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: $69,700
- 12-16 years: $76,400
Disclaimer
As you may have noticed, the average salary is higher than the expected salary by experience. This is because Indeed uses different methods to calculate these numbers.
The average salary estimate is based on salaries submitted anonymously by web developers and collected from job posts over the last 36 months. Meanwhile, the expected salary by experience is based on resume data from Indeed users who worked as web developers in the US within the last three years.
Therefore, we recommend treating these numbers as estimates. They can give a general overview of the expected developer salary, but they are likely to vary between companies.
Indeed suggests that senior backend developers make an average of $125,000 per year in the US [3]. The platform calculated this estimate based on 149 salaries:
Data by Glassdoor shows that the average backend web developer salary in the US is $125,924 [4]. This estimate is based on 314 salaries.
However, CareerExplorer reports average pay of $67,467 per year [5]. This number is calculated on mid-level developer salaries.
Meanwhile, senior-level developer earnings start at $90,793, while salaries for top-level positions start at $142,100. Entry-level and junior-level backend developers make between $52,000 and $56,000 per year.
2. Frontend developers
Frontend developers are responsible for the user-side of websites, web tools, or apps. They work with coding languages to implement designs and functionality.
For instance, a frontend developer may work closely with web designers to improve certain aspects of a website, such as the User Experience (UX). Other typical responsibilities include:
- Designing complete websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Fixing bugs and glitches within the visual aspect of a site.
- Incorporating interactive elements into websites.
- Monitoring page loading times and performance.
Although commonly associated with web development, a frontend developer can work on almost all applications. Any project that requires a user interface will also need frontend development knowledge.
⚒️ Required skills and qualifications
- A computer science degree or equivalent. Again, whether you need formal education in this field depends on the employer.
- Fluency in frontend languages, the most popular being HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Familiarity with the W3C Accessibility Standards
- Knowledge of frameworks such as Bootstrap, Foundation, Angular, React, and others.
As a frontend developer, you’ll need to have a creative mindset and good attention to detail. Additionally, you’ll be working within a team that will probably have regular code reviews, where you will check the work of your colleagues and vice versa. Therefore, you’ll also need critical analysis and communication skills.
? Salary expectations
Data by Indeed suggests that frontend developers make slightly less money than their backend peers. In fact, the average salary in the US is $100,700, plus a cash bonus of $2,500 per year [6].
Indeed also breaks down the average pay by experience, using data collected from US web developers within the last three years:
- 0-4 years: $65,300
- 4-8 years: $78,800
- 8-12 years: $97,600
- 12-16 years: $95,800
- 16-20 years: $86,500
- 20-24 years: $87,200
Meanwhile, junior frontend developers in the US make an average of $59,800 per year [7]. However, as we can see, there is the potential to nearly double this salary within ten years.
According to Glassdoor, frontend developers in the US make an average of $87,240 per year [8]. This data is based on over 3,700 salaries. In contrast, senior frontend developers earn an average salary of $109,138: [9]
Once again, CareerExplorer reports lower wages. According to this platform, the average frontend web developer salary in the US is around $50,795 per year [10]. However, workers in senior positions can make over $100,000 per year.
CareerExplorer also notes that entry-level frontend developers make about $39,138 per year. Meanwhile, junior developers can expect to earn an average salary of $42,481.
3. Full stack developers
A full stack web developer works on both the back and frontend of a website or web tool. This designation means they are responsible for the server and client software.
Full stack developers typically help with various project stages and assist other engineers in different areas. For example, some everyday responsibilities may include:
- Writing high-quality code for the front and backend.
- Assisting with both the development and design of a project.
- Testing the responsiveness of websites or applications across different platforms.
- Creating and maintaining servers and databases.
Additionally, you could be responsible for the maintenance and security of the website or application. You might also work with web designers on creating new features.
⚒️ Required skills and qualifications
- A degree in computer science, software programming, or a related field. This, again, is optional.
- Proficiency with both front and backend programming languages, including HTML, CSS, Python, and PHP.
- Familiarity with database storage solutions, such as SQL and JSON.
- Knowledge of APIs like REST and SOAP, and Apache and Nginx servers.
As we mentioned earlier, full stack developers often liaise with both front and backend engineers on projects. Therefore, excellent communication skills are essential. You’ll also need to be meticulous and have a creative eye.
? Salary expectations
According to Indeed, the average full stack developer salary in the US is $104,195 [11]. However, workers with three to five years of experience can make about $126,100 per year.
Let’s take a closer look at the expected full stack developer salary by experience, according to data collected by Indeed over the last three years:
- 0-4 years: $73,000
- 4-8 years: $85,400
- 8-12 years: $103,200
- 12-16 years: $100,500
- 16-20 years: $94,500
- 20-24 years: $96,800
Meanwhile, Glassdoor reports a national average salary of $99,274 for full stack web developers [12]. However, workers in senior positions earn about $140,892 per year.
Data by CareerExplorer shows that, on average, full stack developers in the US make around $70,000 per year: [13]
This number goes up to $91,034 for senior positions. Meanwhile, junior full stack developers earn an average salary of $60,240.
As you may have noticed, full stack developers make less than backend engineers. However, they earn slightly more than frontend developers.
Where to find web development jobs
Now that you have a better understanding of the requirements and salaries for different web developers, let’s look at how to find a job in your field of expertise. Fortunately, there are various options available.
An excellent place to start is Indeed. This job search site lets you look for specific vacancies in different countries and regions:
You can also filter results by salary estimate, experience level, and other factors. Additionally, you can look for positions that require experience with specific design and development tools, such as Git and WordPress.
Another place to look for web development jobs is Glassdoor:
This website provides reviews and information about recruiting companies submitted by current and former employees. This data can help you find the right jobs depending on your experience and expectations.
If you’re looking for remote web development jobs specifically, we also recommend checking out We Work Remotely:
Here, you can find postings for web development jobs in different fields. You can filter your search by region or time zone, or even look for opportunities offered by specific companies.
If you’d rather work as a freelancer, you might want to check out Codeable:
This site connects companies with qualified WordPress developers. You can apply as an expert, submit your credentials, and the Codeable team will then vet your application. Once you’ve been approved, you can start working with reputable brands as a freelancer.
Codeable also enables you to select the work areas you are most comfortable with. These include programming languages and design tools. They also consist of WordPress-specific skills such as WooCommerce and plugin development. With this setup, Codeable can match you with the perfect company or project.
Conclusion
Web development is a growing industry, and there are plenty of working opportunities for qualified professionals. However, different types of development jobs come with varied requirements and salaries.
In this post, we analyzed the average web developer salary in the US, covering three main fields:
- Backend developers: You can expect a salary of $67,00-116,000 per year, depending on your experience.
- Frontend developers: You might make a bit less than your backend counterparts, with the average salary range being $50,000-100,000.
- Full stack developers: You could earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year, while workers in senior positions can make significantly more money.
? Alternatively, if you’re just looking for side gigs in web development, consider creating a profile on Fiverr and offering your services there. We have a guide on how one of our colleagues went from $0 to $3,000 / month on Fiverr. Here’s what she did exactly.
Do you have any questions about the average web developer salary? Let us know in the comments section below!
Keep reading the article at CodeinWP. The article was originally written by John Hughes on 2022-03-28 09:37:55.
The article was hand-picked and curated for you by the Editorial Team of WP Archives.