How To Become a Web Developer

Q: What industries do web developers work in?

Developers can work across a wide range of industries, including finance and insurance (in which they may design banking apps) and retail or trade (in which they may design e-commerce websites). Developers may also work for advertising, marketing and public relations agencies, as well as for computer systems design companies. Some are self-employed.

Q: What background is helpful for becoming a web developer?

Developers can benefit from having a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as computer science or software development. There are no universal degree requirements, but generally, employers may prefer a combination of formal education and hands-on experience.

Q: What is the difference between web development and software development?

Software development focuses on the creation of software applications, whereas web development focuses on the creation of websites. Website developers may work on web applications and e-commerce platforms along with websites. Software developers may work on desktop programs, mobile apps, operating systems and embedded systems.

Job Description

What Is a Web Developer?

A web developer is a technology professional who designs, builds and maintains websites and web applications using languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These languages are front-end, with back-end languages including Python, Java and Node. When considering how to become a web developer, note that there are no universal requirements, and different employers can establish their own expectations.

Web developers design, create and maintain websites, as well as web applications. A developer may specialize in front-end development, which refers to the publicly visible part of a website that site visitors can use. They may alternatively specialize in back-end development, which involves the structure and functionality of the website. Some web developers are full-stack developers who handle both aspects of site creation.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Web Developer Career Snapshot: Roles, Skills and Projects

Web development is a technology career within a STEM field. Web developers are tasked with ensuring that websites are functional, easy to navigate (UI) and aesthetically appealing to users (UX). According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), becoming a developer may require demonstrating a combination of academic credentials and hands-on experience, such as compiling past projects into a professional portfolio.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Career Topic

What To Know

Common Technologies

Typical Projects

Best For

Front-End Development

Front-end developers build the parts of websites and web applications that users see and interact with, using technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Angular and Vue.js

Company websites, e-commerce stores and dashboards

Creative problem-solvers who enjoy design and user experience

Back-End Development

Back-end developers create and maintain the server-side systems, databases and application logic that provide structure and functionality.

Python, Java, PHP, Node.js, SQL and MongoDB

Databases, APIs and cloud applications

Analytical thinkers who enjoy solving technical challenges

Full-Stack Development

Full-stack developers work on both the front end and back end of websites and web applications, helping connect user interfaces with databases and servers.

JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python, SQL and Git

Web applications, SaaS platforms and startup products

Professionals who appreciate both function and form

Mobile Web Developer

Mobile web developers design and optimize websites and web applications for smartphones and tablets, focusing on responsive design and mobile user experiences.

HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Mobile-friendly websites and responsive web apps

Developers interested in mobile user experiences

UI/UX Developer

User interface developers create the visual layout and interactive elements of websites and applications, helping improve usability, accessibility and user engagement.

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Figma and Design Systems

User interfaces, design systems and enterprise portals

Individuals who enjoy design and coding

Role

What Does a Web Developer Do?

Website developers may work on a website project through its lifecycle, from conception and planning to creation to post-launch debugging. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the website looks and functions according to the client’s preferences.

A web developer’s core responsibilities include:

Planning

Developers meet with clients to plan website design projects in a way that aligns with functionality needs and design preferences.

Creating

They create the back-end functionality, front-end layout and visuals of the website.

Debugging

Before and after a website launches, developers may need to debug it to fix technical glitches.

Maintaining

Developers must keep the website up to date, current and modern.

Outlook

What Is the Job Outlook for Web Developers?

As e-commerce continues to grow and mobile website navigation becomes increasingly commonplace, the need for web developers is expected to increase. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for web developers is projected to be 8% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all professions. At this rate of growth, employers are expected to hire about 6,500 new developers during this time period.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Additionally, the annual median wage for web developers was $90,930 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Jobs

92,500

Projected employment of web developers by 2034^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Salary

$90,930

Median annual salary for web developers as of May 2024^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Growth

8%

Projected job growth rate for web developers from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Workplace

Where Does a Web Developer Work?

Developers can work in virtually any industry setting that relies on website creation and maintenance.^{(See disclaimer 5)} They may work for a marketing agency or computer services company that creates websites for a variety of clients, or even an in-house tech department for a single company.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Common workplace settings for web developers include:^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Marketing agencies

Many developers work for advertising and marketing agencies, designing websites for a wide range of client businesses.

Retail companies

Website developers may work in-house at a retail company, such as an e-commerce business.

Finance and insurance

At finance and insurance companies, developers may create and maintain banking websites and apps.

Self-employed

About 10% of website developers are self-employed.

Career Path

How To Become a Web Developer

There is no single pathway toward becoming a web development professional, although formal education can be generally helpful. Aspiring developers may earn a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as software development. Hands-on experience can also be beneficial, as it allows job applicants to demonstrate their skills by showing past projects to potential employers.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Follow these steps to become a web developer:

Earn a relevant degree or complete technical training

Employers often prefer to hire developers with a bachelor’s degree in an area such as computer science.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Develop key programming languages and framework skills

Gain experience and deepen your knowledge and competency of important programming languages.

Build a web developer portfolio

A portfolio enables you to demonstrate your skills and expertise by showcasing past projects.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Earn certifications and apply for entry-level jobs

Optional web development certifications can demonstrate your abilities and make you a more competitive candidate.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Once you're ready, explore and apply to various entry-level web developer positions to start your career.

Education

What Education Does a Web Developer Need?

An aspiring web designer or developer can benefit from having a bachelor’s degree. The degree program should teach digital design competencies, as well as skills in HTML programming. According to Zippia, the most common degree for web developers is a bachelor’s degree, with 35% of web developers majoring in computer science.^{(See disclaimer 6)} Some employers prefer their developers to also understand other programming languages, including SQL and JavaScript.^{(See disclaimer 2)} Consider looking for a degree program that combines technical proficiency with creative design competencies.

35%

Percentage of web developers who majored in computer science^{(See disclaimer 6)}

What Degrees Can Help You Become a Web Developer?

5 Matching Degrees

Skills

What Web Developer Skills Do You Need?

Developers can benefit from having a diverse blend of technical proficiencies and soft skills.^{(See disclaimer 2)} These can help them fulfill the technical requirements of the role while also working well with others.

Some of the most important skills for a web developer include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Programming skills

Developers often need a strong working knowledge of HTML programming, as well as JavaScript and SQL. Backend web developers can also benefit from Python, Java and Node.

Multimedia publishing

Website developers need to be able to use multimedia publishing tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud.

Creativity

They exercise creativity when designing the layout and look of a website.

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are helpful for debugging technical glitches on websites.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Web Developer

Explore the following frequently asked questions about web development to decide if this career is right for you.

What industries do web developers work in?

What background is helpful for becoming a web developer?

How do you know if web development is right for you?

Web development may be a good fit if you enjoy creative problem-solving, have an interest in how websites and web applications are built and appreciate seeing tangible results from your efforts. Successful web developers also tend to enjoy learning new technologies, paying attention to detail and solving technical challenges. A commitment to lifelong learning is helpful, as developers must stay on top of changing programming languages, tools and industry trends.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

What can you learn in a web development degree program?

A web development degree program teaches both technical and creative competencies needed to build websites and web applications. The specific curriculum varies from one school to the next, but may include courses in web design, layout, composition and typography, as well as programming, interface design, content management systems, raster and vector technology and 2D motion technology. Many programs also provide hands-on experience through projects that help students build practical skills.

What is the difference between web development and software development?

How is AI changing web development?

Artificial intelligence is changing web development by helping developers generate code, improve user interfaces, create responsive website layouts and automate tasks such as testing and troubleshooting. While AI tools can boost productivity and streamline some aspects of development,^{(See disclaimer 7)} they still require human oversight to review code for accuracy, security and performance. As AI continues to evolve, it is becoming a valuable tool for many web developers, though opinions differ on how much it improves the overall development process.^{(See disclaimer 7)}

Career Fit

Is Becoming a Web Developer Right For You?

Web development can be an appealing career path for individuals who enjoy combining creativity, technology and problem-solving. Because web developers often work on both the visual and functional parts of websites and applications, this field may be best suited for people who are detail-oriented, adaptable and interested in continuous learning as tools and programming languages evolve.

Web development may be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy solving technical and creative problems
- Are interested in how websites, apps and digital experiences are built
- Like working with code, design tools and emerging technologies
- Want a career that can apply across industries such as retail, finance, marketing and technology
- Are comfortable learning new programming languages, frameworks and tools over time
Web development may not be the best fit if you:
- Prefer work that does not involve frequent troubleshooting or debugging
- Are not interested in coding, technical systems or website functionality
- Dislike keeping up with changing technologies and development practices
- Prefer a career with less screen time or fewer detail-oriented tasks

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Prepare for a Career as a Web Developer

Build technical, creative and problem-solving skills for web development with a technology degree from GCU.

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Coursera. (2026, May 14). What Does a Web Developer Do? (And How to Become One). Retrieved June 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become a Web Developer or Digital Designer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Web Developers, retrieved June 2026.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Web Developers as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Web Developers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Web Developers and Digital Designers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
Zippia. (2025, Jan. 8). Web Developer Education Requirements. Retrieved June 2026.
Razzaq, K. (2026, March 17). How AI Is Changing Web Development in 2026. TechSolutionOR. Retrieved June 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Aug. 12, 2026.

Web Developer Career Guide

What Is a Web Developer?

Web Developer Career Snapshot: Roles, Skills and Projects

What Does a Web Developer Do?

What Is the Job Outlook for Web Developers?

Where Does a Web Developer Work?

How To Become a Web Developer

What Education Does a Web Developer Need?

What Degrees Can Help You Become a Web Developer?

What Web Developer Skills Do You Need?

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Web Developer

Is Becoming a Web Developer Right For You?

Explore More Web Development Topics

What Is a Full Stack Developer?

Computer Programmer vs. Software Developer: What’s the Difference?

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What’s the Difference?