OVERVIEW
What is a Web Developer?
Web development is one of many promising IT career options that lets professionals leverage their technical skills and creativity to craft engaging, functional websites and applications. There are three main types of web developers, each with specific responsibilities:
- Front-end developers write and implement the code that forms a website's visual and interactive elements. Front-end devs work directly with clients to ensure that websites offer an enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing user experience.
- Back-end developers write the code that powers the parts of a website users don’t see. Back-end devs manage a website’s databases, server, and application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate optimal website performance, quick loading speeds, and powerful cybersecurity measures.
- Full-stack developers are proficient in front-end and back-end development. From managing user interface and user experience design to server configuration and version control, full-stack devs oversee the entire development process.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Web Developer Do?
A web developer's daily responsibilities vary significantly depending on the type of web development services they provide and the industry in which they work. While front-end developers focus on creating a satisfying user experience, back-end developers deal with the hidden mechanisms that make a website run. Full-stack developers handle duties from both areas.
Front-End Developer Responsibilities
Many web developers begin their careers in front-end development. Typical front-end developer work duties include:
- Discussing website functionality and design plans with clients and other stakeholders.
- Writing code for user-facing content with JavaScript, CSS, Swift, and other programming languages.
- Integrating audio and visual elements into websites.
- Forming interactive elements such as navigation menus, search bars, and contact forms that increase user engagement.
- Implementing search engine optimization (SEO) best practices to help a website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
- Testing websites and troubleshooting any errors or performance issues.
- Maintaining accurate documentation regarding code, deployment processes, UX/UI components, and website performance.
Back-End Developer Responsibilities
- Writing code with Python, Java, Ruby, PHP, and other server-side programming languages.
- Ensuring that servers are updated and secure.
- Designing, maintaining, and continually updating databases.
- Creating APIs that allow multiple programs and applications to share data and operate in unison.
- Implementing various cybersecurity measures, including strong user authentication and authorization processes.
- Configuring server settings.
- Troubleshooting and debugging websites and applications.
- Collaborating with deployment teams to release updates and patches.
- Overseeing continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
- Integrating third-party services such as payment processors into websites.
Front-end and back-end web developer roles often overlap. In many workplaces, front- and back-end developers work in partnership to ensure that websites are secure, functional, and optimized for users’ experience.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Web Developer?
Web developer jobs are often highly specialized, requiring a combination of real-world experience, higher education, and professional certifications. The skills and education needed to succeed as a web developer depend on the specific type of web development, industry, and employer. Many web developers begin their career journeys as front-end developers and later learn the intricacies of back-end and full-stack development. However, this is just one of several routes you can take during your web developer career.
Consider the following steps as you prepare:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, cloud computing, information technology, computer science, or a related IT field. A bachelor’s will help you learn the specific programming, coding, and scripting skills you’ll need to succeed in this career.
- Develop your portfolio. A collection of your best web development work can help you stand out to prospective employers.
- Gain work experience. A job in or adjacent to web development will be the best place to apply and sharpen your skills. This may include remote work, onsite work, or a hybrid of both.
- Get certified. Certifications can further strengthen your skill set and show potential employers your dedication to continuous learning. IT degree programs at WGU offer several top industry certifications at no extra cost.
Best Degrees for Web Developers
Technology
Cloud Computing – B.S.
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and...
A three-track program designed to arm you with the certifications and credentials you need for a career like systems administrator, computer systems analyst, cloud support specialist, AWS support administrator, and more.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Transfer: Your previous college coursework and existing certifications may waive course requirements, helping you finish even faster.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
- 3 Tracks: Choose between a multi-cloud, AWS, or Azure focused track to learn specific software specialties.
Certifications at no extra cost, including:
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Amazon AWS SysOps Administration–Associate
- Azure Fundamentals
- Developing Solutions for Microsoft Azure
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cloud+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and Automation
- Managing Cloud Security
- Development
- Applications
- Ongoing maintenance and security
Technology
Software Engineering – B.S.
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities....
You're a creative and tech genius who wants the bigger opportunities.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish similar programs within 35 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 or 38 total courses in this program depending on your track.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost are:
- CompTIA Project +
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®1 Foundation Certification
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Web development
- Mobile application development
- User experience design
- Software quality assurance
Technology
Front End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills...
The Front End Web Development Certificate equips learners with the skills necessary to create responsive, visually appealing, and functional websites.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 6 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help aspiring web developers begin their journey, gain valuable experience, and add a critical credential to their résumé. You are also guaranteed admission into a WGU School of Technology degree program. This certificate will prepare you for the next step in your career.
This certificate can help build fundamental skills in front-end development, and also help those with no technical background begin to build vocational identity for a long-term career in IT. Learners will gain critical skills including version control, scripting, web development, JavaScript programming, and UI design.
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Back End Web Development Certificate – School of Technology
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical...
The Back End Web Development Certificate helps students gain a critical foundation in databases, Java, SQL, and other areas that are crucial for success in the field.
- Time: 6 months from start to finish.
- Cost: $3,950 for the certificate.
- Courses: 5 courses total in this program.
This certificate is designed to help individuals who want to pursue web development gain important skills and experience, boosting their résumé right away. In this program you will take courses that move directly into a School of Technology bachelor's degree at WGU, where you are guaranteed admission after completing your certificate. This program is an important step for your career.
Build your foundational skills in back end web development with a focus on SQL queries, user interface, database management, Java fundamentals and frameworks, and more.
Technology
Computer Science – B.S.
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:...
Problem solvers and math lovers needed! Your task:
Lay the groundwork for the computing breakthroughs that will enable tomorrow's technologies. Utilize your previous college courses or IT experience to help you complete your degree faster.
- Time: 60% of graduates in similar programs finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
You'll have the opportunity to earn these certifications:
- Linux Essentials
- Axelos ITIL Foundation
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Artifical Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning
- Logic
- Architecture and systems
- Data structures
- Computer theory
- Version Control
- Linux
How Much Does a Web Developer Make?
$84,960
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for web developers in May 2023 was $84,960. The lowest 10% earned less than $46,850 while the highest 10% earned more than $157,280. A web developer’s salary depends on a variety of factors, including past IT experience, programming expertise, and education. Software publishing and consulting developers typically earn higher salaries than web developers in other fields.
What Is the Job Outlook?
8%
The demand for web developers increases as the world becomes more and more reliant on the internet. The BLS states that employment of web developers is projected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Around 16,500 openings for web developers are projected each year on average over the decade.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Web Developer Need?
Web developer skills span a spectrum of technological proficiencies and interpersonal capabilities, including:
- Communication skills. Web developers leverage strong written and verbal communication skills to discuss website plans with clients and collaborate with software developers and other stakeholders.
- Computer programming. Web developers use Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Java, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Python, and other programming languages to write the code that controls websites and applications. It’s also essential to understand version control systems like Git, Subversion, and Mercurial to track changes and collaborate with team members.
- Web testing and debugging. Web development is a continual process of writing code, testing it for functionality, checking for bugs or errors, and upgrading websites and applications as needed to improve the user experience.
- Design skills and creativity. Building accessible, enjoyable websites and applications requires an eye for design and an imaginative mindset.
- Analytics. Web developers often integrate analytics tools to monitor user interactions and help their organizations reach new audiences.
- Writing and presenting reports. Web developers write reports about development progress, challenges and obstacles they’ve encountered, bug fixes and updates, and website performance.
- Search engine optimization. Web developers should understand fundamental SEO strategies to integrate SEO best practices and collaborate with SEO specialists to create high-ranking websites.
- Project management. Successful web developers maintain organized records regarding ongoing projects, prioritize tasks by order of importance, and manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and quality expectations.
- Understanding of application frameworks and libraries. Many web developers rely on tools like Angular and React in their work.
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