What does a web developer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications. They plan a site with clients or managers, write and test code, connect design to function, and fix errors. Requirements run from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, and a portfolio can stand in for formal credentials.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 15-1254.00 (Web Developers) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensing | None required |
| Median annual wage | $99,520 per year (2025 median pay, web developers and digital designers combined, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 5 percent, 2025 to 2035 (faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 220,100 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 13,600 per year, on average, over the decade |
BLS covers web developers and digital interface designers in one profile. In 2025 that was about 87,400 web developers and 132,700 web and digital interface designers.
What does a web developer do?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the day-to-day work includes:
- Meeting with clients or management to plan a site's design and what it should do.
- Creating and testing applications, interfaces and navigation menus.
- Writing code in languages such as HTML.
- Working with team members on content and with designers on layout.
- Integrating graphics, audio and video, building prototypes, and monitoring traffic.
The OOH describes several specialties. Back-end developers handle the core technical build. Front-end developers handle what visitors see and use. Web and digital interface designers focus on look and usability. Webmasters keep sites running and fix problems such as broken links. O*NET lists tasks that match: writing code for web applications, building and maintaining sites, checking code for validity and browser or device compatibility, and backing up site files.
Work environment
Computer systems design, the information industry and self-employment are the largest sources of jobs. Others work in finance, wholesale trade, publishing and consulting. Most work full time.
Education, training and licensing
Education requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer a computer science or programming degree for developers, and a web design, digital design or graphic arts degree for designers. The OOH notes that strong prior work experience or a portfolio of projects can substitute for formal credentials. No license is required. People with a bachelor's degree may move into project management over time.
Skills that matter
The OOH names these important qualities:
- Communication: coordinating with coworkers on projects.
- Creativity: making sites attractive as well as functional.
- Detail orientation: small coding errors can break a page.
- Problem solving: finding and fixing errors.
- Customer service: answering user questions politely, especially for webmasters.
O*NET lists critical thinking, reading comprehension, active learning, active listening, speaking, writing and monitoring as the essential skills for the role.
How much do web developers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $99,520 per year (2025 median pay) for web developers and digital designers combined. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS also prints separate May 2025 figures. Web developers: median $92,650, lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,100, highest 10 percent earned more than $162,290. Web and digital interface designers: median $104,000, lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,750, highest 10 percent earned more than $201,550.
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for state and metro figures. Our guide on how to research pay shows how to read percentiles for your area and experience.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of web developers and digital designers to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 13,600 openings each year on average over the decade. Many openings come from workers who move to other occupations or leave the labor force.
How to get hired
- Build proof. Because the OOH says a portfolio can substitute for a degree, put two or three finished projects online with a short note on what you built and how you tested it.
- Choose a lane. Front end, back end or design each use different tools. Match your portfolio to the lane in the postings you want.
- Tailor your resume. Use the exact tools named in the posting. See our ATS resume guide.
- Search steadily. Our find a job fast guide covers a weekly routine. You can search jobs on LiveRec.
- Practice. Review interview prep before technical and portfolio walkthroughs.
Related occupations
Software developers, QA analysts and testers; computer programmers; graphic designers; computer systems analysts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree to be a web developer? Not always. The OOH says requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, and prior work experience or a portfolio can substitute for formal credentials. A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education.
Is web developer a growing job? Yes. BLS projects 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
What is the difference between front end and back end? Front-end developers build the visible features of a site. Back-end developers build the core technical structure behind it.
Do web developers need a license? No license or certification is listed as required in the OOH.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers and Digital Designers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Web Developers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1254.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.