How to Become a Web Developer

Perhaps you’re just entering college and thinking about pursuing a major in computer science—or maybe you already have a career, but are seeking a new challenge. Regardless of where you are on your journey, you may be wondering what it takes to become a web developer and what you can expect once you’re able to secure your first job in the field.

To help you begin your job search or navigate a job transition, we’ve created a guide on how to become a web developer, including education requirements, potential salaries and general tips to keep in mind along the way. Everyone’s path is different and you can follow a number of routes into web development, but the information below can help you better understand the types of challenges that lie ahead.

Let’s get started.

What Does a Web Developer Do?

Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications. While seemingly straightforward, this overarching objective encompasses a number of smaller responsibilities like writing code, creating prototypes and monitoring a site’s traffic and performance. Some web developers, known as front-end developers, build the client-facing side of a website that users interact with every day. To fulfill these many responsibilities, web developers are generally proficient in several programming languages, such as HTML and JavaScript, and skilled at solving problems. Backend developers in particular focus their work on building out the server side of websites using programming languages such as Python.

Although web development has highly technical aspects, like other jobs in the tech sector, it may also call for soft skills, which we discuss below. To build an effective website, developers rely on their understanding of an organization’s mission and determine how users would best engage with the website they’re building. For this reason, web developers may gain exposure to an organization’s business strategy and big-picture thinking.

Common Steps to Becoming a Web Developer

There are different ways to become a web developer. Some aspiring web developers enter the field with a bachelor’s degree, while others start by enrolling in a coding bootcamp or self-guided course. Overall, the field of web development offers flexibility as far as education goes. Hard skills and a strong portfolio that demonstrates a candidate’s abilities may be enough to impress potential employers.

That said, people along this path tend to follow a few common steps, and understanding them can help you decide the best approach for you.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a Related Field

If you’re about to enter college, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field may help prepare you for a job as a web developer. While not always required, a bachelor’s degree can help you gain fundamental knowledge about the field and provide exposure to programming languages. And if you have a job or family obligations that prevent you from taking classes full time, you can enroll in a part-time program or online computer science program to make balancing school and life easier.

Not ready to go back to school? Some employers accept first-hand experience as sufficient qualification for web development roles and may not require or emphasize formal education if you have projects that demonstrate your skills.

For those looking for another route into the world of web development, an online or in-person coding bootcamp can teach you some of the fundamental skills for building websites.

Gain Relevant Skills

Technology is always changing, and web development is no exception. As new tools, frameworks, coding practices, and AI-assisted development tools emerge, web developers may need to keep updating their skills throughout their careers. Learning core programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is still a strong starting point. From there, aspiring developers may want to build familiarity with client-side development tools, JavaScript frameworks, server-side programming, version control, testing, accessibility, security basics, and responsive design.

AI coding tools can also be part of a modern developer’s workflow. Developers may use them to generate code snippets, explain unfamiliar code, draft documentation, troubleshoot errors, or speed up repetitive tasks. However, AI tools do not replace the need to understand how code works. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Generative AI Profile emphasizes that the use of generative AI requires attention to risk management, evaluation, and trustworthiness, which is relevant when developers review AI-assisted code before using it in real projects. Web developers still need to test functionality, check for security or accessibility issues, and make sure code works across browsers, devices, and user needs.

Soft skills matter in web development, too. Web developers often work with designers, product managers, content teams, clients, and other developers, so the job is not always as isolated as people may assume. O*NET’s web developer profile describes the role as involving work on websites, web applications, databases, and interactive interfaces, as well as checking code quality and compatibility across browsers and devices. In practice, that means developers may need to explain their technical decisions, respond to feedback, document their work, and help solve problems before a site or feature goes live. Communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, adaptability, and creativity can all be useful in this kind of team-based work.

Get Your First Job as a Web Developer

Once you have built foundational skills, the next step is usually finding a role where you can apply them in a professional setting. Web developers can work in many different environments because websites, applications, and digital tools are used across industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that web developers and digital designers work in settings such as computer systems design, publishing, management consulting, advertising, and self-employment. A web developer’s first job may be in-house at one organization, at an agency that serves multiple clients, or on a technical team that supports a larger digital product.

Even if the job is not your ideal long-term fit, it can help you build experience, strengthen your portfolio, learn how development teams work, and understand which parts of web development interest you most. Your first role does not have to define your entire career. As you compare entry-level roles, look for opportunities to work on real projects, get feedback from more experienced developers, practice version control and testing, and learn how websites or applications are maintained after launch.

Consider a Master’s Degree

After completing a bachelor’s degree, you may be eager for more schooling. Some web developers pursue a master’s degree to open more job opportunities and enhance their understanding of their field. Becoming a computer and information systems manager is a common next step for web developers looking to advance their career. Organizations typically require these professionals to have a graduate degree, like a Master of Business Administration.

Web developers looking to stay in a technical role or specialize in a specific area might pursue a master’s degree in computer science. Some schools offer graduate certificates in web development, but these tend to cover fundamentals in the field and might be better suited to those without experience.

Web Development Career Outlook

Web developers can expect a 7% increase in job opportunities from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024. BLS estimates a total of 14,500 openings for web developers and digital designers each year, on average, between 2024 and 2034. Web developers earned a median annual salary of $92,650 in May 2025, with the top 10% earning $162,290 or more and the bottom 10% earning $48,100 or less, according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Depending on your experience, there are a number of web development careers available to you. We explore a few potential options below.

Entry-Level Web Developer

Web developers just embarking on their careers can expect to learn a lot in their first job. An entry-level web developer role may involve tasks such as fixing bugs, updating existing pages, testing website features, writing small pieces of code, or helping maintain a site under the guidance of more experienced developers. The projects they work on may grow in complexity over time as they gain their team's trust.

Entry-level web developers can work in a variety of settings, from agencies and tech companies to non-profits, schools, and hospitals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that web developers and digital designers work in industries such as computer systems design, educational services, consulting, self-employment, and advertising. O*NET’s web developer profile describes the occupation as involving websites, web applications, application databases, interactive interfaces, code evaluation, testing, updates, and browser or device compatibility.

Full Stack Web Developer

Full-stack web developers create both the client-facing side of a website and the technical architecture that keeps everything running smoothly—the front end and back end. The front end is the part users see and interact with, while the back end includes the server-side code, databases, application logic, and infrastructure that help the site or application function. These individuals have a broad understanding of multiple parts of the website or application they are building, though they may still work as part of a larger team rather than overseeing an entire project alone.

Full-stack web developers may work on prototyping and building websites, connecting front-end interfaces to back-end services, troubleshooting performance issues, working with databases or APIs, or communicating with users and stakeholders to determine whether a project is working as intended. They generally have a solid understanding of several web development tools, languages, and workflows, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, front-end frameworks, server-side programming, databases, APIs, version control, testing, security basics, and deployment workflows. Like other kinds of development skills, you can gain full-stack skills through a formal program like a bootcamp or certificate, create your own path with self-guided learning, and also leverage your on-the-job training opportunities or take on portfolio projects.

Front-End Web Developer

Front-end web developers focus on the part of a website or web application that users see and interact with. MDN Web Docs describes the foundations of front-end development as including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, accessibility, web standards, version control, and development environment setup. They typically use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build a website’s elements, such as page layouts, navigation menus, buttons, forms, and interactive features. If you can see it or interact with it on a webpage, there’s a good chance a front-end developer created it or helped create it.

In addition to knowing programming languages, front-end developers are usually familiar with the libraries, frameworks, and tools that support modern web development. Depending on the employer and codebase, that could include tools such as React, Angular, Vue, Bootstrap, jQuery, package managers, testing tools, and version control systems. Just like other types of developers, front-end developers can acquire their coding, design, and user experience skills from a variety of sources. Books, bootcamps, and degree programs are just a few options.

Back-End Web Developer

Back-end web developers focus on the server-side systems that help websites and web applications function. While front-end developers work on what users see and interact with, back-end developers often work on databases, APIs, application logic, authentication, performance, security, and integrations with other systems. O*NET’s web developer profile includes responsibilities such as developing application databases, optimizing server-side code and processes, and integrating websites with other computer applications.

Back-end developers may use languages and tools such as JavaScript, Python, PHP, Ruby, Java, C#, SQL, cloud platforms, web frameworks, and version control systems, depending on the employer and technology stack. Like other web development pathways, back-end development skills can be built through degree programs, bootcamps, certificates, self-guided projects, and workplace experience.

Should I Pursue a Career in Web Development?

Deciding whether or not to pursue a career in web development is a personal decision that depends on your unique interests and circumstances. Keep in mind that building up a foundation of strong coding and problem-solving skills will likely take sustained time and effort. Like many other careers in the tech sector, web development can involve continual learning.

AI-assisted coding tools may also shape how web developers work, but developers still need to understand the code, test functionality, review AI-generated suggestions, and ensure websites and applications are usable, secure, accessible, and aligned with project goals.

If you’re up for the challenge of exploring new concepts and finding creative ways to apply them, web development could be a good fit for you. With dedication, consistent effort, and a commitment to the field, you can work toward a role that allows you to build immersive, well-functioning websites and applications you can take pride in.

Information last updated June 2026, using May 2025 BLS OEWS data. Job growth projections from BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.