The average web developer salary (in different fields)
Like any other profession, the salary for web development may vary, depending on the entry requirements, the scale of the project, and other factors. However, by comparing data from different sources, you can get a general idea of what to expect.
? Note that the information in this section is based on data from the US. We’ve collated the numbers from three of the most well-known job search sites: Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerExplorer. If you’re looking for web development jobs in other countries, you may need to do some additional research.
1. Backend developers
Backend developers work on the server-side of a website or other type of web solution. More specifically, they build and maintain the structure and technology that powers the user-facing side of the website (known as the frontend).
For instance, a frontend developer will create the User Interface (UI). In contrast, the backend developer must ensure that all user data is stored correctly and securely. They are responsible for transferring information from the UI to wherever it is held, such as a server or database.
Other typical responsibilities include:
- Optimizing servers for speed and performance
- Implementing security measures and data storage solutions
- Developing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
- Troubleshooting and debugging issues with web applications and servers
As a backend developer, you might also need to liaise with frontend engineers so that your website or application runs smoothly. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for unit testing and database management.
⚒️ Required skills and qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, network technologies, or a related field. That being said, many employers these days don’t even ask for educational background when looking for people to hire. In many cases, all that matters is your experience and knowledge.
- Fluency in scripting languages such as PHP, Python, Ruby, .Net, and Java.
- Experience with SQL, MySQL, and other database systems.
- Knowledge of frameworks such as Laravel, Django, CakePHP, and others.
As a backend developer, you’ll also need good problem-solving skills. Moreover, you’ll have to communicate effectively with other developers in your team.
? Salary expectations
According to Indeed, backend developers in the US make about $116,000+ per year, plus an annual cash bonus of $4,000 [2]. Data also shows that workers who know XSLT can earn 51% more than the average salary.
Indeed also breaks down the expected salary according to different experience levels. The platform uses resume data from users who have worked as backend developers in the US over the last three years. These are the numbers:
- 0-4 years: $63,100
- 4-8 years: $70,100
- 8-12 years:
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This article was written by John Hughes and originally published on CodeinWP.