Web Developer Salary: 2023 Guide

Web developers design and create websites. They often oversee a site’s performance, maintenance, and capacity.

Web developer responsibilities can include:

• Creating site content

• Designing the look and feel, or user interface (UI), of a site

• Creating a smooth and intuitive user experience (UX)

• Building and coding the structure of a site 

• Testing site functionalities 

There are three different types of web developers: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Back-end developers create and code the foundational structure and functionality of a website, while front-end developers design the look and feel of the website that visitors experience. Full-stack developers combine these skill sets to work on any aspect of a website’s design and functionality. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 23 percent job growth for web developers and digital designers through 2031 [1]. Understanding what you can expect to earn through this dynamic career may help you determine if a web development career is the right path for you.  

Read more: What Does a Web Developer Do (and How Do I Become One)?

How much do web developers make?

The average total annual pay for web developers in the US is $82,615, according to Glassdoor [2]. Many factors can influence salaries, such as skill set, location, cost of living, and level of experience. 

Factors affecting web developer salary

New web developers will usually make less than experienced professionals, while those with additional certifications or education will make more. There are many steps you can take to build knowledge and expertise and earn the salary you desire.

Education

Web developers must know how to code. Programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Python, or Ruby are common depending on whether you are doing front-end or back-end development. You can build your programming knowledge and display your expertise with Professional Certificates and an associate degree. You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to work as a web developer, but those with a post-secondary degree tend to earn higher salaries. Also, some companies may look for web developers with degrees in specific fields, such as computer science or programming.

Bachelor’s degrees can also position web developers to work in managerial roles and earn additional income. For example, computer and information system managers earn an annual median salary of $159,010, according to the BLS [3].

For many who are starting to look for a web development job, learning the basics is an important step. Online specialization courses can begin the educational journey. The University of Michigan offers Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization, while Johns Hopkins University offers HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers. 

specialization

Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding

Learn to Design and Create Websites. Build a responsive and accessible web portfolio using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript

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Web Development, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Html5, JavaScript, Responsive Web Design, Web Design, Web Accessibility, HTML, Style Sheets, Document Object Model (DOM), Bootstrap (Front-End Framework)

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HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers

Do you realize that the only functionality of a web application that the user directly interacts with is through the web page? Implement it poorly and, to ...

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HTML, JavaScript, Css Frameworks, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Certifications

Web developers can qualify for more specialized jobs—and earn better salaries—by mastering specific skills used in complex online projects. These skills are often ever-changing, and successful web developers consider lifelong learning an important part of their career path. 

Job descriptions often include the specific skills that employers seek. Here is a list of skills that could benefit your salary:

• Backbone.js 

• Angular 

• Node.js

• React

• Java

Many online courses are available to build skills and earn Professional Certificates. For example, IBM’s Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate and the Google UX Design Professional Certificate.

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IBM Full Stack Software Developer

Kickstart your career in application development. Master Cloud Native and Full Stack Development using hands-on projects involving HTML, JavaScript, Node.js, Python, Django, Containers, Microservices and more. No prior experience required.

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Cloud Native, Devops, Iaas PaaS Saas, Hybrid Multicloud, Cloud Computing, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, Git (Software), JavaScript, Cloud Applications, Distributed Version Control (DRCS), open source, Version Control Systems, Github, Web Development, User Interface, React (Web Framework), Front-end Development, back-end development, Server-side JavaScript, express, Computer Science, Data Science, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Pandas, Numpy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Web Application, Application development, Flask, Django (Web Framework), Database (DBMS), SQL, Kubernetes, Docker, Containers, Openshift, Serverless Computing, Microservices, Function As A Service, Node.Js

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Google UX Design

This is your path to a career in UX design. In this program, you’ll learn in-demand skills that will have you job-ready in less than 6 months. No degree or experience required.

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User Experience (UX), UX Research, Wireframe, Prototype, User Experience Design (UXD), Usability Testing, mockup, Figma, Adobe XD, UX design jobs

Level of experience

As a web developer, every project is an opportunity to grow your portfolio and gain experience. In time, this can result in higher pay. Glassdoor estimates the average total pay for three main levels of expertise as follows [2]:

1. Median Entry-Level Web Developer Salary (1-3 years): $71,562

• Range: $47,000 to $90,000

2. Median Intermediate Web Developer Salary (4-6 years): $78,130

• Range: $63,000 to $98,000

3. Median Senior Web Developer Salary (7-9 years): $83,095

• Range: $66,000 to $104,000

Type of position

As you gain expertise and experience as a web developer, your career path will likely lead you to new opportunities. Different positions held by web developers have different average yearly wages. For example:

• PHP developer: $94,751

• Java developer: $99,697

• Front-end developer: $84,764

• Full-stack developer: $86,816

• Back-end developer: $82,314

*All salary data sourced from Glassdoor (November 2022).

Company size

About 6 percent of web developers are self-employed [4]. They have the freedom to set their rates and select their projects. But the vast majority of web developers work for companies of varying sizes and industries.

Sometimes, the smaller the company, the less it can pay its employees. Larger companies often have the means to offer bonuses, profit sharing, and commission on top of base salaries. They may also provide additional benefits to compete for the best web developers in today’s marketplace. 

Industry and salary

Web developers can find employment in many fields since nearly every industry requires an online presence for success. But some industries employ more web developers—and the pay rate can vary based on which industry you choose. 

The most popular industries for employment, along with the average salary, are:

• Computer systems design: $77,450

• Other information services: $77,210

• Educational services: $64,380

• Advertising, public relations, and related services: $63,240 [5]

Location and salary

Due to cost of living variations and industry hubs, salaries vary by city. The highest-paid web developers live in:

• New York, NY, with an average base salary of  $78,938

• Washington, DC, with an average base salary of $77,836

• Seattle, WA, with an average salary of $76,540

• Los Angeles, CA, with an average base salary of $74,779

• San Diego, CA, with an average base salary of $73,025

• Atlanta, GA, with an average base salary of $71,498

• Austin, TX, with an average base salary of $70,788

• Houston, TX, with an average base salary of $69,532

• Orlando, FL, with an average base salary of $66,281 [6]

Company and salary

Web developers can also expect variations in salary based on the company that’s hiring. For example, Tata Consultancy Services offers an average salary of $94,785 a year, while Wells Fargo offers an average salary of $116,328 a year. Google pays an average of $189,393 a year, while Amazon pays web developers an average of $153,137 a year [2].

Some companies also offer commissions, enhanced benefits packages, and other perks. Consider health care benefits, retirement packages, and the ability to work remotely in your salary negotiations. 

Become a web developer with Coursera

If you’re ready to embark on a career as a web developer, you’ll want to start mastering the skills employers and clients look for. Many professionals begin their education with the help of online courses. Meta offers Professional Certificates for both front-end and back-end web development. Learn key technical skills and relevant programming systems, build a portfolio, and gain exclusive access to the Meta Career Programs Job Board on completion. 

professional certificate

Meta Back-End Developer

Launch your career as a back-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

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Cloud Hosting, Application Programming Interfaces (API), Python Programming, Computer Programming, Django (Web Framework), Linux, Web Development, Bash (Unix Shell), Github, Version Control, MySQL, Database (DBMS), database administration, Build a data model, Design a web application, Debugging, Authentication and authorization, REST APIs, Filtering and ordering, Serializers and deserializers, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, Production environments, JavaScript, API endpoints, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Communication, Data Structure, Computer Science

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Meta Front-End Developer

Launch your career as a front-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

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Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, UI/UX design, React, JavaScript, Web Development Tools, User Interface, Front-End Web Development, HTML and CSS, Responsive Web Design, Test-Driven Development, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Linux, Web Development, Bash (Unix Shell), Github, Version Control, Debugging, React (Web Framework), Web Application, Application development, Unit Testing, Web Design, User Experience (UX), Accessibility, Pseudocode, Algorithms, Communication, Data Structure, Computer Science