Web Developer Careers

Web development degree programs can help you develop the technical abilities and knowledge to create and execute web development and design ideas.

This includes planning website interfaces, coordinating website development projects, managing website functionality, and generating mockups for client bids.

In this guide, you'll get a complete breakdown of everything to know about web development careers.

Why Choose Web Development?

Imagine solving complex web technology issues, working on intriguing projects, and getting paid well. Sounds appealing, right? Then a career in web development may be the right fit for you.

Website development is a challenging and intriguing profession that involves constant problem-solving. You'll collaborate with designers, other programmers, and marketers on a wide range of projects as a web developer.

The Internet is here to stay. It has grown into a global portal and the primary means of information gathering, communication, education, and entertainment.

Over 4.66 billion people had internet access in 2021. It's hardly surprising that web development is growing so fast, given the rising number of Internet users.

Many web developers have analytical or technical backgrounds. But anyone who puts in the time can master the skills needed to be a web developer, regardless of their technical background.

A developer averages $77,030 per year in the United States. However, this number varies widely depending on experience level and region.

How to Start your Web Development Journey

Web development is a versatile, professional sector that offers potential students a variety of options to acquire the education and expertise required to start their careers.

Careers in web development do not require any degree or educational path. You can enter the field with or without formal education. While self-study of coding languages is viable, this is only one aspect of web development.

Formal education can assist potential developers in gaining a core understanding of web development ideas and practices. It also introduces them to project management and problem-solving and stimulates critical thinking.

Here are a few educational paths you can take.

Education Requirements

Associate Degree

An associate degree in web development teaches basic web development concepts and technologies. Students learn to code and construct accessible websites. In addition, many associate programs include web design modules to add creativity to technical fields.

The coursework for the degree focuses on developing abilities relevant to the workplace. After earning an associate degree, students can seek employment or transfer to a four-year degree. An associate's degree qualifies you as a web designer or a technical support engineer.

Bachelor's Degree

An entry-level web developer or web designer job typically calls for a bachelor's degree.

Students who major in web development learn basic programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also gain knowledge of APIs, user interface design, and databases.

Students in web development programs often engage in capstone projects to get the practical experience and expertise needed to succeed. They also gain experience by participating in internships related to their major. With a bachelor's degree in web development, you can work as a UX designer or a front-end developer.

Master's Degree

A master's in web development can help you become an expert in full-stack development, UX design, and other areas. Students in master's programs study website optimization, user experience design, and database design.

Graduates of master's programs in web development often take on managerial roles in the industry. Web professionals benefit from the training program since it is project-based and hands-on. Careers with a master's degree include senior web developers and software programmers.

Doctorate in Web Development

The highest qualification in web development is a doctorate. Although few colleges offer a Ph.D. in web development, you can instead pursue a doctorate in computer science or information technology.

Graduate students in doctorate programs finish their curriculum, pass their doctoral exams, and undertake research for their dissertations. The degree develops excellent technical and research abilities, qualifying graduates for academic leadership positions, online development, and research.

Careers available with a doctorate include software development and web development professor.

Employment Prospects

Web developers need computer and coding skills. You can specialize in various areas, although front-end or back-end development is typically the primary focus.

A web developer's professional path is limited only by their own passions and skills. Web developers can find jobs in various sectors like information services, technological consulting, and advertising.

Web Development Jobs and Career Forecast

The BLS report that the average annual salary for web developers is $77,030. They also projected the field to grow by 23% between 2021 and 2031.

As a web developer, your annual income may vary depending on factors like your location, experience, and education level.

How to Boost your Web Development Career

Web developers can advance their careers through certifications, education, and networking. One benefit of moving up the corporate ladder is a pay raise and more responsibilities. Improving resumes can also lead to additional management positions.

Lucrative Web Development Career Paths

Are you thinking of starting a career in web development? Here's a look at some lucrative opportunities available in web development careers.

Web Applications Developer

A web application developer designs, develops and builds websites. Web app developers define how data is transmitted from the website to the user. They have been in demand since the Internet became the most pervasive distributed application technology humans have conceived.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a web app developer is $67,081. The salary, however, ranges between $48,000 and $98,000, depending on skill and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

Some responsibilities of a web applications developer include:

• Using optimal software development methods to create well-designed, tested, and efficient code.

• Using HTML and CSS best practices to design a website's layout and user interface

• Combining information from many databases and back-end services

Industries Employing Web Applications Developers

The industries hiring web application developers the most are:

• Consumer Electronics

• Finance and Banking

• Computer Systems Design

• Software Publishing

Full Stack Web Developer

Full Stack Developers work on a website's server and client sides. Therefore, full Stack Developers must know databases, graphic design, and UI/UX management to accomplish their jobs well.

Average Salary

The average salary of a full-stack developer is $80,148. However, the salary ranges between $55,000 and $118,000, depending on the experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

Full stack web developers perform the following duties:

• Assisting with software development and design

• Debugging and testing programs to ensure they are performing optimally

• Creating bug-free code for both the user interface and the underlying infrastructure

• Creating user interfaces for web applications

• Setting up the software's back-end servers and databases

• Optimizing for performance across many platforms

• Maintaining application responsiveness

Industries Employing Full Stack Web Developer

Full-stack developers are in demand in various sectors, including

• Information technology

• Computer software

• Banking

• Financial services

• Telecommunications.

JavaScript Developer

JavaScript developers are often responsible for all stages of a website's creation, from coding to designing to testing and launching. They might be in charge of the whole site, a subsection, or even just one page.

Average Salary

JavaScript developers earn $103,770 on average. However, the salary typically ranges between $96,705 and $118,767.

Roles and Responsibilities

JavaScript developers perform the following duties:

• Create brand-new functions for end users

• Create reusable code and library resources.

• Verify UI/UX designs' technological viability

• Increase application performance and scalability.

Industries Employing JavaScript Developers

The industries hiring JavaScript developers the most are:

• Media tech firms

• Game production house

• Software development

• Data services

• Creative and design services

• Real estate

• Hospitality

• healthcare

Android Application Developers

Android app developers create software that runs on devices running Android's mobile operating system. Because of the fragmented Android ecosystem, developers must ensure app compatibility across many versions and devices. They also need an in-depth familiarity with the platform's customs and established procedures.

Average Salary

The average salary of an android app developer is $76,302. However, the salary typically ranges between $63,000 and $96,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Creating state-of-the-art apps in the Android framework.

• Verifying the code's usability, functionality, and overall stability via unit testing.

• Correcting software flaws and enhancing its functionality.

Industries Employing Android App Developers

• Tech Industry

• Leisure and Hospitality

• Retail Industry

• Healthcare Industry

• Food Services Industry

Front-End Web Developer

A front-end developer creates user-facing websites and applications using web languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In addition, a front-end developer is in charge of the more visible components of a website's layout.

Average Salary

Front-end web developers earn $78,098 on average. However, the salary typically ranges between $51,000 and $119,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create accessible websites using markup languages like HTML.

• Updating and improving websites

• Optimize programs for increased speed

• Create functions optimized for mobile use.

• Working with back-end developers and web designers to improve usability.

• Create user manuals and functional requirement documents

• Make convincing prototypes and mockups.

Industries Employing Front-End Web Developers

• Marketing and Advertising Services

• Healthcare

• Creative and Design Services

Back End Web Developer

Back-end developers write code for websites and apps. They build and manage websites' data-processing and action-taking processes.

Average Salary

Back-end web developers earn $88,894 on average. However, the salary typically ranges between $60,000 and $132,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Create and test code, develop prototypes, address problems, conduct performance profiling, and identify bottlenecks.

• Create high-performing, secure APIs that can handle both mobile and desktop users.

• Take charge of and fine-tune cloud-based distributed systems

• Improve the speed and scalability of websites

• Automate tests to meet business demands and allow regression testing.

Industries Employing Back-End Web Developers

• Computer hardware development

• Information technology services

• Retail stores

• Publishing

Ux Designers

A user experience designer considers not just a product's visual aesthetics and functionality but also its marketing and brand identity.

As a result, they see new business and product opportunities and influence the entire user experience. UX Designers do a wide range of tasks, depending on the firm and project.

Average Salary

UX designers earn $76,341 on average. However, the salary usually ranges between $53,000 and $110,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Creating user profiles and potential use cases.

• Applying usability testing.

• Creating sitemaps, screen flows, wireframes, and storyboards.

• Making test versions of a product.

Industries Employing Ux Designers

• Government and Military

• Healthcare

• Retail

• Media, Printing, and Publishing

• Advertising

• Telecommunications

• Business

• Entertainment

Digital Design Engineer

A digital design engineer creates the schematics and designs the hardware for new digital devices. They make new items, work with marketers to determine what sells, and fix bugs in the ones already on the market.

Average Salary

The average salary of a digital design engineer is $95,903. However, the salary typically ranges from $72,000 to $131,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaborate on IP creation and implementation with graphics researchers and silicon designers.

• Review the architecture, design, and RTL to enhance and enable more productive research.

• Design with maintenance, manufacture, usability, and overall quality in mind.

• Define and optimize system block diagrams, communication paths, and measurement performance.

Industries Employing Digital Design Engineers

• Aerospace and defense

• Electronics manufacturing

• Computer hardware development

• Emerging technologies

Web Content Manager

Web content managers are in charge of the content management system for an organization. They take care of all website material ideation, production, and publication. Therefore, a web content manager must have great leadership, communication, and creative abilities.

Average Salary

Web content managers earn $60,131 on average. However, the salary typically ranges between $41,000 and $84,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Control the content management system for your business.

• Perform content audits to find gaps and repetitions in the site's content.

• Develop and implement timelines for content creation and maintenance.

• Make sitemaps and other visuals to show how different parts of the website work together.

• Develop and revise online content

• Develop web content policies.

• Analyze data to see site users' engagement.

• Train personnel to write online content and update HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Industries Employing Web Content Managers

• Technology

• Finance

• Media

• Education

• Government

Graphics Programmer

A graphics programmer or graphics developer runs programs that create visual effects in programs, games, and movies. Many graphic programmers find employment in the gaming sector, contributing to developing intricate 2D and 3D motion graphics.

Average Salary

The average salary of a graphics developer is $53,164. However, the salary typically ranges between $37,000 and $92,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Development of shaders, tools, and runtime to enable high-quality graphics.

• The creation of systems for measuring textures and materials.

• Research on innovative technology and expression methods

Industries Employing Graphics Programmers

Graphics programmers are usually employed in the gaming or media industry.

Software Developer

Software developers create and innovate computer applications. Some developers focus on a single app or program, while others create vast networks or underlying systems that power and activate those programs.

Average Salary

Software developers earn $74,136 on average. However, the salary usually ranges from $52,000 to $108,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Work with programmers to create flowcharts and algorithms.

• Write logical, effective code following the requirements.

• Integrate third-party applications and software components.

• Verify and put systems and programs into use.

• Upgrade, debug, and troubleshoot current software.

Industries Employing Software Developers

• Software Publishers

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services

• Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing

Pros and Cons of Web Development Careers

Web developers have excellent compensation, versatile employment, and strong demand, so they can always find work.

The drawbacks include long hours, clientele who don't comprehend the breadth of the work and constantly changing technologies.

Pros

• It pays well and provides a fulfilling experience.

• Opportunities to get gainful employment are many. Some web development jobs even allow you to work independently as a freelancer.

• Web development brings out your creativity and problem-solving talents on each project.

Cons

• CI&T is a booming field, and not everyone can keep up.

• Web development can be demanding due to long hours and frequent deadlines.

• Clients can be challenging.

Skills You'll Develop While Studying Web Development

Here are a few skills you'll develop with a web development major.

HTML/CSS

Web development requires HTML and CSS knowledge. Web pages are often written in HTML, the most popular markup language.

In contrast, the website's appearance is controlled through CSS. CSS, which chooses the website's fonts, colors, and layout, sets a website's design. HTML creates the structure for a website, whereas CSS determines how it looks.

JavaScript

Web developers must also know JavaScript. JavaScript adds complex functionalities to websites. This category includes web features like search fields, embedded videos, and clickable maps. Clients have increasingly high standards for web development, and knowing JavaScript will help you fulfill them.

You can attract more website visitors using these talents since most people like interactive content. As a web developer, you play a crucial role in bringing innovative features to life on the screen and capturing users' attention.

Testing and Debugging

The ability to validate code, check for faults and correct problems is another crucial talent for Web Developers. Unfortunately, debugging alone takes up much of a developer's time.

The two main types of testing, functional and unit testing, are used to ensure that your code is performing as expected. Even if a third party verifies your code, programmers need to be able to examine and troubleshoot their own work.

User Experience

A competent web developer must also grasp how clients and end-users will use the finished product. Web development is meaningless unless the site satisfies the user's wants. They are the reason it exists.

Excellent Web Developers know it's crucial to engage the audience by producing an aesthetically beautiful, engaging, and user-friendly website.

Although user experience (UX) design is a separate profession, Web Developers should also understand user needs. Therefore, a UX-minded programmer will have greater employment prospects than one focused on coding alone.

Libraries and framework

Being receptive to learning about libraries and frameworks is a must if you want to work as a Web Developer. While a framework imposes a rigid structure on the developer, a library's code components can be combined in any way the programmer sees fit, giving greater freedom and flexibility.

Learning how to use libraries and frameworks is crucial for aspiring programmers because they help to reduce complexity and speed up development.

Time Management

You can't manage a project if you can't manage your time. Web developers face deadlines constantly, so they need to know how to manage their time effectively. Learn how to multitask and set priorities. Create to-do lists and schedules and follow them.

How to Prepare for a Web Development Career

1. Learn web development fundamentals

The first step is to become proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Then, you can use a Bootcamp to fast-track this learning phase.

Because of its effectiveness in enhancing students' coding skills and preparing them for the job market, coding boot camps have grown in popularity.

An increasing number of Web Developers believe these courses are worth the cost because they help them rapidly gain marketable skills. As a web developer, it's essential to keep learning to stay updated with the latest technological changes and trends.

2. Choose a specialization.

You'll want to focus on a niche as your expertise develops. For example, you can specialize as a front-end developer, back-end developer, or full-stack developer.

• Front-End Developer. A Front-End Developer builds the "client-side" of a website or app, which includes everything the user sees and uses.

• Back-End Developer. Back-End Developers work "server-side" on websites. This includes databases, servers, networks, and hosting.

• Full-Stack Developer. A full-stack developer is an expert in both front-end and back-end web development.

3. Learn key programming languages

If you want to work in web development or web design, you need to know how to code and be fluent in several languages.

There are three main languages used for almost all tasks in web development:

• HTML

• CSS

• JavaScript

As you specialize, you'll run into more programming languages you can learn to suit your role.

4. Work on projects and build your skills

A solid grounding in programming fundamentals and familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is enough to build your portfolio. You'll pick up more and more web developer abilities as you go.

Some of these abilities fall into technical know-how or "hard" skills, including SQL or Python programming proficiency.

Experimenting and creating projects is the greatest method to boost your expertise in web development.

Web Development Resources to Help Your Career

Joining a web development organization can help you in school and your job.

By joining professional web development organizations, you can network with other developers, get training, and stay up to date on new methods.

Here are some web development organizations.

• International web association

• Associations for web computing machinery

• Web professionals

How to Switch to a Web Development Career

The first step is getting the necessary training/education. You don't need a degree if you're coming from a different tech field. However, you may need additional training to familiarize yourself with the core concepts of web development.

If you're from a non-technical background, you'll need a web development major or a degree in a related field. You can get an entry-level web development job with an online degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Web Development?

Web development refers to creating a website for the Internet or an internal company network. Web development encompasses various tasks, from creating a simple, static page of text to building highly advanced social networking features, online stores, and electronic apps.

What certification do I need for a Web Development career?

The following certifications can help with your web development career

• Google Developers Certification

• Adobe Certified Expert

• Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Can I get a Web Development degree online?

Yes, you can. Schools such as Arizona State University and Bellevue University offer online degree programs. Consider these factors as you choose an online degree:

• The program's level of accreditation

• Whether you can enroll in a full- or part-time program

• The kinds of classes you need to take to get your degree in web development

• If a course calls for an internship or a thesis.

• The financial aid available for each program

• If you have access to accelerated course options through your online learning.

What fields can Web Development work in?

Many universities, hospitals, tech corporations, and NGOs rely on web developers. As a result, programming abilities are in demand at any level and industry. Web developers have two main paths depending on their work style and experience; working a 9 - 5 or freelancing.

Is there a high demand for Web Development majors?

There is a high demand for web developers and web developers majors. A web development major gives you a pick of career choices.

The BLS estimate that demand for web developers and digital designers will grow by 23% between 2020 and 2030.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a profession is a difficult task. You want a job that takes care of your needs financially and fits your interests and skills. So what about web development? Is it the best career move for 2022? Yes, web development is still a fantastic job option.

The job market for talented web developers is competitive, yet many opportunities exist. However, you might need to round out your skill set with some additional tools to succeed in your chosen field.