Creative, customer-service savvy and detail-oriented types who have the ability to actively concentrate for long periods might be well-suited to become web developers.

What Does A Web Developer Do?

Web developers write code for websites. Front-end web developers are responsible primarily for the look and feel of the website, its usability and how it interacts with the back end. Back-end web developers work with databases and other elements of a website that aren’t user-facing but are necessary for the functionality of the website. Day-to-day tasks include:

It is the goal of web developers to turn their client’s dream or vision into a functioning website. Since different types of websites require certain applications to function, it’s up to the web developer to ask the client the correct questions to ensure the end result is on target. Determining whether the end goal is to use the site for e-commerce, a blog or gaming is an important first step, and much of a web developer’s job involves writing code and implementing features in the website to ensure that it serves the client’s and the users’ needs as well as it possibly can.

Largest Employers of Web Developers

Computer systems design and related services 20%
Educational services; state, local and private 7%
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations 5%
Other information services 5%
Publishing industries (except internet) 5%

Work Environment

Web developers typically work full time for computer systems design companies. Other industries that commonly employ web developers are data processing, hosting and other information services; financial and insurance companies; advertising agencies; education services (state, local and private); and religious, grant-making, civic and professional organizations. About 25 percent of web developers are self-employed.

Expectations: Salary and Career Advancement

The salary ranges for web developers vary based on location, experience, the size of the employer and other factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for web developers is $66,130.

This career is expected to grow 27 percent by 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This above-average growth is attributed to the expansion of e-commerce. Brick-and-mortar retail stores are expanding their presence to the internet, and most are interested in developing mobile apps, which increases the need for web developers.

Web developers who learn multiple programming languages and have knowledge of digital multimedia tools (such as Photoshop or InDesign) will have an advantage for jobs.

Education and Other Qualifications

Most companies require web developers to have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in web design or a related field, but those interested in this occupation should also consider The Software Guild’s bootcamp program. Program enrollees will receive staff expertise and personalized attention, and our flipped instruction model ensures that students have the time and attention they need to complete their projects.

Our programs are intended to help students master the techniques they’ll need to create websites from the ground up, for companies in a number of industries — health care, finance, retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, insurance and more — in a collaborative, hands-on way. With a Software Guild education, you’ll have the tools you need to succeed in a competitive job market.