Web developer

What does a web developer do?

• Build web pages and features using HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
• Develop the server-side code, databases and APIs that power web applications.
• Turn designs into working layouts that adapt to phones, tablets and computers.
• Test websites in different browsers and devices and fix bugs.
• Improve speed, security and accessibility so that sites work well for all users.
• Update and maintain existing sites, including content management systems.
• Work with clients, designers and marketing teams to agree what a site needs.

Where do they work?

Web developers work for digital agencies, software companies, online retailers, media organisations, universities and public bodies, or in the in-house teams of almost any large employer. Freelancing is common, and many developers build sites for small businesses or for clients in other countries. Remote and hybrid work is widespread. The work is mostly at a computer, with deadlines around launches, and some roles include fixing urgent problems when a site goes down.

What skills do you need?

• HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Front-end frameworks and libraries
• Server-side programming and APIs
• Databases and SQL
• Web accessibility and performance
• Version control (for example Git)
• Problem solving and debugging
• Communicating with clients and non-technical colleagues

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• create flowchart diagram
• analyse software specifications
• debug software
• implement front-end website design
• use software design patterns
• provide technical documentation
• collect customer feedback on applications
• interpret technical texts
• develop software prototype
• use software libraries
• use markup languages
• translate requirement concepts into visual design

Essential knowledge: content development processes · integrated development environment software · web programming · computer programming · ICT debugging tools · World Wide Web Consortium standards · style sheet languages · tools for software configuration management

How do you become a web developer?

Many web developers have a degree in computer science, software engineering or a related subject, but employers usually care most about what you can build. A portfolio of live websites, code in public repositories and freelance or volunteer projects is often the deciding factor. People from design, marketing, the humanities and other backgrounds commonly switch through bootcamps, online courses or employer training. Start with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, then learn a popular framework and some server-side programming. Most hiring processes include a technical task or coding interview.

1. University degree. A degree in computer science, software engineering or web development teaches programming, databases and networking, and gives you access to internships and graduate schemes. Degrees in design or mathematics can also lead into web development if you add strong coding projects to your studies.
2. Apprenticeship or vocational training. In countries with strong apprenticeship systems, such as Germany, Switzerland and the UK, you can train as a developer while working and earning. Vocational colleges in many countries also offer web development diplomas that combine coding with practical projects for real clients.
3. Bootcamp or self-taught. Web development is one of the most common self-taught routes into technology, because tools and learning materials are widely available online. You need a strong portfolio of real projects to compete, because junior roles often attract many applicants. Some employers and visa systems still prefer a degree.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Computer science

  A computer science degree teaches how software, data and computer systems work, from programming and algorithms to networks and artificial intelligence.

  9 linked careers

• Design

  A design degree teaches how to create visual communication, products, spaces, clothing and digital experiences that work well for people.

  6 linked careers

• Mathematics

  A mathematics degree develops advanced reasoning and problem-solving through pure mathematics, such as algebra and analysis, and applied areas, such as statistics, modelling and computing.

  6 linked careers

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Do you need a licence to work as a web developer?

Web development is not a regulated profession, so you do not need a licence to work as a web developer. However, the websites you build may have to follow laws on data protection, privacy and accessibility. These laws differ between countries and regions, such as the European Union. Certifications from technology companies can show specific skills but are rarely required by employers.

How much does a web developer earn?

Pay in the United States

• $92,650Median annual wage, May 2025
• $48,100–$162,290Range from the lowest-paid 10% to the highest-paid 10%
• 70.2KPeople employed in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, SOC 15-1254, May 2025. National estimates across all industries; excludes the self-employed.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes web developer and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Junior web developer
2. Web developer
3. Senior web developer
4. Lead developer or technical architect
5. Head of development or engineering manager

Job outlook

Almost every organisation needs a website, online services or internal web tools, so demand for web skills is spread across the economy. At the same time, website builders and AI coding tools now handle many simple sites and much routine code, which reduces work on basic projects. Developers who can build complex applications, work with data and security, and understand user experience are in a stronger position. Entry-level competition can be intense, so real projects matter.

Questions about becoming a web developer

Do you need a degree to become a web developer?

No. Web development is one of the easiest technology careers to enter without a degree, and many employers hire based on a portfolio and a technical test. A degree in computer science or a related subject still helps with graduate schemes, larger employers and work visas in some countries. It is worth considering if you can study.

What is the difference between a web developer and a software developer?

Web developers specialise in websites and applications that run in a browser, using technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Software developer is a broader term that also covers desktop, mobile, embedded and large business systems. The skills overlap a lot, and many people move between the two roles during their careers.

What is the difference between front-end and back-end development?

Front-end developers build the parts of a website that users see and interact with, such as layouts, menus and forms. Back-end developers build the servers, databases and APIs that store and process data. Full-stack developers do both, which is common in smaller teams and start-ups.

How long does it take to become a web developer?

It depends on your starting point and how much time you can give. A university degree usually takes three or four years, while intensive bootcamps last a few months. Many self-taught learners spend a year or more practising before their portfolio is strong enough for a junior role.

Related careers

• Software developer

  Software developers design, build, test and maintain the programs and apps that run on computers, phones, websites and machines.

  Degree often expected

• UX/UI designer

  UX/UI designers make websites, apps and digital services easy and pleasant to use.

  Degree often expected

• Digital marketer

  Digital marketers promote products, services and organisations online through search engines, social media, email, websites and online advertising.

  Degree often expected

Sources

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — SOC 15-1254, national estimates, May 2025
2. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
3. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2513.5

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become a web developer: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/web-developer/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

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