Web developers design, develop, and produce websites and applications. Because of their work, they often command higher salaries. As of February 2025, the average total pay for web developers in the US is $94,638 per year [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.

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Algorithms, Computer Programming, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Software Engineering, Web Development, React, HTML, User Experience, HTML and CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX design, Github, Version Control, Linux, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development Tools, Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, User Interface, React (Web Framework), Web Application, Application development, Accessibility, Web Design, User Experience (UX), Computer Science, Pseudocode, Data Structure, Communication, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Test-Driven Development, Unit Testing, Debugging

Web developers: Salary and job outlook

The average total pay for web developers in the US is $94,638, according to Glassdoor [1]. This figure includes a base salary of $82,495 and an average additional yearly pay of $12,143, 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 8 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

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Microsoft Full-Stack Developer

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C# Programming, .NET Framework, full-stack development, UI/UX Design, Microsoft Copilot, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), .NET, Microsoft Visual Studio, Visual Studio, CSS, Web Development, HTML, JavaScript, Algorithms, Dynamic Programming, Advanced Algorithms, Data Structures, Database Management, Database Integration, EF Core, SQL, Front-End Development, Blazor, Data Binding, Website Deployment, Azure Cloud Services, DevOps, CI/CD, Security, JSON Web Token (JWT), ASP.NET, Back-End Development, API, Full-Stack Development, Asynchronous Programming, Back-end development, Web Performance Optimization, Performance Security, Version Control, logical Thinking

Primary factors affecting web developer pay

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 [3]:

• Tallahassee, FL: $129,443

• Seattle, WA: $122,460

• Irvine, CA: $94,820

• Los Angeles, CA: $97,862

• Denver, CO: $92,108

• Chicago, IL: $109,692 

Industry

Web developers can find employment in many fields since nearly every industry requires an online presence for success. However, some industries employ more web developers and may offer more competitive salaries. The most popular industries for employment, along with the average salary, are [4]:

• Finance and insurance: $121,190

• Computer systems design: $105,950

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

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 $122,000.

• Web developer managers typically have five to seven years of experience and have a salary range of $91,000 to $160,000.

• Senior web developers typically have seven to nine years of experience and have a salary range of $114,000 to $182,000.

Other factors that can influence web developer salary

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 development, 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].

How to become a web developer without a degree

By enrolling in web development boot camps and learning coding online, you may be able to start your career in web development without needing a degree.

Earning credentials

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 the IBM Full Stack Software 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.

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IBM Full Stack Software Developer

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open source, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Cloud Applications, Devops, Git (Software), HTML, Iaas PaaS Saas, Distributed Version Control (DRCS), Cloud Computing, Cloud Native, JavaScript, Hybrid Multicloud, Pandas, Data Analysis, Data Science, Numpy, Python Programming, Distributed Version Control Systems (DVCS), Cloning and forking, Github, Django (Web Framework), Node.Js, Web Application, Full Stack Development, Computer Science, Server-side JavaScript, express, Web Development, back-end development, Back-End Applications, Object Relational Mapping (ORM), Relational Database (RDBMS), SQL, Kubernetes, Openshift, Containers, Docker, serverless, Representational State Transfer (REST), Microservices, Software Testing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Flask, Application development, React (Web Framework), Front-end Development, User Interface

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. 

Learn how to become a web developer 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.

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Meta Front-End Developer

Launch your career as a front-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

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360,976 already enrolled

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Average time: 7 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Algorithms, Computer Programming, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Software Engineering, Web Development, React, HTML, User Experience, HTML and CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX design, Github, Version Control, Linux, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development Tools, Front-End Web Development, Responsive Web Design, User Interface, React (Web Framework), Web Application, Application development, Accessibility, Web Design, User Experience (UX), Computer Science, Pseudocode, Data Structure, Communication, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Test-Driven Development, Unit Testing, Debugging

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Meta Back-End Developer

Launch your career as a back-end developer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or prior experience required to get started.

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Average time: 8 month(s)

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Skills you'll build:

Web Development, HTML and CSS, Django (Web Framework), MySQL, API endpoints, Python Programming, Production environments, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML, JavaScript, Github, Version Control, Linux, Bash (Unix Shell), Algorithms, Computer Science, Pseudocode, Data Structure, Communication, Filtering and ordering, Authentication and authorization, Debugging, REST APIs, Serializers and deserializers, Design a web application, Build a data model, Software Testing, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Cloud Hosting, Application Programming Interfaces (API), Big Data, Databases, Database (DBMS), database administration, SQL