Web Developer Salary: 2024 Guide

Web developers design, develop, and produce websites and applications. Because of their work, they often command higher salaries. As of November 2024, the average total pay for web developers in the US was $93,998 [1].

In this article, we'll discuss the different factors that can affect what you earn as a web developer, along with ways you can make more. Afterward, if you're interested in this career path, consider enrolling in the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate to begin building important skills.

Web developers: salary and job outlook

The average total pay for web developers in the US is $93,998, according to Glassdoor [1]. This figure includes a base salary of $81,659 and an average additional yearly pay of $12,340, which can include bonuses and profit-sharing. Many factors can influence salaries, such as skill set, location, and level of experience. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an eight percent job growth for web developers and digital designers through 2033 [2]. Understanding what you can expect to earn through this dynamic career may help you determine if a web development career is the right path for you.  

Salary by web developer type

There are three different types of web developers: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Back-end developers create and code the foundational structure and functionality of a website, while front-end developers design the look and feel of the website that visitors experience. Full-stack developers combine these skill sets to work on any aspect of a website’s design and functionality. 

Learn more about the salaries for each type:

• Front-end web developer salary

• Back-end developer salary

• Full-stack developer salary

Primary factors affecting a web developer's salary

The following sections outline the factors that can influence your salary. Keep in mind that new web developers typically earn less than experienced professionals. Developers with certifications or specialized education can make more. There are many steps you can take to build your expertise and earn the salary you desire.

Location

Due to cost of living variations and industry hubs, salaries vary by city. The cities paying the highest salaries for web developers are:

• Tallahassee, FL: $133,816

• Seattle, WA: $123,276

• Irvine, CA: $112,200

• Los Angeles, CA: $93,069

• Denver, CO: $92,446

• Chicago, IL: $77,952 [3]

Industry

Web developers can find employment in many fields since nearly every industry requires an online presence for success. But some industries employ more web developers and may offer more competitive salaries. The most popular industries for employment, along with the average salary, are:

• Finance and insurance: $121,190

• Computer systems design: $105,950

• Advertising, public relations, and related services: $71,930 [4]

Years of experience

As a web developer, every project is an opportunity to grow your portfolio and gain experience. In time, this can result in higher pay. Glassdoor estimates the average total pay for three main levels of expertise as follows [5]:

• Web developers typically have one to three years of experience and have a salary range of $74,000 to $121,000.

• Web developer managers typically have four to six years of experience and have a salary range of $90,000 to $159,000.

• Senior web developers typically have seven to nine years of experience and have a salary range of $113,000 to $180,000.

Other factors that can influence a web developer's income

Besides the factors we covered above, the type of degree you have (if any) and any additional education you've earned, such as certifications or certificates, can also affect the amount of money you make as a web developer.

Having a degree

While you may not need a bachelor's degree to get started in web developer, the degree can be useful when you're interested in advancing. Just over 70 percent of web developers have a bachelor's degree, according to Zippia, meaning the degree may be increasingly important to stand out as a candidate or grow in your career [6].

Earning a certification

You can build important skills or strengthen existing ones with certifications and certificates, which may help you stand out as a candidate and even earn a higher salary. Here is a list of skills that could benefit your salary:

• Backbone.js 

• Angular 

• Node.js

• React

• Java

Many online courses are available to build skills and earn Professional Certificates. For example, in IBM’s Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate, you'll learn about foundational technologies including cloud foundations, GitHub, Node.js, React, CI/CD, Containers, Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Istio, databases, NoSQL, Django ORM, Bootstrap, app security, and more.

Company size

The vast majority of web developers work for companies of varying sizes and industries. Sometimes, the smaller the company, the less it can pay its employees. Larger companies often have the means to offer bonuses, profit sharing, and commission on top of base salaries. They may also provide additional benefits to compete for the best web developers in today’s marketplace. 

Build your web development skills on Coursera

You'll find opportunities to learn about front-end development and back-end development with industry leaders on Coursera.

Consider either the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate or the Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate, both of which are designed for aspiring professionals in this field. Over nine courses, you'll gain foundational knowledge and begin building a job-ready skill set.