React Developer Salary: From Entry-Level to Senior Engineer

What is a React developer?

A React developer is a front-end software developer. They work with the JavaScript library React to build user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX). Sometimes they are referred to as React.js or React JS developers. Primary responsibilities for React developers include designing, coding, and testing applications for web and mobile environments. If you are interested in web development and design, a React developer position could be an excellent fit. 

Read more: What is a React Developer (and How to Become One)

Demand for React developers in 2023

Between 2021 and 2031, the number of jobs in the computer and information technology industry is expected to grow by 25 percent [1]. Some of the most rapidly growing occupations in this field are software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers. As of August 2023, there were 8,000 React developer jobs listed on Glassdoor [2]. 

According to a study by Statista, React is the second most commonly used web development framework worldwide [3].

Average salary ranges for React developers in the US

The average base salary for React developers in the US is $90,001 per year [4]. Additionally, Glassdoor reports an average supplemental pay of $11,414 annually. Additional pay calculations could include profit sharing, bonuses, or commissions. This figure raises the average annual compensation for React developers to $101,416. 

Factors influencing job income

Several factors can play a role in your yearly salary as a developer, including experience level, location, and job title. You can learn more about each one in the following sections. 

Median salary by location

Keep in mind that the cost of living can significantly impact average pay insights from city to city.

Salaries according to years of experience

*The following salaries are sourced from Glassdoor (August 2023).

Entry-level React developer salary and expectations

The average annual base salary for someone with 0-1 year of experience as a React developer is $78,865. Combined with the reported additional pay of $9,144 per year, the average annual compensation rises to $88,008. Qualifications for entry-level React developers may include:

• Basic knowledge of object-oriented programming languages like Java, Python, and C++

• Familiarity with database concepts

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field or demonstrated technical ability

Try not to feel discouraged if you don’t yet qualify for an entry-level position. Consider expanding your skill set and earning a certificate in one of the disciplines mentioned above, such as Object-Oriented Programming Concepts.

Mid-level React developer salary and expectations

The average annual base salary for someone with 1-3 years of experience as a React developer is $87,101. Combined with the reported additional pay of $10,562, the average annual compensation rises to $97,664. Qualifications for mid-level React developers may include:

• A few years of experience in front-end web development

• Strong understanding of UX and design principles

• Experience working on an Agile team with other engineers

• Ability to write modern and maintainable code

Read more: What Is Agile? And When to Use It

Senior React developer salary and expectations

The average yearly base salary for a React developer with 4-6 years of experience is $93,380. Combined with the reported additional pay of $12,001, the average annual compensation rises to $105,380. Qualifications for senior React developers may include:

• Familiarity with data flows and component driven architectures

• Experience building responsive, scalable websites and applications

• Ability to troubleshoot and report issues for short and long-term resolution

• Capable of translating non-technical business requirements into software designs

Although React developers typically focus on front-end development, many senior-level engineers are full-stack developers. Full-stack developers can work on both the front end and back end, or server-side, of an application. You can gain important technical skills to become a full-stack developer with the Full-Stack Web Development with React Specialization from the University of Hong Kong.

Career trajectory for React developers

Many React developers pursue degrees in computer science or a related field of study. Examples of degrees for aspiring React developers to pursue include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Computer Science. Higher education can prepare you for an entry-level role and strengthen your resume. However, employers may also accept experienced workers and those with Professional Certificates in web development instead of a degree. The following few sections outline the career path of a React developer from entry-level to senior engineer. 

How to obtain a competitive salary as a React developer

Although React developer salaries can vary based on location, many software development positions are fully remote. When you begin searching for a new role, consider expanding your search to encompass in-person and remote opportunities. Stay current on industry trends to be a competitive candidate. Trending skills and technologies can indicate areas of expertise that employers value highly. YouTube channels, social media, and blogs created by industry experts can be excellent resources for job seekers. 

Another way to achieve a higher salary is to demonstrate the value of your skill set to employers. You can follow the tips below to enhance your resume and get the compensation you deserve.

Earn Professional Certificates

You can increase your competitiveness as a job candidate while gaining valuable expertise with online courses and certificate programs. Here are a few relevant options for developers working with React:

• Meta React Native Specialization

• Advanced React by Meta

• Developing Front-End Apps with React by IBM

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate

Build a portfolio

Developers can use several open-source tools in addition to React to independently create projects, applications, and websites. If you want to become a React developer, consider highlighting your expertise by adding some of your best work to a portfolio. Then, you'll be able to present a tangible demonstration of your skills along with your resume. Here are a couple of Guided Projects you can use to enhance your portfolio:

• Build Your First React Website

• CSS Animated Components with ReactJS

Advance your career with Coursera

Ready to advance your career as a React developer? Learn programming fundamentals and skills for developing mobile apps from the experts at Meta with the Meta React Native Specialization.