What Does a Web Developer Do?

A web developer is a tech professional who designs, builds, and maintains websites and web applications. They can specialize in one part of a website (as a front-end or back-end developer) or be responsible for both (as a full-stack developer.) As a web developer, it's your job to ensure a website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and functions well. You can learn more about the programming languages, skills, and salaries of web developers in the following article.

If you're ready to start preparing for an entry-level web developer role, gain the foundational skills you need by enrolling in the University of Michigan's Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization. In as little as two months, you'll familiarize yourself with JavaScript, CSS3, HTML5, and create a series of wireframes for your own website or portfolio.

Web development: tasks and responsibilities

Web developers create and manage websites for a variety of organizations. As a web developer, you could also choose to be a freelancer, taking on projects for individual clients and working for yourself. Web development extends beyond the actual creation of the site. Your tasks will vary depending on your work situation, but day-to-day responsibilities might generally include:

• Meeting with clients to discuss the needs, design, and functionality of a website

• Designing user interfaces with interactive elements such as navigation menus and graphics

• Writing and reviewing code for sites, typically HTML, XML, or JavaScript

• Creating prototypes and mockups

• Determining layout with other designers, integrating multimedia content onto a site

• Testing web applications

• Monitoring website traffic and troubleshooting problems with performance or user experience

• Collaborating with designers, developers, and stakeholders

Web developer jobs

Many web developers start their careers with a single focus, usually as front-end developers or back-end developers. They may move on to be full-stack developers or explore careers in related fields, such as IT project management, mobile app development, or graphic design. Some web developers also work as webmasters. Let’s take a closer look at some of these development jobs and how you can prepare for each one.

Back-end web developer jobs

Back-end development focuses on creating the website’s structure, write code, and verify that code works as updates and new integrations occur. Their responsibilities also may include managing access points for others who need to manage a website’s content.

You can prepare for a back-end developer role with an industry expert by enrolling to earn Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate:

Front-end developer jobs

Front-end development focuses on the visual part of the website—the pages visitors see and interact with (also known as the user interface). They design the physical layout of each page, integrate graphics, and use HTML and JavaScript to enhance the site. You can gain essential front-end web development skills with Meta's Front-End Developer Professional Certificate.

Gain the skills you need for an entry-level front-end job with a leader in tech by earning Meta's Front-End Developer Professional Certificate:

Full-stack developers

Full-stack developers do the work of both back-end and front-end developers. These developers have the knowledge to build a complete website. They may work for organizations that don’t have the budget for a large website team or oversee the entire development process in more senior-level roles.

You can gain the full-stack skill set with no previous experience required through IBM's Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate program.

Webmasters

Webmasters are essentially website managers. Their primary responsibility is to keep the website updated, ensuring that the links and applications on each page work properly.

Read more: Front-End vs. Back-End Developer: Understanding the Differences

Web developer salary

The median annual salary for web developers in the US is $92,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) [1]. However, web developers in the US can earn up to $121,000, according to Glassdoor salary insights [2]. How much you earn depends on factors like where you work, what industry you work in, and how much experience you have.

BLS estimates 8 percent industry growth for web developers between 2023 and 2033, a faster-than-average rate compared to other occupations. One of the driving forces behind this increase in web development jobs is the growth of e-commerce. Companies are becoming more reliant on functioning websites that operate on multiple devices to do business.

Read more: Web Developer Salary: 2025 Guide

Web developer requirements

A formal education isn’t always necessary to become an entry-level web developer. If you’re already in school (or considering earning a degree), some majors might be a better fit for your career goals than others. If you’re more interested in back-end web development, consider a degree program in computer science. If you feel more drawn to front-end development, you might opt for a degree in web design or user experience (UX).

If earning a degree isn't in your plans, you may consider filling the gaps in your resume with online courses, certificate programs, certifications, and projects for your portfolio. While earning a degree can make you a more competitive candidate, a strong portfolio can go a long way toward validating your skills to potential employers. If you want to read step-by-step instructions for becoming a web developer, read more in the article How to Become a Web Developer.

Read more: Web Developer Certification: Is it Worth It? (+ How to Choose)

Is cloud computing a necessary course for web development?

While cloud computing is not a strict prerequisite for web development roles, its prevalence and importance is increasing over time. Familiarity with cloud computing technologies and deployment methods can help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. You can especially benefit from cloud computing knowledge if you plan to become a back-end or full-stack web developer.

Interested in learning how to develop and deploy applications in the cloud? Check out IBM's Full Stack Developer Professional Certificate program.

Web development courses

You don’t necessarily need formal training to work as a web developer. It’s possible to acquire the skills you need on your own. For example, you can take a self-paced online course to learn programming languages like HTML, JavaScript, or CSS, and then put what you learn into practice on your own website.

For example, in Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding from the University of Michigan, you can build programming and design skills while also completing development projects for your portfolio.

Get a feel for the course by watching this video on interactivity with JavaScript:

Web development certifications

Earning a certification can validate your skill set to potential employers. Keep in mind that while certificate programs often include instruction, certifications may only represent the exam. You may take a certificate program or online course to prepare for a certification exam. When browsing web development certifications, you’ll find a range of general and vendor-specific options, including:

• Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSD)

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified Developer

• Zend Certified PHP Engineer

Read more: Your Guide to AWS Certification

Web development certificate programs

You might consider a credential a professional certificate in lieu of or in addition to a degree. You can learn in-demand skills through certificate programs and gain hands-on experience with tech industry leaders such as Google and IBM. In an online certificate program, you take courses similar to those in a degree program, such as creating content with HTML and elements of design.

Read more: What Are Certificate Programs?

Start building your web development skills today

For a beginner-friendly introduction to web development, consider enrolling in the Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding from the University of Michigan.

If you already know which web development specialization you'd like to pursue, do so with an industry leader by enrolling to earn Meta's Front-End Developer Professional Certificate or Back-End Developer Professional Certificate.

If you're interested in earning a degree to prepare for a role in web development, learn more about how a degree in computer science can help create new opportunities.