Getting an entry-level job in web development is a solid tech career decision because it’s a role that’s increasingly in demand all over the world. More than 100,000 websites are launched each day, and the companies starting those sites are looking for skilled employees who can bring their vision to life. All you need is a solid foundation in web development and a job alert.
If you’ve been thinking about how to go about following this career path, you’ve come to the right place. This article will focus on entry-level web development jobs. We’ll review what a web developer does, where you can find an entry-level job in this field, and how to work your way up from there.
What Is Web Development, and Why Is it Important?
Web development involves the behind-the-scenes work that results in the creation of usable websites or apps. Web developers use core programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript along with different frameworks to build websites. Web development allows businesses to promote their products and services on websites, social media, and online retail sites.
Web development involves all the non-design elements that go into creating a website. It covers a wide range of web content creation, from simple, single-page static websites to complex web applications, and social network services. An easily navigable and appealing website will influence customers’ opinions of a company and its services, which will benefit the business.
What Is the Job Outlook for Web Developers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the employment of web developers and digital designers is expected to expand by 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is quicker than the average for all occupations, at a little over 7 percent.
The need for web developers and digital designers is expected to rise as ecommerce grows. In the coming decade, online shopping is predicted to increase at a faster rate than traditional brick-and-mortar retail businesses. Therefore, the demand for web developers will also grow.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Career in Web Development
- Web developers are in high demand because businesses rely on web developers to create websites that will attract clients and customers.
- Web development is a flexible job. Web developers can work for a company, as a freelancer, or on a part-time basis to supplement their income.
- Web developers have a high earning potential. Tech companies are willing to pay a lot of money to hire the best web developers.
- As a web developer, there is no limit to how much you can improve. As you become more skilled at coding, new career opportunities will open up to you.
- Web developers can work from any location. Companies based all over the world hire web developers, and remote work is very common.
What Does an Entry-Level Web Developer do?
With an entry-level tech job as a web developer, you’ll work with a team of junior, mid-level, and senior web developers who program websites using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Running tests and debugging apps and providing pull requests with ideas for alternate approaches to an issue are some duties of an entry-level web developer.
Types of Entry-Level Web Development Roles
Junior Front End Developer
An entry-level front end developer creates a website’s graphical user interface, which is the part of the site that users interact with directly. The entry-level front end developer is also responsible for color schemes, menus, fonts, and the overall layout of web pages. They also ensure that the website functions properly.
Junior Backend Developer
The server side of web applications is the responsibility of backend developers. The backend is the section of the website that the user doesn’t see. When a user requests something on the front end by clicking a link or filling out an e-form, the backend receives that request. The server-side then responds with the appropriate display on the front end.
Junior Full Stack Web Developer
As an entry-level full stack web developer, you’ll be required to work on the front end and backend of a website. An entry-level full stack web developer can oversee platform builds involving databases, user-facing websites, and client work throughout the project planning stages.
Common Responsibilities of Entry-Level Web Development Jobs
- Writing well-designed, tested, and efficient code
- Maintaining, scaling, and expanding websites
- Creating website layouts and user interfaces using standard HTML/CSS techniques
- Working with web designers to ensure that visual design goals are achieved
- Maintaining software documentation
How Much Do Entry-Level Web Developer Jobs Pay?
Entry-level web developers are paid quite well. In the US, the average annual income for an entry-level web developer is $70,599, according to Indeed. Other web developer salaries vary according to years of experience.
Entry-Level Web Developer Jobs that Pay the Most: Overview
| Job | Average Salary | Min. Education/Training | Associated Mid and Senior Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior full stack developer |
$86,106 | Hands-on experience in Java Core, J2EE, Spring, MVC, Web Service, Hibernate, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, XML, SQL Server, Visual Studio | Full stack developer |
| Junior backend developer | $81,363 | Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science | Backend programmer, backend software developer |
| Junior software developer | $62,379 | Computer science/network engineering, engineering, mathematics, basic knowledge of Java, C#, .Net, Python, SQL, or similar programming languages | Software developer, senior software developer |
| Junior front end web developer |
$57,017 | Proficiency in HTML5 and CSS3, knowledge of CSS preprocessors |
Front end web developer |
Junior web application developer |
$51,661 | Experience with standard web technologies (HTML, Javascript, Cold Fusion) Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalent |
Web application developer |
Best Entry-Level Web Development Jobs: A Closer Look
Junior Full Stack Developer
Junior full stack developers are responsible for designing, coding, testing, and refining web apps by collaborating with their teammates and constructing front end and backend structures. Entry-level full stack developers usually know more programming languages than someone who only works in front end or backend development.
Responsibilities
- Use basic HTML/CSS principles and build site layouts/user interfaces from specified design concepts.
- Research and evaluate software technology and products.
- Maintain the best practices, standards, procedures, and quality while making regular contributions to web pages.
Junior Backend Developer
In this entry-level position, you’ll coordinate data transmission between the server and a website’s users. Your key responsibilities for backend development will include developing the server-side logic, maintaining and defining the core database, guaranteeing excellent responsiveness to front end requests, and helping to integrate front end elements.
Responsibilities
- Develop clean, well-documented, and simple-to-use application programming interfaces (APIs).
- Design and code reusable, scalable, and technically sound servers, services, applications, and databases.
- Share your ideas and learn from senior developers during team meetings.
Junior Software Developer
The life of a junior software engineer includes routine duties such as writing and debugging code, getting to know the program’s codebase, and honing their programming skills in general. They will also collaborate with experienced developers to design new software.
Responsibilities
- Develop high-quality software and online applications.
- Discover and fix programming bugs.
- Design highly scalable and testable code.
Junior Front End Web Developer
Front end developers create new customer websites based on existing designs and pluggable layouts. The front end developer collaborates with backend developers to create and improve websites. As an entry-level employee, you will assist web development team members in developing websites using the coding languages that your company works with.
Responsibilities
- Create unique websites with PHP, HTML, Sass/CSS, and JavaScript.
- Find front end technical solutions that meet project requirements.
- Assist the development team with website maintenance.
Junior Web Application Developer
The junior web application developer role usually covers both internal and external web pages. This developer also monitors and maintains new web-hosted product releases such as web page design layouts.
Responsibilities
- Test and document software for websites.
- Write, modify, and debug software for websites.
- Work with designers and content producers to build web applications.
What Types of Companies Hire Entry-Level Web Developers?
You’ll have a difficult time finding a company that doesn’t require the services of a web developer. Usually, tech and software companies hire web developers who then build websites for outside companies. Occasionally, you may find a non-tech company that’s looking to hire its own entry-level web developer.
Career Progression: Mid- and Senior-Level Web Development Roles
Mid-Level Web Developer Jobs
Mid-Level Full Stack Developer
- Average Salary: $99,274
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level full stack developer, entry-level front end developer
- Responsibilities: Debugging and supporting enterprise applications often while working long hours, troubleshooting, upgrading, and maintaining software systems.
Mid-Level Software Engineer
- Average Salary: $88,725
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level software engineer, entry-level web application developer.
- Responsibilities: Developing, testing, and deploying analytic apps while incorporating end-user feedback into the development process, sustaining existing software applications.
Mid-Level Designer
- Average Salary: $60,202
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level front end developer, entry-level web application developer
- Responsibilities: Researching visual communication, ensuring designs appeal to clients, developing materials and systems for scaled communications.
Mid-Level Software Developer
- Average Salary: $81,484
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level software developer, entry-level backend developer
- Responsibilities: Handling the life cycle of application development, troubleshooting software issues.
Senior Web Developer Jobs
Senior Designer
- Average Salary: $82,417
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level front end developer, entry-level full stack developer
- Responsibilities: Digital and virtual web design, overseeing web design from conception to delivery.
Senior Developer
- Average Salary: $104,827
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level backend developer, entry-level associate developer
- Responsibilities: Conducting feasibility studies for upgraded software systems, writing advanced code.
Senior Software Engineer
- Average Salary: $119,651
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level software developer, entry-level software engineer
- Responsibilities: Leading engineers and developers in web development projects; producing, testing, and debugging code.
Senior Front End Web Developer
- Average Salary: $118,440
- Related entry-level roles: Entry-level software developer, entry-level front end developer
- Responsibilities: Supervising the junior front end team to help them build elegant and complex user interfaces; developing sites or software according to the latest processes and technologies.
How to Get a Job in Web Development
In your job search, you’ll need to have specific skills and possibly certifications if you want to stand out to potential employers as the ideal candidate. Even if you don’t have professional experience, having the skills listed below in addition to a strong portfolio will be a great asset in your job search.
Required Skills for an Entry-Level Web Developer Job
- Problem-solving skills: Being a natural problem-solver will help you find quick solutions when issues arise with your code.
- HTML/CSS skills: Having these coding skills is key, as they are the basis of most websites.
- Strong communication skills: You should know how to pass information clearly to your teammates and how to use their feedback.
- Testing and debugging skills: You won’t be able to improve the website you’re creating if you don’t know how to find and fix errors.
- Search engine optimization: Search engine optimization is essential to driving traffic to your website.
Top Web Development Certifications for Entry-Level Web Developers
- Certified Web Professional (CWP): A certification like this will prove to potential employers that you have worked to hone your skills and have a high level of professionalism.
- CWP Application Developer: Gaining a more specific certification can help you develop advanced skills in the areas most relevant to your job title.
- Professional Certificate in Coding: Full Stack Development With MERN, MIT: This certificate will help aspiring or entry-level web developers learn everything there is to know about full stack development.
- Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP): The IEEE Computer Society offers this certification to aspiring software developers. It requires that you have at least two years of work experience and involves an oral and written test.
- E-Commerce Developer (ECD): This certification offered by ETA International is a great way to give your resume a boost if you are looking to advance in the field of ecommerce.
Can You Get an Entry-Level Web Development Job by attending a Coding Bootcamp?
Yes, job seekers, a coding bootcamp will help you get a job as an entry-level developer. Coding bootcamps focus on a variety of areas, such as web development, software engineering, cyber security, and user experience design. Graduates of the best coding bootcamps will be able to find online coding work or even full-time positions as a junior web developer.
Top Entry-Level Web Development Bootcamps
Best Resources for Web Developers
Online Communities
Online communities such as Stack Overflow and other tech meetup websites serve as an avenue for like-minded web developers to learn from each other and for companies to discover new tech talent. These platforms give entry-level web developers an opportunity to learn from experienced developers and ask them questions.
Books
Books published by seasoned professionals are a good way to get started in web development. They help entry-level web developers quickly find answers to any issues they may be facing and provide additional training after they have completed a course or bootcamp.
Blogs
There are many free web developer blogs available on the Internet. Entry-Level web developers will find blogs covering a wide range of topics, from coding to web design aesthetics. With blogs, you can learn about a variety of topics all in one place.
Is a Career in Web Development for you?
If you want a stable career with a decent salary, then web development is for you. It’s a good career choice because web developers are in high demand and the field is expected to continue to grow. With the right skills and training, there will be a wide range of job options open to you in web development.
Entry-Level Web Development Jobs FAQ
Anyone who has a basic understanding of computers and an interest in technology should learn web development. People who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for learning new things will also excel at web development.
Earning a college degree in computer science is a good way to become a web developer. Since 2012, however, coding bootcamps have grown in popularity. Thousands of students have attended these short, intensive programs to launch their careers as web developers.
Web developers commonly work with coding languages and libraries such as HTML, JavaScript, Java, jQuery, CSS, SQL, PHP, and frameworks like AngularJS.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Yes, web development is an enjoyable process if you are a creative person and a quick learner. Plus, the fact that the job is in high demand means you’ll be able to choose a company and a role that is well-suited to your personality and lifestyle.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
