Web developers build and maintain websites using programming languages. Joining this dynamic, expanding career path requires a mix of education and experience.
As the tech field continues to expand, web developers take advantage of many opportunities for career advancement and growth. These professionals play an essential role in tech by building engaging, functional websites.
Web developers work for major tech companies, startups, and small development companies. Some web developers also pursue freelance opportunities. Web developer careers offer above-average salaries and high demand. The median web developer salary exceeds $77,000 per year.
Becoming a web developer requires several steps. Prospective developers complete a Bootcamp, certificate, or degree to build the technical skills required for the career path. This article offers a step-by-step view of how to become a web developer, from the educational requirements to the job market. It also introduces different types of web developers, key considerations before launching a web development career, and related careers.
What type of web developer should I be?
Within the field of web development, professionals focus on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Each type of web developer requires a different skill set. When choosing a focus area, learners should consider their strengths, prior experience, and interests.
Front-end developer
Front-end developers program the user-facing side of a website. They use programming languages like HTML and CSS to create the visual look of the site. Front-end developers also create interactive features with JavaScript.
Good fit for Professionals with visual or graphic design experience; those who enjoy working closely with digital designers and copywriters; people with strong collaboration and client-facing skills
Back-end developer
Back-end developers program the server side of a website. They connect the site with databases and application programming interfaces (APIs) to pull information. Back-end developers also focus on speed and security.
Good fit for: Professionals with database or algorithm experience; those with strong abstract thinking skills; people who enjoy working closely with database administrators and security specialists
Full-stack developer
Full-stack developers bring both front-end and back-end skills to their roles. They bridge the two specializations by working on the user-facing and server-side sites. As a result, full-stack developers require the broadest array of technical skills.
Good fit for: Professionals with strong programming skills in multiple languages and frameworks; those with previous experience as a front-end or back-end developer; people who enjoy working closely with developers, designers, and other tech professionals.
A career in web development offers many rewards, including strong demand and above-average salaries. However, professionals should research the job market and educational requirements before becoming web developers.
Web developers benefit from high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects much faster than average job growth for web developers from 2020-to 2030.
A growing number of web development jobs offer remote work opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers switched to remote work, increasing the opportunities for working from home.
Web developers earn an above-average salary. In 2020, the median web developer salary was $77,200.
Learners can enter the field with a degree or a certificate. A coding Bootcamp can also build web development fundamentals.
As technology continues to evolve, web developers must stay current in the field through consistent learning and skill development.
Web developers work with teams, which requires strong collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills.
The field offers multiple specialization opportunities, including site design, security, information architecture, and web application design.
Web developers often need multiple programming languages to enter the field. Beyond core languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, many roles require SQL, Python, Java, PHP, or other languages.