Web developers play a pivotal role in shaping the internet — and how users interact with the digital world. These skilled professionals build, maintain and optimize websites, web- and mobile-based applications, and even online games, making sure they function properly, meet expected technical and design requirements and, most important, are user-friendly.Web developers also collaborate closely with designers, content creators and other project stakeholders to ensure what they create is aligned with business goals. And they are nothing if not busy: Every day, 252,000 new websites are created worldwide — or about 175 new websites per minute.Given those staggering figures, it is perhaps no surprise to discover the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for web developers and digital designers will grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
As organizations of all sizes — from small and midsize businesses to the largest companies — increasingly rely on digital platforms to engage with customers, employees and other users, expect the need for skilled web developers to continue to rise. Technology companies will no doubt remain major employers of this talent, but there is growing demand for web developers in other industries like:Healthcare: Businesses are expanding their digital presence, with increased investment in patient portals, telehealth applications and data management systems.Finance: Companies are prioritizing digital services and customer-centric financial platforms, creating more opportunities for developers with financial technology (fintech) expertise.Education and media: Organizations are rapidly adopting web-based platforms for remote learning and digital content distribution, further driving demand for skilled web developers.The rapid growth of e-commerce is another factor driving demand for web developer talent across industries from retail to manufacturing to nonprofit. According to Statista, global e-commerce sales will surpass $8 trillion dollars by 2027, up from $5.8 trillion in 2023.To take advantage of this tremendous growth and compete effectively, companies need to invest in sophisticated web solutions — and hire web developers who can build secure, scalable, engaging and high-performing websites and apps.The rise of mobile internet usage is increasing demand for web developer talent as well. Businesses must optimize their digital properties for mobile or risk alienating users. Companies are also hiring web developers skilled in cloud-based technologies and frameworks to build, customize and maintain web apps that can integrate seamlessly with cloud services like AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.Additionally, emerging technologies such as generative AI, and the shift toward Web3 and a more user-controlled internet, are creating new opportunities for web developers with specialized skills.
What type of salary can you earn as a web developer? It depends on what type of job you choose, as well as your skills and level of experience. Other factors, including your geographic location, the size of the organization that hires you and remote work options, can also impact your rate of pay.The following midpoint starting salaries for web development positions featured in the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half provide insight into what employers are paying new hires in today’s market. (A midpoint salary applies to a candidate with the experience to perform the core responsibilities of a job without direct supervision and is comfortable with the role’s processes and subject matter.)Web developer: $117,250Senior web developer: $141,750E-commerce developer: $139,500Front-end developer: $104,750Explore more projected starting salaries for web development and other technology positions and get details on where our salary data comes from, in the 2025 Salary Guide From Robert Half. You can also use our Salary Calculator to customize starting salaries for your local market.
The demand for specific skills in the web development field evolves with technology, but several core competencies remain consistently valuable to employers.Programming languagesHiring managers are on the lookout for candidates for web developer jobs who are proficient in coding languages like JavaScript, Python, HTML/CSS, PHP and Ruby. JavaScript, in particular, is essential for both front-end and back-end development.Knowledge of frameworks like React, Angular and Node.js is vital for building responsive web applications. And Python is a highly versatile language for web development, especially when combined with frameworks like Django or Flask.Front-end vs. back-end skillsBecause front-end developers focus on the visual aspects of websites and user interfaces, they need expertise in areas like HTML/CSS, JavaScript and responsive design principles.Back-end developers, meanwhile, manage server-side functionality. So, they need to grow deep skills in database management, server configuration and back-end languages like Python, Ruby or PHP.CertificationsWhile not always mandatory, certifications can help you stand out when competing for web developer jobs. Certifications from Microsoft, Adobe and Google for specific web technologies and cloud platforms are increasingly valuable.Additionally, earning certifications in project management methodologies like Agile or Scrum can be beneficial if you’ll be expected to work with, or lead, a large team on a web development project.Learn about “The 29 Most Valuable IT Certifications” and explore more in-demand IT certifications for technology professionals in our Salary Guide.
Web development stands at the intersection of technology, design and innovation. As such, it offers skilled web developers the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects that can impact millions of users worldwide.The dynamic nature of web development and the impact of new technologies like AI on user experiences and the internet itself also sets the stage for web developers to engage in a wealth of continuous learning and skill-building opportunities.While web development is a technical profession, it is about much more than coding. Businesses rely on web developers to help them solve complex problems, design user-friendly interfaces and think creatively about how to make websites and applications better.So, whether you’re building a new feature for an e-commerce site or optimizing a mobile app, as a web developer, it is likely you will be constantly engaged in creative problem-solving.Also, keep in mind that if you’re looking for a flexible career to suit your lifestyle and professional goals, you can find many options in the web development field. You can explore different career paths and work environments, as well as industries.You can also gain specialized expertise and lend your skills to diverse and challenging projects. Plus, you can pursue remote job opportunities and work as a contract professional, if you choose.A final tip: Be sure to maintain a strong digital portfolio of your web developer work and keep it up to date. You may find when applying for web developer jobs that it can carry more weight with hiring managers than your resume.Focus on building a portfolio that showcases a range of projects — personal and professional — and clearly demonstrates your ability to create functional, well-designed sites and apps. Open-source contributions and freelance projects can also be excellent additions to your portfolio.Ready to explore web developer jobs? Start with the listings on the Robert Half website.
