What Does a Web Developer Do?

What does a web developer do? You’re looking at it. Web developers create, modify, and manage functional websites. Web developers are responsible for programming a website and designing its user interface.

• Wait… What’s User Interface?

User interface, or UI, refers to a user’s interaction with a website. Buttons, graphics, colors, and interactive features fall under this category. A bad user interface can destroy a website. For example, if Amazon had no search bar, it would be virtually impossible to use. Web developers build new features that make using websites and apps more enjoyable.

In addition to layout, web developers keep sites up-to-date with fresh updates and new content. Unless a web developer runs their own business, they rarely work alone. Web developers work regularly with management and other programmers to ensure their website functions as intended. While they don’t always make big decisions, web developers are responsible for making sure their site looks and operates how it’s supposed to.

A web developer’s job entails more than coding and debugging. These professionals are often also graphic designers, editors, and even writers. In some companies, web developers are the last line of defense between the world and a website. It’s their job to ensure the site looks good and functions properly.

Types of Web Developers

There are a few types of developers. These developers build and maintain the website in certain areas. They include:

Front-End Web Developer

A front-end web developer is responsible for the front end development. They design and implement the visual and interactions that users will see and use when visiting the site. They work with the back end developers who make the interactions usable. 

Back-End Developer

Back-end developers are responsible for integrating what the front end developers do to the website. They work on the server-side and write website services and API’s.

Full Stack Developer

Full stack developers know front end development as well as back end. They are responsible for doing client side work, which is creating mock web pages of how their website will look. They also know the server side of things so they can code and program the features to make the website function properly. It is useful to be a full stack developer if you want to do all the designing, programming, and implementation yourself.

How Much Does a Web Developer Make?

Web developers earn an impressive salary. The national average lies between $65,000 and $75,000 annually. An entry level web developer position generally earn over $50,000 and report high job satisfaction. There’s no way to know exactly how much to expect because web developer salaries vary widely between companies and locations. Web developers in San Francisco report an average of $100,000 per year. The same professionals in Atlanta earn $75,000. Cost of living aside, it’s clear how much of a difference location makes.

Additionally, web developer salary depends on experience. Senior web developers (individuals with education and/or years of experience) earn over $90,000 on average. Remember, salary doesn’t include stock options and other perks offered by some tech companies, so keep that in mind when searching for a job. Some web developers choose not to work in an office as many freelance opportunities exist for skilled professionals. These jobs pay thousands for a few hours of work; web developers can earn a great living as a digital nomad.

What Coding Languages do Web Developers Need to Know?

Web developers need to understanding several coding and programming languages. All of these coding languages are vital to web designing and web development. In most cases, web developers must prove their coding proficiency before hiring. The following coding languages represent the most basic requirements for web developers:

• HTML
• HTML5
• CSS
• CSS3
• JavaScript

These coding languages all work together to produce a modern website. In addition to basic programming, these professionals must be creative with their code to solve problems. A web developer must completely master these languages. More complex coding languages (such as JavaScript) require more training, but are extremely useful for building user interfaces. Web developers should always practice and learn new languages to enhance their web development skills and stay competitive in the market.

How do I Become a Web Developer?

There’s more than one way to become a web developer, but all web developers need some education before launching a career. In the past, a Bachelor’s degree was necessary to enter the field. The four-year college experience makes sense for some, but it’s an expensive and unnecessary endeavor for many others. These days, the tech industry is flexible, and it needs developers faster than universities can churn them out. As a result, dozens of coding bootcamps emerged and began teaching students how to code.

A coding bootcamp is a short program that teaches candidates everything needed to land a job in tech. In most cases, coding bootcamps last less than a year, and graduates enter directly into the workforce. Coding bootcamps are ideal for anyone who wants to avoid debt or doesn’t want to spend years in school. These programs offer a straight shot into the development career of your choice, and some don’t charge tuition until you land a job. People from every background can succeed in coding bootcamps and transition straight into lucrative tech careers after graduation. In the end, aspiring web developers must choose the education that’s right for them.