Web Developer Career Information

A web developer manages websites, including design, creation, and maintenance. Web developers handle site layout, performance, capacity, additional applications, and back-up. Web development jobs tend to follow two tracks: front-end development and back-end development. Most entry-level jobs in this field are for front-end developers.

What skills do you need to become a web developer?

If you want to be a web developer, you need strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, you need great design skills, as you’ll need to keep the overall look of the website in mind. You also need communication and listening skills to ensure that you’re hearing your clients’ needs and concerns and interpreting them appropriately. This is also important when it comes to explaining what you’re doing (and what you can and can’t do) to people in non-technical roles. You should be able to multitask and manage your time well, accounting for last-minute updates and shifting priorities, while paying attention to all the details. Perfect code means a perfect site!

What experience and/or certifications do you need to be a web developer?

While many web developers have a bachelor’s degree, the most common minimum educational requirement is an associate’s degree. Web developers graduate with a variety of majors, but computer science is the preferred field of study. Before applying to a web developer role, you’ll need to know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery, and have a basic understanding of SQL. You’ll also need to understand some core concepts, including UX and UI, responsive design, and APIs. In terms of tools and platforms, brush up on your knowledge of GitHub, Photoshop, and WordPress. Finally, some digital marketing and SEO know-how will really make you stand out.

Web development internships can help you hone your skill set and stand out from the competition. Coding bootcamps, such as Udemy and Code Academy, can help you with specific skills or new languages. There are plenty of certification options online, though employers will be more interested in your hands-on experience.

What companies and industries employ web developers?  

Industries including computer systems, publishing, big data, and advertising/marketing employ web developers. But pretty much everyone has web development needs, and web developers can also find jobs in higher education, management consulting, and information technology. Web developers can work in-house for a single company or can be employed as consultants to work for multiple clients. The majority of web developers find jobs in major US cities, including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.

What is the job outlook and salary for web developer roles?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for web developers is projected to grow 13% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. The average web developer makes a median annual salary of $69,430.