Web Developers
Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Also called: Back End Developer, Back End Engineer, Back End Software Engineer, Back-End Web Developer, Computer Graphic Artist, Computer Graphic Designer
Median pay
$92,650
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,100 – $162,290
People employed
70,190
Holland code
CIA
Conventional · Investigative · Artistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 2.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 8.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Web Developers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (43 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What web developers do
- 01Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
- 02Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- 03Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
- 04Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
- 05Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
- 06Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from web developers
- Data Scientists73% · +30%
- Business Intelligence Analysts71% · group pay
- Clinical Data Managers70% · group pay
- Computer Hardware Engineers68% · +75%
- Search Marketing Strategists68% · group pay
Change into web developers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Desktop Publishers80% · $55,290
- Search Marketing Strategists73% · $78,760
- Graphic Designers62% · $62,960
- Special Effects Artists and Animators62% · $102,030
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators52% · $55,490
Majors that lead here
- Computer Programming/Programmer, General
- Computer Science
- Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design
- Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.