A Web Developer uses a coding language to create websites and web applications. Their job is to assess the plan and vision crafted by a Web Designer and turn them into a concrete solution for different devices, including phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
A Web Developer needs to be up to date with all the current trends in web-based technologies so that they can produce state-of-the-art solutions. They commonly work in a team environment where they need to communicate with various other roles, such as Managers, Copywriters, and Creative Designers, to create a website or application that represents the brand effectively. This is what makes their role broader than that of a Computer Programmer.
Similar Job Titles:
Front-End Developer, Back-End Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Web Designer, UX Designer
What Does a Web Developer Generally Do?
A Web Developer can perform a range of tasks depending on their role in the company. They can be responsible for the client-side or the server-side of the development process specifically, or work on both as a Full-Stack Developer. They might also create some of the website content along with Copywriters and Content Writers.
A Web Developer is assigned to work on one or all three layers that constitute the foundation of web development:
- Front-end development
- Back-end development
- Database technology
Front-End Development
Front-end development—also known as client-side scripting—refers to Web Developers using coding languages, such as C++, Ruby, Python, and JavaScript, to build all the parts of a website or application that the user can see. This includes fonts, pages, menus, layouts, contact forms, etc.
When it comes to front-end development, a Web Developer should also be familiar with JavaScript libraries, such as jQuery and React JS.
Back-End Development
Back-end development—also known as server-side scripting—focuses on all that’s going on behind the scenes. This includes all the parts of a website or web app that are the “invisible” foundation of what the user can see.
The back end consists of an infrastructure of APIs, databases, and server scripts. This where the data gets stored and organized so that the front end can work smoothly.
Database Technology
Aside from back-end and front-end code, the functionality of websites and applications depends on database technology. Web Developers need to manage a database that stores all the essential files and content. The database requires a server to run and uses a particular type of Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).
Roles a Web Developer Typically Collaborates With
Depending on the range of their responsibilities in the company, a Web Developer can work closely with a variety of roles, such as:
| Roles Web Developers Collaborate With | ||
| DevOps Engineer | Copywriter | Project Manager |
| Graphic Designer | IT Director | IT Specialist |
| Content Manager | Data Analyst | Creative Director |
Web Developer Salary
The average salary of a Web Developer in the U.S. is $68,500 per year.
Depending on factors such as their skill set, education, and experience, the salary of a Web Developer ranges from $47,000 to $100,00.
What Is the Web Developer Pay Difference by Location?
Let’s take a look at the average salary of a Web Developer in some of the most prominent cities across the United States:
| San Francisco, CA | $90,104 |
| Seattle, WA | $78,816 |
| Denver, CO | $72,898 |
| Austin, TX | $70,894 |
| Washington, DC | $80,243 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $71,340 |
| Boston, MA | $81,216 |
| New York, NY | $86,716 |
What Is the Web Developer Pay Difference by Experience?
Depending on how many years of experience they have in the field, the average salary of a Web Developer is:
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Salary |
| < 1 | $51,000 |
| 1–4 | $58,000 |
| 5–9 | $67,000 |
| 10–19 | $71,000 |
| 20+ | $77,000 |
Web Developer Job Description Template
[Company Name] is looking for a skilled Web Developer to build exceptional websites and applications for our company. You will write well-designed code using different coding languages to create a fully-functional product that provides the perfect user experience.
Working alongside our creative team, your job will be to use your knowledge of web-based technologies to create websites and software solutions that represent our brand effectively. You will be responsible for assessing user feedback, performing tests, and correcting issues.
To succeed in this role, we expect you to be proficient in CSS, HTML, Python, and JavaScript, and have solid experience with developing for different devices, browsers, and operating systems.
Web Developer Responsibilities
- Build and maintain websites and applications
- Write testable and well-designed code using the best website and software development practices
- Evaluate code to make sure that it is properly structured and compatible with different devices, browsers, and operating systems
- Develop solutions that meet industry standards
- Oversee and perform updates
- Define requirements and specifications in line with technical needs
- Produce and update software documentation
- Assess customer feedback to identify problems and correct them
- Actively contribute ideas for improving websites and applications
- Manage, scale, and expand the company’s website
- Identify user needs by assessing technical requirements
- Implement a contingency plan
Web Developer Requirements
- Proficiency in using different markup and programming languages, such as CSS, HTML, Python, and JavaScript
- Bachelor’s degree in Web Development, Computer Science, or another relevant field
- Solid experience using MySQL
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced and team-driven environment
- Basic knowledge of SEO practices
- Solid comprehension of consumer behavior
- High level of experience with web standards, website interfaces, and cross-browser compatibility
- Extensive knowledge of best practices regarding internet security
- Excellent project management skills