There are numerous job opportunities in web development careers for people with various abilities and long-term objectives. This profession encompasses positions such as web content writers and technology specialists who concentrate on the coding and internal organization of websites. You can locate a job that fits your skill set by knowing what careers are available in web development. This post covers nine distinct web development careers, together with information on their typical wages and main job responsibilities, allowing you to decide which ones best match your career interests.
Why Go into Web Development Careers?
Web designers usually spend their days indoors in offices. Both individual and teamwork-based work is possible in web development careers. Professionals might choose between working for a big technology company or a small one.
An in-depth knowledge of computers and programming languages is required for web developers. To effectively interact with their clients, these specialists must also be detail-oriented and possess strong communication abilities. A lot of web developers also have an excellent sense of design.
9 Web Development Careers
Nine web development careers are listed here, along with the expected job requirements and associated wages:
1. A web designer
National average yearly salary: $49,066.
A web designer’s main responsibilities in web development careers include handling a website’s visual appearance. They consult with customers to choose the ideal layout and style for a website, whether it’s for a government department, a personal portfolio, or a service-based firm. A web designer employs expertise in computer coding and graphic design to produce a finished output that is both useful and aesthetically pleasing. This person frequently collaborates with software engineers and media producers to make sure that each of a site’s visual components functions properly with one another.
2. A copywriter
National average yearly salary: $51,995.
A copywriter’s main responsibilities in web development careers are to create the written material, or “copy,” for a website. They aid in boosting sales by creating product and service websites that inform customers about a business’s products. To aid businesses in developing their internet profile, copywriters also produce material for “Home” and “About” pages. This expert can effectively interact with their intended audience and aids the business in turning curious readers into paying clients. The work of a copywriter also helps a website’s exposure in search engines.
3. Webmaster
National average yearly salary: $53,387.
A webmaster’s key responsibilities in web development careers include maintaining an organization’s website. They keep track of how the website does in results from search engines and recommend adjustments as needed. To make sure a website loads as quickly as possible, webmasters also run page speed tests. A webmaster may be in charge of monitoring paid search and organic content campaigns, based on the requirements of the client and their involvement in marketing. Some webmasters may build up servers for web developmental activities as well.
4. Engineer in technical support
National average yearly salary: $67,686
An engineer in web development careers who provides technical support is mostly in charge of troubleshooting website problems. A technical support professional answers the phone when a customer calls a business to report a problem with their site or a product. As clients encounter issues, this expert employs both technical expertise and customer service techniques to provide beneficial answers. Administrative tasks like submitting claims and logging the solutions they’ve executed may also be completed by a technical support professional. They feel at ease communicating both verbally and in writing with other experts on the design team, such as project leaders and developers.
5. Project manager
National average yearly salary: $73,796
The main responsibilities of a project manager in web development careers are to supervise projects from inception to completion. They make sure everyone on the team follows the specified budget and adheres to key deadlines. For the team to produce high-caliber work that satisfies the requirements of the client, a project manager also assists team members in understanding their specific duties. A project manager’s additional duties include interacting with clients, modifying a project’s timeframe as needed, and acquiring the appropriate project resources.
6. UX designer
National average yearly salary: $89,839
The main responsibilities of a UX designer in web development careers are to make sure users can engage with a website with ease. If a website usability problem arises, they investigate the situation and choose the best course of action. A UX designer’s further duties include creating a product strategy, working with the project’s web designers, and wireframing prospective website components. Users may be shown the finished work by this expert, who could then get their input and make any necessary adjustments.
7. Front-end programmer
National average yearly salary: $100,694.
A front-end developer’s main responsibilities in a web development career are to create the website’s interactive elements. They frequently employ computer languages to put a web developer’s ideas into practice. Website owners frequently depend on front-end developers to modify and update different graphic elements, like sliders and dropdown menus, on their websites. An organization’s brand can be more closely matched by a front-end developer by standardizing the colors and fonts used throughout a website.
8. Full-stack programmer
National average yearly salary: $106,004.
A full-stack developer in web development careers is responsible for both front-end and back-end development, among other things. They often take on a wide range of web development tasks and work in smaller firms. This expert collaborates with the customer and the server to produce a finished website that satisfies the client’s requirements. They have experience installing and configuring servers, creating interfaces for application programming, and giving recommendations on the aesthetics of websites.
9. Back-end programmer
National average yearly salary: $114,969.
A back-end developer’s main responsibilities in web development careers include managing a website’s back-end elements. The database, application, and server are the three primary elements for which they are accountable. The technology that enables these components to function effectively is created and maintained by a back-end developer. They’re the major reason a user can interact with the front-end components of a website. An effective back-end developer has experience with challenging server-side languages. This expert works with stakeholders to understand their choices for the website and then leverages their input to build clear code for the back end of the website.
Professional experience
Try to gain experience beyond your degree operating on websites. By doing this, you’ll be able to compile a portfolio demonstrating your technical prowess and design and programming talents. Some degrees allow students to complete a year-long, paid placement as part of their study. The Year In Industry (YINI) program at EDT will help you identify opportunities that are pertinent to you.
Another way to demonstrate effort is to organize your summer internship or part-time job. There are several options because the great majority of companies promote their products or services online.
A great technique to show that you can explain technical concepts to non-technical people is through community schemes. You might do this by assisting someone in making their first online purchase or by helping them design their website. Consult your local council to learn more about the latest programs.
Common employers
There are numerous web design firms with a focus on building and managing websites for other businesses. If a business chooses not to use these services, it typically has an internal team or web designer.
Creating your own design company or working as a freelancer may be more appealing to you. However, your design talent can land you a job at a startup design studio or ad agency.
Your aptitude for development may enable you to work in a variety of industries, such as software engineering, testing, or professional writing. These technological talents are valued by major telecom and IT firms.
There are job opportunities for web developers all around the nation in sectors like information services, technological consulting, and advertising. Continue reading to find out more about the most popular industries for web developers as well as the places that provide the most attractive employment opportunities.
Web developers are needed by the majority of industries in the digital realm to build attractive websites. While some web engineers might work for major IT firms, others may be able to find employment in sectors like consulting or advertising.
Career Outlook for Web Development
Web designers and developers of digital interfaces make an average of $82,370 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This industry is expected to increase by 8% between 2019 and 2029, which is substantially faster than the national average.
Remember that experience, location, and education all affect a worker’s salary in web development careers. Based on the amount of expertise of the professional, the table below displays the average yearly earnings for several web development occupations.
Skills for your resume
Learners participate in web development courses to acquire fundamental skills in digital statistics, database management systems, and object-oriented coding. Students gain the ability to communicate clearly, analyze critically, and collaborate in multicultural teams.
Graduates are better qualified for positions in a range of contexts because of these transferable soft talents. Web developers frequently acquire generic and vendor-specific certificates in addition to college degrees to show their proficiency and experience. Programs in web development and design offer a variety of technical knowledge in subjects like:
- Digital Marketing
- Data analysis
- Graphics and design
- Database design
- Multimedia production
- Scripting/coding
- Programming
- User experience design
- Software development
- Webs design
- Web application development
Projects and theoretical study both help students develop these subject-specific talents.
You will also acquire a variety of transferable skills, including:
- Presentation and communication
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Project management
- Research
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
- Organization.
Many organizations, both in the IT industry and outside of it, are looking for this set of talents. Additionally, it gives you the option to work independently or as a freelancer.
How to Launch Your Web Development Career
Professionals’ educational backgrounds determine the kind of web development careers that are available to them. Because the web development market is so competitive, job seekers should obtain an authorized technical degree.
Web development associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs offer training that applies to the workplace, with alternatives for on-campus and online instruction. Web development certification courses are open to students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline and want to learn the appropriate skills needed to start a new career. Schools also frequently provide career development services, such as business partner internship programs.
The industry might affect the different career pathways for web development. Professionals might choose to focus on back-end programming or front-end design, for instance. Additionally, they can seek employment in search engine optimization, mobile application development, and game development. They might also be capable of pursuing careers in business analytics, IT sales, professional writing, and information system integration.
Web development associate’s degree
A minimum of 60 credits are needed for associate degrees in web development, and full-time students typically finish in around two years. By registering in fast online programs, students can complete their degrees more rapidly. Community and technical institutions frequently don’t charge an application fee and typically have laxer admissions policies.
Interaction design, visual media, and object-oriented programming are all topics covered in associate courses. They learn the fundamental abilities needed for front-end and back-end programming. Students may also explore subjects like advanced CSS and.NET software development and design depending on the course.
Numerous individuals start their academic careers in associate degree programs to benefit from the reduced tuition costs before moving to a bachelor’s degree completion course.
What Job Can You Do With a Web Development Associate Degree?
- Technical Support Engineers
These experts are employed in a range of sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, and web design. Technical support professionals respond to emails and telephone inquiries about the goods and services offered by their business. They also assist clients with computer system updates and troubleshooting. Support engineers’ administrative tasks include filing claims and maintaining reports.
Pay: $64,130
- Web developers
Websites with an engaging user experience are conceptualized and created by web designers. Designers create multimedia online promotions with clients to bolster a business’s brand. Some web developers are also in charge of running websites regularly.
Pay: $50,520
Web Development Bachelor’s Degree
Web development bachelor’s degrees typically require four years to complete. Courses like corporate environments for online professionals, IT management and system planning, and internet systems design are among those that students may take. The top bachelor’s degree programs instruct students on JavaScript, Angular, NoSQL databases, APIs, and user interface design to equip them for web development careers as full-stack web developers.
In contrast to associate-level learners, bachelor’s students have directed and unstructured electives at their disposal to customize their degree plans. More potential for customization is provided by concentration and little changes. These courses usually end with a development project where students utilize the whole web stack.
What Are Your Options If You Have a Bachelor’s in Web Development?
- UI/UX designers
From a user’s standpoint, these experts increase the usability and efficiency of hardware and software. To establish the objectives of the product, they work along with designers, developers, engineers, and program managers. Wireframes are created by UX designers, who also test prototypes and hold focus groups. When necessary, they alter their products. UX designers often have a strong foundation in CAD, Adobe Suite, HTML, and CSS, just like other web designers do.
Pay: $74,190
- Web designers
Web developers learn full-stack competencies through on-the-job training and experience. They are proficient in numerous computer languages, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. Professionals can work in front-end and back-end programming thanks to their extensive expertise. Full-stack programmers are excellent at all phases of the development cycle. They frequently operate as independent contractors, creating full websites for their customers.
Pay: $73,760
- Front-end programmers
Front-end programmers work on a website or software’s client-side interface and features. To make certain that the product is aesthetically pleasing and simple to use, they collaborate with graphic artists and UX experts. Additionally, front-end programmers guarantee that information is presented on websites in a pertinent way. Additionally, these experts translate webpages and applications across platforms, devices, and browsers.
Pay: $73,290
Web development master’s degree
Students must complete between 30 and 50 credits for master’s degrees in web development, which typically takes two years. Some universities provide accelerated online programs that enable distant learners to get their degrees in just one year. Similarly to this, several universities offer dual degree programs that enable motivated students to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.
Students attend required courses in interface design, technical communication, and website development and optimization. Additionally, they learn the collaborative, project management, and research informatics abilities necessary for employment as professional developers, software developers, and IT administrators. Additionally, a master’s program better qualifies students for Microsoft and Adobe certification courses.
What Is a Master’s in Web Development Good For?
- Advanced web developers
Senior web engineers manage design teams and mentor junior employees in addition to conducting full-stack programming. These business executives work for both lone producers and consulting businesses that serve many industries. For brand-new websites and apps, senior developers determine system and user needs. They organize team members, prioritize work, and uphold deadlines.
Pay: $88,110
- Software Developers
These experts use coding languages including Assembly, Java, Python, and C++ to build software. To generate computer applications UML blueprints, they collaborate with computer analysts. To handle difficult and significant projects, programmers frequently collaborate in groups. They can work in generalist web development careers or seek specialized web development careers in industries like fintech and video games. These professionals can differentiate themselves in the employment market with a master’s degree.
Pay: $78,330
How to Develop a Successful Web Development Career
There are many ways for web developers to improve in their web development careers, including through networking, certification, and ongoing education. Better salaries and more advanced titles are two benefits of career advancement. As their resumes get better, professionals will have more opportunities to land management roles.
Continue reading to discover more about job progression strategies for those with degrees in web development.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Licenses are granted by the national, state, and local governments. Getting a degree, passing an exam, and completing some courses for continuing education are usually prerequisites for getting a license. The majority of web developers can work without a license.
In contrast, professional associations often offer certifications. Passing an exam and completing the required number of hours of ongoing education may be requirements for certification, just as licensure. Web development experts have access to credentials from institutions like the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals and the International Web Association.
Additionally, web developers ought to think about getting a certificate. Numerous universities offer certification courses in web development and other related subjects in-person or online. These courses, which can last up to a year, aid professionals in developing new skills and staying up to date with emerging technologies. Here, readers may find out more about selecting a certification course.
Continuous Learning
Web developers have a variety of options for extending their education, including getting a new degree and finishing CEUs (continuing education units).
A professional’s ability to progress may be improved by earning a second degree, especially in fields where a bachelor’s or associate’s degree is all that is necessary for employment. Professionals are better prepared for higher levels of responsibility, such as managing roles, by obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree. Higher-educated professionals typically make more money than their less-educated competitors.
Universities also provide CEUs for web developers to master new skills and gain insight into industry technological advancements and trends. Most universities provide CEUs both on-campus and online. Additionally, professionals ought to search for postsecondary colleges that provide free online programs.
How to Transition Into web development careers
Depending on their present industry, professionals wishing to switch to web development might need to satisfy new educational requirements or complete additional training.
Most experts who make the shift to web development do so from other tech disciplines like software design and software programming. The majority of people with knowledge and experience in coding, graphic arts, and web-based innovations do not require extra degrees, while some of these experts might need to undergo extra training before accepting a new position.
Computer programming degrees or those in related subjects are frequently required of professionals making the switch from nontechnology fields. The minimum educational requirement for many entry-level web development careers for web developers is an associate degree.
Conclusion
Web developers should constantly look for ways to better their web development careers, such as by participating in networking events and joining a professional group.
Numerous helpful resources are offered by professional associations, such as scholarly journals, online seminars and workshops, job postings, and conferences. Professional groups are open to both professionals and students. It should be noted by readers that most associations charge a membership fee.
Collaboration and the discovery of colleagues who share similar interests might result from attending networking events. Professionals can interact with one another and discover new web development career prospects through networking.
Joining groups like the Computing Technology Industry Association and AIGA is something web developers should think about.
Frequently Asked Questions on web development careers
- Is a web development degree worthwhile?
A degree is typically necessary for web development careers. A prospective web development expert can acquire an entry-level position in the workforce with even just an associate degree. Professionals can stand out from other applicants and qualify for employment with higher pay by obtaining a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
- Is there a demand for web development careers?
Web developers are expected to have job growth of 8% from 2019 to 2029, which is twice as rapid as the forecasted average for all web development careers.
- What types of employment can you obtain with a degree in web development?
Web designers, front-end designers, and UX designers are among the web development careers open to web development majors.
- How much do people who major in web development make?
The BLS reports that the annual average salary for web developers in 2019 was $73,760. The outlook for a worker’s pay, however, varies according to their location, level of education, and level of experience.