Computer Occupations

How to become a Web Developer

Official title: Web Developers

Also called: Technology Applications Engineer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Developer, Webmaster

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

Main tasks

Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
Perform or direct Web site updates.

How to become one

Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers vary, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $92,650 a year The middle half earn $64,230 to $126,230.
About 87,400 people work in this job now, and about 90,600 are projected by 2035. (+3.8%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Web Developer?

Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers vary, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.

How much does a Web Developer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $92,650 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $64,230 to $126,230.

Is a Web Developer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 87,400 to about 90,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Web Developer?

Usually. 71% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Web Developer?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.