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The differences between front end developers and lead web developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a front end developer and a lead web developer. Additionally, a lead web developer has an average salary of $108,800, which is higher than the $92,147 average annual salary of a front end developer.
The top three skills for a front end developer include javascript, front-end and html css. The most important skills for a lead web developer are web application, javascript, and CSS.
| Front End Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $92,147 | $108,800 |
| Hourly rate | $44.30 | $52.31 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 124,876 | 250,411 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Front-end developers architect and develop applications and websites through web technologies. They are responsible for the implementation of visual elements that every user sees and interacts with on web applications. They are often supported by the back-end web developers who are in charge of server application logic and integration. They must know CSS or HTML. They should be equipped with CSS processing skills, browser developer tools, version control, JavaScript framework, and responsive design skills.
A lead web developer is in charge of spearheading the development of web applications and systems. In a company setting, their responsibilities include managing a team of developers, identifying and understanding project requirements, heading the planning and execution stages, setting objectives and timelines, establishing guidelines, delegating tasks, and providing technical support and guidance to staff. They must also respond to issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Moreover, being the lead web developer, they must encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Front end developers and lead web developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Front End Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Average salary | $92,147 | $108,800 |
| Salary range | Between $68,000 And $124,000 | Between $84,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | California | Washington |
| Best paying company | Lifetime | First Republic Bank |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Professional |
There are a few differences between a front end developer and a lead web developer in terms of educational background:
| Front End Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between front end developers' and lead web developers' demographics:
| Front End Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 77.3% Female, 22.7% | Male, 81.3% Female, 18.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 15.8% White, 58.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 15.7% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |