Job Description
Web Developers are responsible for turning a client’s vision for a website into reality. They must have a thorough knowledge of HTML, as well as other programming languages like JavaScript and SQL. It’s also helpful for Web Developers to be familiar with media publishing tools like Flash.
In addition to hard technical skills, Web Developers should also have soft skills like expertise in verbal communication, written communication, and presentation. A Web Developer must be able to effectively communicate with clients and stakeholders outside of the development team about the goals of a particular project.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Create applications that address the phases of SDLC (software development life cycle)
- Develop comprehensive application testing procedures
- Update existing applications to meet the security and functionality standards as outlined in the company’s website policies
- Implement testing tools that monitor the ongoing performance of the company website
- Assist in updating application development policies to ensure that all future applications meet the latest technical requirements
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. A master’s degree in those fields is strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to create support documentation for all new applications
- Strong teamwork skills
- Proven knowledge of the most current security and web development programming languages
- Experience in application development and testing
- Experience in SDLC implementation
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of a Web Developer with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $97,000
- Tampa, Florida: $95,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $107,000
- Miami, Florida: $88,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $105,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $100,000
- Houston, Texas: $100,000
- Los Angeles, California: $101,000
- New York City, New York: $100,000
- Seattle, Washington: $100,000
- Overall: $101,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $110,000
- Tampa, Florida: $99,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $114,000
- Miami, Florida: $104,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $112,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $114,000
- Houston, Texas: $114,000
- Los Angeles, California: $115,000
- New York City, New York: $115,000
- Seattle, Washington: $114,000
- Overall: $113,000
Similar Job Titles
- Web Designer
- Front-End Developer
- Front-End Engineer
- Back-End Developer
- Back-End Engineer
- HTML Developer
- Front-End Web Designer
- JavaScript Developer
- Full-Stack Developer
Career Path
A Web Developer needs to have a bachelor’s degree in web design, computer science, or a related field. Students are encouraged to pursue internships with technology companies while they are in college to gain some real-world experience in the field. Some companies prefer applicants to have a master’s degree.
Web Developers need to study HTML and JavaScript, as well as application programming languages like Java, .Net, AJAX, and Ruby. Knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, especially Flash, as well as the inner workings of the most popular web browsers like Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Internet Explorer, are also valuable skills for a Web Developer to have.
Web Developers can move up into a role like IT Project Manager, where they oversee and guide the entire development process of a project, sometimes supervising a team of developers. Web Developers who want to move into management roles should spend extra time developing soft skills like relationship building, motivating and influencing others, and communication.
Position Trends
Web Developers need to keep up on the latest trends and study how users interact with websites. According to the IT ratings and reviews company Clutch, one trend Web Developers should be aware of in the next few years is the increased use of progressive web apps (PWAs). They’re a kind of website that functions like a mobile app but runs in a web browser. More companies are using PWAs to save money; it deletes the need and cost to develop a mobile app. Instead, PWAs give companies the same benefits as a mobile app and offer faster load times and better functionality for customers.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots on websites for 24/7 customer support is also becoming increasingly common on the internet. Chatbots can engage new sales leads and offer round-the-clock support for customers with questions, without the expense of maintaining a 24-hour customer support center.
Another trend in web development is the use of push notifications. Companies are using push notifications as a direct communication link to their customers. They can be more effective than email because push notifications don’t get caught in spam filters. Push notifications can also be hyper-targeted to specific customer demographics.
Job Outlook
As more of our society’s daily functions move into the digital world, the need for Web Developers to create websites and web applications will increase.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Web Developer field is expected to grow by 13 percent between 2018 and 2028. That’s much faster than average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for a Web Developer are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional work hours can be necessary when approaching project deadlines.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- IT Career Finder
Are You Interested in Becoming a Web Developer?
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