Web developers are responsible for creating and maintaining websites and apps on both desktop and mobile platforms. Web developers may use coding, computer programming, design and other skills in their jobs. This article will cover various career paths for web developers and coders, including job outlook, the average web developer salary and the best cities to work in as a coder.

You may be wondering: What do web developers do? That depends on the area in which they specialize. Some web developers, called front-end developers, focus on designing a website or app—the look and layout. Back-end developers concentrate on building the technical framework of the site and making sure it functions the way front-end developers intended it. Individuals who do both are called full-stack developers. People interested in coding careers may gravitate to any of these specialties, especially full-stack or back-end development jobs. 

Across all web developer jobs, developers may meet with clients to understand the site’s needs and bring that vision to life. Developers may prototype or mock up web pages using standard programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Coding, graphic design and user testing may be beneficial skills for website developers to have. Web developers may be tasked with ongoing site maintenance and bug fixes.

Web developers work in a variety of settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top employers of web developers were computer systems design companies and non-Internet publishing industries in 2020. Additionally, self-employed web developers made up about 18% of the industry in 2020.

Many different web developer job settings exist and can influence web developer careers. Many developers work in agency settings directly on client projects. Freelance website developers can also be hired by agencies specializing in website design and development or work directly for clients. Coders working in government settings may have to consider additional cybersecurity measures. In the academic field, web developers might work on large, complex websites with intranet capabilities. In business, they may have in-house positions working on the website design and development for a single company or an agency with many business clients. 

As mentioned above, a variety of web developer job titles exist, from front-end web developer to back-end web developer to full-stack web developer. They may also be found in positions including web designers or webmasters. Web developer careers may vary based on industry and employer. 

We’ve already outlined some of the job settings in which web developers work—from freelance to agencies to government, academic or business settings. The educational requirements and web developer qualifications differ depending on the job. Web developers can learn coding skills in a computer science or related degree program, taking an online course or coding boot camp, or teaching themselves through online tutorials or books. While some hiring for careers in web development may value an educational background in coding, others may prefer to see a portfolio of projects and real-world work experience. 

Web developers may play an important role in some businesses. A company’s website may be a space to sell, educate and inform potential customers about their services or products. Many modern companies may be looking for a website that both conveys the company’s information and also represents their brand and professionalism. This may be achieved through website design and function. 

Since many companies use their website to convey important information, web developers looking for a career in a business work setting may be asked to analyze user data to make sure navigation, graphics and content offer a favorable user experience. Web developers in this setting may be asked to do quality assurance testing to identify bugs and ensure production runs smoothly. Additionally, coders in a business environment may be asked to create reusable templates and wireframes for web pages and emails. Employers may seek out candidates who have knowledge of computer software, HTML coding and a keen eye for graphic design to help carry out their business goals. 

Coders in corporate settings may find themselves working directly for a company, as a contractor or through a website design agency. In this capacity, coders may need to be comfortable talking to various stakeholders to understand the website’s purpose and functionality. They have to find ways to communicate their ideas to diverse stakeholders through prototypes and regular meetings. Depending on their skill level, coders in this setting may be tasked with anything from developing and designing basic website layouts to handling more intricate website attributes. 

Web developers working in computer science may design innovative uses for new and existing technology. Individuals in this industry might also take on a teaching role in academia, and they may contribute to open-source platforms that move the needle on existing and upcoming programming languages. 

Similar to web development jobs in the business environment, web developers in a computer science work setting may be asked to communicate with clients, write code, create and implement content on the client’s website, and plan and design a web layout. 

Web developers in this setting might be tasked with conducting routine site audits and maintenance to ensure websites are functioning properly. They may use common code and script programs to help develop a site. Additionally, they may be asked to optimize and troubleshoot web pages to ensure responsiveness and security for the company’s account.    

There are many opportunities for web developers in the healthcare sector. They may develop and maintain large health system websites, both internal and external, as well as patient portals that give various medical staff access to health records in real time. They may develop mobile applications that support medical providers and patients.   

The job function for web developers in a healthcare work setting may differ from other industries. Information security and patient privacy may play a big role in their day-to-day duties. Web developers in this setting might be asked to design and build new features to provide a positive user experience. Their daily activities may also include making improvements to existing applications to enhance speed and reliability, as well as performing site audits and maintenance.

Web developers work in just about every industry that exists. In addition to the industries mentioned above, web developers may work in publishing, advertising, management consulting and other areas. Anyone with a particular interest can likely find a web development job that caters to it. It’s also possible for a web developer to pick a niche and market their services as a freelancer or contractor.

These are the top-paying cities for web developers in 2021, according to BLS. The table below includes metropolitan area and salary.
 

It may be important to keep in mind that the cost of living in California and Washington is quite high, which may affect higher wages. 

These are the top-paying states for web developers in 2021, according to BLS. The table below includes state and web developer salary.
 

If you are interested in coding but don’t want to explore web developer careers, perhaps a related job at the intersection of technology and coding may spark your interest. These alternative jobs for web developers might help you find a meaningful career in an area of interest. 

If you have strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of mathematical principles like algebra and enjoy being at the cutting edge of technology, a web developer career might be right for you. A few additional questions you can ask yourself include:

Last updated May 2022