Web Developer Job Description, Skills and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a web developer. Feel free to use our web developer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a web developer.
Who is a Web Developer?
A web developer, or programmer, is someone who takes a web design that has been created by a client (or a design team) and transforms it into a site.
They accomplish this by creating complex lines of code using many languages. This is a complex job for web developers.
As you can see, this can be a time-consuming task that requires extensive knowledge of the various programming languages and how they work. Because different types of developers are skilled in different areas, large web projects usually involve collaboration among several developers.
It is essential to know the differences between front-end and back-end web developers to fully understand what a web developer is.
Front-end development is responsible for what people see and interact with on a website. Back-end developers are responsible for the behind-the-scenes of how a website loads. Full-stack programmers do a little bit of everything.
Front-End Developer
A front-end web developer is someone who designs a website for a client or design group and then writes the code to put it online. An excellent front-end web designer will know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and at least two other programming languages.
HTML allows users to add content to a website and split it into headings or paragraphs. CSS allows developers to modify colors, sizes, borders, and other aspects of the content. JavaScript permits the inclusion of interactive elements like push buttons.
Back-End Developer
It may seem like front-end developers have a hard job creating websites that work well and have the correct content. But back-end developers have it worse. Front-end programmers are responsible for the client-side, but back-end developers must deal with the server-side.
This means they must create the code and programs to power the web site’s database, server, and applications. Being able to write clean, efficient code that does the job you want in the quickest time is what’s most important as a backend developer.
Because different websites have different needs and requirements, back-end developers must be flexible and able to create programs from different sources. Furthermore, they must have a thorough understanding of the languages they are using. It is crucial to ensure that the program is both efficient and secure.
Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack development professionals are well-equipped to manage the entire process. They understand both the back-end strategies and processes.
For small websites, which don’t have large development budgets, a full-stack designer will often be hired to create the entire site. This is where the developer needs to be fully conversant with both back-end and front-end development as well as how they work.
Web Developer Job Description
Below are the web developer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a web developer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Designing and developing websites
- Maintaining and supporting websites and software applications
- Using management tools, authoring languages, content creation tools, and scripting to create your applications.
- Collaborating with teams is one example. This can be used to resolve conflicts, prioritize needs or establish content criteria.
- Directing and performing website updates.
- Testing schedules and routines should be developed and validated to ensure that test cases are compatible with external interfaces.
- Editing, writing, and designing content for websites.
- Participating in conferences, workshops, and other activities to stay current with the most recent web apps and programming practices.
- Back up files from Web pages and local directories to recover.
- Customer problems can be identified and tested.
- Evaluating different codes for validity to make sure it conforms to industry standards.
- Developing and testing web apps
- Troubleshooting, monitoring, and updating your website
- Meeting with clients to discuss the design and requirements of your website.
- Creating and testing apps that can be used on the site
- Coding site using HTML or XML programming languages.
- Discussing any challenges or problems with the team.
- Hiring graphic designers to support the design of your site.
- Integrating audiovisual and graphic elements in your site
- Creating and optimizing secure web pages to meet changing business requirements.
- Offering support to one or several web properties.
- Discussing the direction of this site with your supervisors regularly.
- Designing of the overall architecture and web application
- Implementing a solid collection of APIs that will power your web application
- Making reusable codes or libraries to make it easier for future uses
- Optimizing of the application to maximize speed and scalability
- Converting UI/UX wireframes to visual elements
- Integrating both the back-end and front-end elements of the website application
- Developing different software practices to write efficient code.
- Designing your website layout/user interface with standard HTML/CSS techniques.
- Modifying specifications and needs according to technical requirements.
- Translating UI/UX wireframes to visual elements
- Collaborating with web developers to achieve visual design intent
Qualifications
Many web developers need to have a combination of education, training, and certifications that can allow them to excel in their roles. To be successful, they need to have a combination of soft and hard skills.
Education
Employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or another related field. However, it is possible to get employment with an associate’s degree. An associate degree holder can transfer his/her credits to a four-year college or university, and complete their bachelor’s in two years. Many universities offer an online Bachelor’s degree in web development and design. Another college offers a Bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design that prepares students for a career as a web developer.
Training
A lot of web developers’ training occurs while they are completing their education via interactive classes, assignments, or internships. Internships allow students to gain practical experience in web development and make valuable connections with professionals that could help them get a job after graduation.
Boot camps for web developers are also available. Boot camps for coding are intensive training programs that can last from one to nine months. A boot camp teaches individuals how to use a variety of programming languages to create websites and apps. A boot camp could offer instruction in data analytics, UX design, and marketing.
A web developer is trained by their employer when they start a new job. They are taught how to use their programming skills to create websites for clients. Managers might also instruct them about company policies and procedures. For example, they may teach them how to properly document each project and log the hours worked.
Web developers must continue to learn as programming languages and frameworks change constantly and release new updates. To keep up to date with the latest programming languages and updates, web developers can read articles online or attend conferences.
Certification
Although not necessary, web developers can obtain multiple certifications to demonstrate their proficiency in different programming languages, skills, and tools such as:
Certifications in programming language
Candidates for web developers jobs who are skilled in JavaScript, jQuery Python, PHP, Ruby, and PHP certifications will be successful. These certifications are offered by different sources and have different standards and examination requirements.
Adobe Certified Expert (ACE)
This certification shows expertise in a variety of products depending on whether the web developer certifies with one specific Adobe Creative Cloud product (such as Dreamweaver), or with a set of products (such the Adobe Experience Manager).
Microsoft certifications
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA HTML5 App Development Fundamentals) is an entry-level certificate in the web markup language. Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate demonstrates proficiency with Microsoft solutions like Azure, SQL 2016 or Universal Windows Platform. This is a prerequisite to becoming MCSD. MCSD candidates must pass programming and development exams to improve their abilities in application development.
Google Analytics Individual Qualification
This certification covers basic and advanced Google Analytics concepts. It also includes data collection and configuration, administration, reports, dimensions, and reporting.
Professional Scrum Developer
Scrum.org offers this certification that demonstrates your knowledge of the Scrum framework. It is a popular method for managing software and web development projects. The Professional Scrum Developer certification can be used throughout your career and you don’t need to renew it.
Essential Skills
- HTML/CSS skills
HTML and CSS are fundamental concepts for web developers. HTML is the most popular markup language used on the web. Web developers use it to create pages on the Internet. CSS, on the contrary, is used for styling the website. CSS determines the layout, fonts, and colors used in a website’s design. CSS styles the HTML, while HTML creates the foundation of a website.
- Analytical skills
To create successful websites, web developers must have strong analytical skills. This means that you must ensure the website functions correctly and the code is correct. Understanding your customers and clients is essential. You will need to identify their needs and desires and then be prepared to make any necessary changes to the website. Your website will work better for your client if it is better understood.
- Responsive design skills
Responsive design is essential for web developers. Many people visit websites online and on mobile devices. Therefore, responsive design is essential for web developers. Websites should adapt to different screen sizes. A website that isn’t responsive won’t work on either desktop or mobile sites. This means that it won’t display or function properly on either the desktop site or mobile sites. A responsive design will have a significant impact on how many people visit your website. People are often discouraged from visiting websites that don’t display properly.
- JavaScript skills
JavaScript is also necessary to develop websites. JavaScript, a high-level programming language, implements complex features on a website. JavaScript can be used to implement complex features on websites such as search bars, video, interactive maps, and moving elements. You will be able to meet the higher expectations of clients when you know JavaScript. You’ll also be able to attract more people to your website by using these skills. Most people like interactive web pages that grab attention. Web developers play a significant role in making sure viewers are engaged.
- Communication skills
Good interpersonal skills are essential as you will work with many clients. This includes social skills such as active listening, body language, collaboration, and a positive attitude and work ethic. The web development process will flow more smoothly for you both if you can communicate well with your clients.
- Skills for testing and debugging
You must know how to constantly test your web pages for possible errors as a web developer. If an error does occur, you must also know how to fix it. Functional and/or unit testing are two methods to test your code. It is crucial to be able to test and debug your webpage consistently and effectively.
- Back-end basics
Understanding the basics of backend web development is essential. This is necessary because you may be working with back-end web developers, or being tasked with learning these skills. You will need to understand how servers work, as well as SQL, SQL, and cybersecurity. As they pertain to the server-side aspect of a webpage, all of these skills are essential.
- Search engine optimization
You must be a web developer and have a good understanding of search engine optimization. Because website traffic is becoming more important to businesses, this is why you must be an expert in search engine optimization. Websites with great SEO are more likely to be found on search engine results pages. Good SEO is a vital skill for web developers as more and more companies look to it.
How to Become a Web Developer
Here are some steps that you can take to become a web designer:
- Get a degree
A few companies will hire a web developer who has an associate degree but no experience. However, it is better to have at least a bachelor’s degree. You can take a coding boot camp if you have a degree from a non-related field and are interested in a career as a web designer. You can review job descriptions for web developers to find out the level of education required to obtain a job in your chosen field.
- Create a portfolio
A web designer must create a portfolio to present to potential employers. You can include all websites and applications that you have created, along with the code used to build them. Many online platforms allow you to post your portfolio and allow hiring managers access to all of it.
- Earn certifications
You have the option to choose from a variety of certifications that show your knowledge in a database, programming language, framework, or project management technique. Earning certifications can help show dedication to your chosen field and increase your earning potential.
- Look for positions
When you have found the right job, make sure to carefully review the instructions before you apply. Consider tailoring your application materials to each job, so that you are different from other applicants. Examine the job description for keywords that you can use in your resume to attract and retain the attention of the hiring managers.
Where to Work
Web developers can work in many capacities. They can be front-end, back-end, or full-stack developers. If they do work on both sides, they can work in multiple capacities. They can work in many industries, including:
- Software development
- Government agencies
- Entertainment industries
- Healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- Publishing companies
- Technology companies
- Marketing firms
Web Developer Salary Scale
Although web developers are often full-time workers, some work part-time, freelance, or contract, their education and experience levels will affect their salary. Web developers’ salaries can also be affected by the size of the company they work for. The average salary in the U.S. is $70,766 per annum. Salary ranges from $36,000 up to $156,000 per annum.