A 2024 Web Developer Salary Outlook: What to Expect?

Suppose your dream career is as a web developer, kudos to you! This most sought-after profession worldwide is currently trending and retaining more than 26.2 million web developers. 

You may want to imagine what a typical day of the average web developer looks like. How long will it take you to master all of the talents you’ll need? And, maybe most importantly, you would want to know your average salary as a web developer if you made coding and your programming the way of your living.

Whether you’re a freelance developer or looking for more traditional employment, want a front or back-end job, or want to know which programming languages to learn, we have prepared a handy guide that will give you an idea of web developer salary average or what to expect in terms of pay.

What Is A Web Developer?

In a job description for a web developer, the role is described as an umbrella word for a variety of responsibilities and talents all linked to website development.

Web developers take a design and make it practical, whereas web designers deal with the aesthetic aspect. Developers are the technicians of websites, ensuring that everything under their hood runs smoothly so you can enjoy your ride online.

Developers are divided into three categories: front end, back end, and full-stack developers.

What Do Web Developers Do?

A web developer constructs and creates World Wide Web applications in the broadest sense. However, they are not limited to solely performing this function; instead, each must be maintained for upgrades and optimization following a web app or a website (web page). 

This means that the web developer will be responsible for overseeing the work of web apps, updating website content, improving visuals, and improving the website’s structure from an SEO and UX standpoint.

Web development is divided into three parts: 

• Client-side scripting, which determines what customers or clients will see when they visit a website; 
• Server-side scripting, which powers the behind-the-scenes mechanics of how a website works; 
• Database technology, which keeps a website running smoothly and efficiently.

These tasks are frequently divided among numerous web developers on large-scale web projects.

A back-end developer focuses on putting up the back end, whereas a client-side developer focuses on adding aesthetics and functionality to the website itself (front-end developer). The work is usually project-oriented, and it entails working with a group of individuals to assist coordinate the client’s needs with the final result.

Meeting with clients to discuss their website needs and requirements and discussing how to keep their website functional and up-to-date are examples of work. For example, web developers design a website’s layout, such as a visually appealing home page and a user-friendly design, and they may also write content for the site. In addition, developers ensure that a website functions on all web browsers after its launch.

How Much Do Web Developers Make?

Curious about how much does a web developer makes? Or How much you would make if you become a web developer?

When it comes to the typical income of a web developer, there is a wide variety. Don’t get me wrong: this range has a lot to do with the web developer’s level of experience and understanding.

Although web app development has a lower entry barrier than other technical disciplines that require several years of study and advanced degrees, employers nevertheless place a premium on commercial experience and pay accordingly. To evaluate programmer ability and skill acquisition, different firms utilize different criteria.

Web Developer Salary Around The World

Nobody needs to ask where to find web developers. They are now in growing numbers all over the world.

Like any other job, Web developer salaries vary depending on where you work.  So we’ve put together a global overview to give you an idea of how much money you may be making. 

These figures are based on the most recent data for the job title “web developer” from Indeed, Glassdoor, and CWJobs (updated in 2022).

Web Developer Salaries By The Country

Australia:	Aus $80,165 ($58,019 USD)
Canada:	C$63,809 ($49,857 USD)
Germany:	Eur 51,608 ($58,452 USD)
India:	Rs 457,266 ($6,344 USD)
UK:	£33,740 ($45,333 USD)
USA:	$69,274 USD

Here, take a look at the salaries of Web Developers in Major cities of North America:

Austin: $68,954Boston: $81,595 Chicago: $71,265Houston: $66,883Los Angeles: $73,818Montreal: CA$62,000 ($48,946)New York: $77,051Philadelphia: $66,889

Phoenix: $71,110 Portland: $66,040San Francisco: $95,589Seattle: $79,240 Toronto: CA$62,000 ($48,946)Washington DC: $84,930 Vancouver: CA$62,000 ($48,946)

The numbers are different when it comes to some European cities. 

Amsterdam: €40,656Barcelona: €30,021 Berlin: €49,248Brussels: €36,660Copenhagen: DKK504,000 (€67,781)Dublin: €41,062Hamburg: €50,059

Lisbon: €15,000London: £40,319 (€47,250)Madrid: €27,921Munich: €53,728Paris: €40,572Rome: €29,307Stockholm: SEK480000  (€47,247)

As you can see, there are differences between cities, especially when comparing cities in various nations. These figures can’t possibly represent everything because they’re averages and don’t account for a range of bonuses, stock options, and other sorts of payment that aren’t included in the base pay. So the amount of taxes you’ll have to pay and other fees like healthcare vary depending on which country you’ll be working in.

Web Developer Salary By Programming Language

Many businesses have a tech stack or project built on a single coding language, and they’re searching for someone who knows the language, its frameworks, and libraries. Alternatively, a company’s tech infrastructure could be moving in a new direction, and the CTO has selected which language they’ll need to hire specialist engineers in to do so.

The Average Web Developer Salary

Like other occupations, the pay varies substantially between countries for the same job title. This occurs due to the country’s living environment, cost of living, worker productivity, and other variables. 

Outsourcing these tasks to foreigners in Europe, Latin America, and Asia is a cost-effective strategy for US businesses.

The Average Web Developer Salary Per Hour & Per Year

A comparable figure, $68.5 per year, is listed on Glassdoor’s estimation. Even at the low end of the scale, you may earn $44k per year, while the top-paid web developers earn $111k per year. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for all developers in 2018 was $69,430 per year or $33.38 per hour.

On Payscale, While the pay prospective is only barely above $59K per year, you can see that the amount increases as you gain more expertise.

In other sites like Indeed, the rate of salary has some discrepancies. In Indeed, there are even more significant figures than $75.5k per year on the list.

While the figures from different sources differ slightly, they all point to a pay range of $60k to $75k per year.  You can earn this money with a job that requires only an associate’s degree.

Web development is a highly specialized, more significant field, and the average salary isn’t the end of the discussion.

Frontend vs. Backend vs Full Stack Web Developer Salary

What you earn will be significantly influenced by the niche you choose and the languages you know. But, on the other hand, front-end developers earn the least of the three specializations, while full-stack developers make more than average.

Websites and applications are the responsibility of front-end developers. When we visit a website, we see their work, creating its visual ‘ experience and interactive parts. Because front-end development is a popular entrance point for green developers, front-end salaries are frequently on the low end of the scale.

Servers and databases are the domain of back-end developers. Their contribution is critical yet unappreciated. They ensure data flows smoothly from the front end to the website’s back end. Back-end developers have a higher starting income than front-end developers.

Full-stack developers can work on both the front and back ends of a website. Full-stack developers are the highest-paid web developers on average.

Junior vs. Senior Web Developer Salary

Although web development has a lower entry barrier than other technical disciplines that require several years of study and advanced degrees, employers nevertheless place a premium on commercial experience and pay accordingly. To evaluate programmer ability and skill acquisition, different firms utilize different criteria.

Entry-level web developer salary of junior-level web developers who are new to the industry, having recently graduated from university or a coding boot camp. They have a rudimentary understanding of computer programming, can write in at least one programming language, and troubleshoot minor programming problems. Naturally, their pay begins at the bottom and rises as they gain experience.

Junior-level developers (also known as mid-level developers) have a few years of expertise in web development. They know how the industry works and their specific position within a project’s scope, but they still require supervision. Their earnings are typically in the middle of the pay scale. So you can presume that if you see “junior web developer salary,” it’s for a junior developer.

Senior web developers are specialists in their field and have a lot of expertise in fixing challenges. Senior web developer salary is among the best in the industry, and for a good reason: they’ve spent years honing their skill.

Web Developer vs. Software Developer Salary

Software developers, who produce applications that run on your computer or gadget, appear to make more money than website designers.

In 2018, the median salary of software developers was $105,590 per year, or $50.77 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a lot more than the $69,430/year salary they listed for web developers.

ZipRecruiter‘s most optimistic estimate for software developers is $86.5k per year. The average range, excluding outliers, begins at $68.5k and ends at $100k a year.

On web developer, Payscale puts the average salary for software engineers at $71.2k per year, with a wide range of $50,000 to $104,000. With data collected from hundreds of thousands of incomes, Glassdoor suggests a salary of $76.5k per year.

According to these sources, a software engineer may earn around $85k per year on average.

Web Developer vs Mobile Developer Salary

In addition to other web development tasks, a mobile developer may make a website responsive and develop apps for Android and iOS.

Because it is a less prevalent job title, the predicted earnings of a mobile developer might be highly variable. For example, a “mobile web developer’s” income can range from $59.8k to $110.6k per year (PayScale) or $68.5k to $110.6k per year (Glassdoor).

Mobile developers, who are more likely to work on apps and software, might earn $73.2k per year (PayScale), $96k per year (Glassdoor), or even $126k per year (Indeed).

The Average Freelance Web Developer Salary

How much do freelance web developers make?

Though it can be challenging to get a constant stream of work, once you’ve established yourself, you can expect anywhere between $72k and $75k per year as a freelance web developer salary, according to the statistics provided.

It’s easy to evaluate remote web developers who have regular full-time employment. Many IT firms allow employees to work from home, which has many advantages as freelancing work. However, depending on years of experience, these programmers can earn anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000 each year.

According to ZipRecruiter, freelance web developers make an average of $71,705 a year, with salaries exceeding $100,000. However, their pay is relatively similar to the average compensation for full-time professional employment in the United States.

Glassdoor’s estimate, which is not far off from ZipRecruiter’s, shows that freelance web developers earn a little more: an annual reported pay of around $79,150.

What does Web Developer Salary Depend Upon?

• Experience

There is no doubt that a developer’s remuneration will be determined by the number of years they have worked. For example, a newcomer to the field may have the talent, but because of their experience, an experienced person may know how to handle the issue better.

• Skillset

The greater your skillset, the better. Every company has its core competencies, especially when a job title is as broad as a web developer. As a result, the more talents you check off, the higher your chances of earning more money.

• Education & Qualification

A web development certificate or degree will equip web developers with an organized learning experience. Even though most successful web developers are mainly self-taught, certificates and degrees in programming and graphic design can assist in getting better chances and remuneration.

• Developer’s Location 

Aside from a web developer’s abilities and experience, pay varies by location. As one might assume, web developer jobs in cities pay higher than those in non-metropolitan areas. California, for example, has an annual mean wage of $86,160, which is significantly more than the national average of $69,430. While the high salaries on the coastlines are appealing, the high cost of living can quickly deplete your actual earnings.

• Related Industry

The company will undoubtedly influence the salary structure you will be employed in. For example, a startup will be willing to hire more freshers, whilst significant, reputable employers pay more due to their market position and financial status. The industry the company is in also impacts your annual or hourly pay. 

• Expertise

To become a programmer, you’ll need a specific set of talents. Computer skills, the ability to concentrate for long periods, and the ability to acquire a variety of new and unusual languages all take time and practice to master; therefore, they’re in great demand. You need strong expertise in the areas like: 

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• Tools
• Debugging
• GIT (Code Versioning)
• Basic graphic design
• Back end and Databases
• Working with Hosting (Publishing website)
• Libraries and frameworks
• DevOps and Deployment

What Do You Need to Become a Web Developer?

There are many various web developers, and each professional position requires distinct talents. You also have a lot of alternatives when it comes to your working environment. Whether you wish to work as a freelancer from home, in a small, pleasant office, or a large, bustling workplace, you’ll be able to locate a suitable location.

Many people opt to work as freelance web developers because of their flexibility.

Although some web development jobs will demand an associate or bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, many job ads will take anyone with enough experience, and many will not.

That is why you should concentrate on expanding your portfolio.

A well-rounded portfolio is necessary, especially if you don’t have a college diploma. Many self-taught developers were hired because they had a strong portfolio and sufficient expertise.

In addition to educational qualifications, web developers will require

• Fluency in working with different web languages and frameworks.
• Analytical abilities
• Skills in project management.
• Adaptability to a dynamic collection of internet standards and languages.
• Ability to communicate (working on teams and with clients).

These are only the elemental talents that a web developer must possess to execute a project. For example, back-end programming languages like Python or NodeJS, for example, are abilities that more experienced programmers will have. Understanding how to use databases should also be a critical ability for web developers.

 Furthermore, if the developer is familiar with SEO and design applications such as Illustrator, they will be excellent hiring.

The most popular programming languages are React.js, Ember.js, Python, Ruby, and ASP.NET Core are some of the abilities you should look for in a full-stack web developer.

Types of Web Developers

1. Front-end Developer

Front-end developers are those who work on the front end of a website.

A front-end developer codes the front end of a website. While web design is concerned with how a website appears, front-end development is concerned with how that design is deployed on the internet. 

Front-end developers construct the environment for everything users see, click, and touch by combining markup languages, design, scripts, and frameworks.

2. Back-end Developer

A back-end developer creates and maintains the technology that powers the components that allow a website’s user-facing side to function. Everything the front-end designer generates gains utility thanks to their back-end code.

Servers and databases are the domain of back-end developers. They ensure that data flows smoothly from the front end to the website’s back end.

3. Full-stack Developer

Full-stack developers are familiar with all aspects of the web development process and advise on strategy and best practices. These programmers will play an increasingly essential role in future web development because they can see the big picture. 

They are familiar with both the server and client sides of the user experience.

How much do freelance web developers make?

As a freelance web developer, you can expect to earn between $72k and $75k per year, according to the figures offered.

Freelancers can make anywhere from $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on their years of expertise.

According to ZipRecruiter, freelance web developers earn an average of $71,705 per year, with wages reaching $100,000. Their remuneration is comparable to the national average for full-time professional work in the United States.

According to Glassdoor’s estimate, which is similar to ZipRecruiter’s, freelance web developers earn a little more: roughly $79,150 per year.

Tips to Get Started as a Freelancer

Learning new skills and applying for standard employment is not the same as getting your freelance business off the ground. Both necessitate website development, but in very different ways. As a freelance Web Developer, you’ll have to spend time establishing your systems and processes rather than relying on those already in place at a company.

Here are some tips for getting started as a freelance web developer. 

• Improve your programming abilities. The programming languages you’ll need to master to work as a freelance Web developer will vary depending on the role you choose to take on. Hence make up your mind if you want to become a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer. 
• Start marketing yourself on sites like Freelancer.com and Upwork.com. Create a freelancer profile on employment boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. Join freelance Web Developers’ professional networking networks.
• Set up business documentation and systems. Freelancers require a system that allows them to bill for their services quickly and correctly. You’ll also need a system for keeping track of everything, including hours, project data, and client interactions.
• Analyze your data to see where you can improve. You can improve and become more efficient by recording every step of your process.
• Build a solid portfolio. Your technical talents with all of the tools in your tech stack and your experience with the development process will be demonstrated with the right portfolio.

Are Web Developers In High Demand?

Web development (along with software development in general) is one of the world’s most popular and quickly growing industries. It’s an incredible moment to be a software developer of any kind.

Even though this industry is expanding, salaries continue to rise. These days, there isn’t an overabundance of web developers.

Developers are in high demand. The disadvantage is that it is a very competitive industry.

Is web development hard?

Web development is not difficult to learn, but it does require technical expertise, logical problem-solving skills, and database familiarity.

We now have a wide range of web development languages and frameworks to choose from, unlike in the past. For example, backends can be written in PHP, Python, or Java.

While gaining the fundamental skills to become a Web Developer is relatively simple, being a successful Web Developer is more complex, taking years of continuous learning and work.

However, as many Developers will tell you, it’s well worth the effort – web development can be a gratifying (and well-paying) vocation, and nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Is web development a good career?

Web programming is an excellent worthwhile career for reasons other than monetary gain. Web developers are critical stakeholders in developing a digital world from the bottom up, as software plays an increasingly important part in how our society runs. 

However, it is no secret that web engineers may earn large salaries, making it an appealing field for people looking for a steady source of income. The field is very specialized and region-specific. The kind of your programming work, your level of competence, and your location all factor towards the typical compensation for a web developer.

Nothing in web development is set in stone, so your salary isn’t either. Web developer jobs are expected to grow at a rate more than twice as quickly as other jobs ( 15 percent from 2016-2026). As a result, your salary will rise as your skills increase and the field expands.

Does Working Full Time Or Freelance Impact Your Pay?

The cost of a web developer’s services will vary significantly based on the quality of the services they can deliver. For example, according to statistics taken from their websites, web developers earn an average hourly wage of $61-80, although Ziprecruiter reports a salary range of $25-43.

Due to the increased need for web development, various job opportunities are available, including full-time, part-time, freelance, and remote work.

In addition, some employees prefer the flexibility and autonomy that freelancing web development provides, while others prefer the stability and structure that regular full-time employment provides.

The decision to work as a full-time web developer versus a freelancer is personal, not the long-term one. You may easily transition from one type of work to another because there are so many options.

When discussing freelance web development chances, it’s natural to wonder what a web developer’s average hourly rate is. 

Establish yourself as an expert in a specific programming area to earn in the top percentile. Web developers with more specialized skills might charge higher prices and provide advisory services. Finding clients, managing communication, and processing transactions may all be simplified with the help of the freelance marketplace.

How can you increase your salary?

You’ll most likely start as a junior if you’re new to web development. However, you may already be considering how you might progress your job and move up the pay scale.

You can increase your earning potential in any career by constantly expanding your skillset. This could be as simple as learning a new programming language in your spare time or experimenting with various frameworks. 

You’ll be able to stretch out in the job as your knowledge base expands, and you’ll be able to offer yourself as a valued all-rounder. Never let an opportunity to learn something new pass you by!

Although you don’t need a specific qualification to work in web development, particular accreditation can assist you in furthering your career.

Simultaneously, if you want to raise your web developer compensation, you must establish trust in the field. Contribute to open-source projects, participate in hackathons, network at local meetups, and consider doing some freelance work if you have the time. Again, the more abilities and experience you get, the more likely you will increase your earning potential.

Last but not least, keeping up with the industry is critical. Keep up with the newest web development trends, inform new technologies, and keep up with industry news. To retain and grow your worth as a web developer in such a fast-paced sector, you must keep your abilities up-to-date.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about designing and creating websites, this job might be perfect for your skillset. The field of web development has an incredible amount opportunities with competitive pay scales.

Finding your niche is the key to success in web development. Keep note of the kind of web development that makes you happy and generates money. 

The most important thing is to pay attention to what you enjoy and excel at. That’s the crossroads where you’d like to spend more time. As your workload grows, you’ll be able to do more of what you enjoy and raise your charges to keep up with the demand for your services.

In conclusion, after careful consideration, it is evident that the app development world holds immense potential for innovation and growth. If you are inspired to embark on this exciting journey and require expert guidance, the Wolfmatrix app development team stands ready to bring your ideas to life. Your vision, our expertise – together, let’s create the next generation of exceptional apps

FAQs:

• Do Web developers get paid well?

Web development is a well-paying job, with a median annual salary of $69,430, regardless of expertise.

• Is web developer an excellent job?

Web development is one of the fastest-growing professions with a promising future. In 2023, employment possibilities in this industry are expected to increase by 20.5 percent.

• Are web developers in demand in 2022?

Web development (and software development in general) is one of the most popular and rapidly expanding industries.

Even though this industry is growing, salaries continue to rise. There is a great demand for developers.

• Do you need a degree to be a web developer?

You don’t need professional qualifications to work as a web developer. Instead, you’ll almost certainly receive some on-the-job training. A degree in information technology or communication design with a major in web development, web design, or multimedia can also be used to become a web developer.