117K / year
Software engineers use their extensive knowledge of user experience design, operating systems, and programming languages to develop software. They can create different types of software, from games to operating systems. After analyzing a client's needs, they design, develop, and test software to meet that need. Software engineers can be divided into two distinct career categories: application engineers and systems engineers.
Learn about becoming a Software Engineer -
Back End Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$158K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$89K / year
A Back End Developer builds the server-side of a web application and integrates front end development components.
Learn about becoming a Back End Developer -
Full Stack Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$127K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$91K / year
Full Stack Developers build web applications for both the visible front end that users see and the back end that powers the applications.
Learn about becoming a Full Stack Developer -
JavaScript Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$114K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$104K / year
JavaScript Developers write JavaScript code that defines the behavior of the visual elements of a web application or web page and connect it with back end services. Sometimes, they are responsible for a whole website, including design. Other times, they work on only one component.
Learn about becoming a JavaScript Developer