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Job outlook for senior front end developers in the United States
Senior front end developer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected senior front end developer job growth rate is 13% from 2018-2028.
About 20,900 new jobs for senior front end developers are projected over the next decade.
Senior front end developer salaries have increased 11% for senior front end developers in the last 5 years.
There are over 107,654 senior front end developers currently employed in the United States.
There are 215,831 active senior front end developer job openings in the US.
The average senior front end developer salary is $110,224.
Are senior front end developer jobs in demand?
Senior front end developer job and salary trends over time
Senior front end developer jobs over time
Senior front end developer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 107,654 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 38,030 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 24,644 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 17,464 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 17,270 | 0.01% |
Average senior front end developer salary over time
Senior front end developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $110,224 | $52.99 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $106,592 | $51.25 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $104,179 | $50.09 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $102,018 | $49.05 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $99,227 | $47.71 | +1.8% |
Senior front end developer jobs by state
Most common states for senior front end developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 797 | 115% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 455 | 47% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 292 | 47% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,468 | 41% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 2,046 | 34% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 353 | 33% |
| 7 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 194 | 33% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 987 | 32% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,722 | 31% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,239 | 30% |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 397 | 30% |
| 12 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 309 | 29% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,151 | 28% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,883 | 27% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 190 | 25% |
| 16 | California | 39,536,653 | 9,354 | 24% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 174 | 24% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 439 | 23% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,954 | 22% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 787 | 22% |
Most common cities for senior front end developers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpharetta | 5 | 8% | $101,969 |
| 2 | Cupertino | 3 | 5% | $139,765 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 16 | 3% | $101,914 |
| 4 | Boston | 11 | 2% | $114,015 |
| 5 | Durham | 4 | 2% | $110,583 |
| 6 | Fort Lauderdale | 4 | 2% | $96,056 |
| 7 | Austin | 7 | 1% | $103,803 |
| 8 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $86,256 |
| 9 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $94,287 |
| 10 | Washington | 5 | 1% | $111,086 |
| 11 | Miami | 4 | 1% | $95,570 |
| 12 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $95,373 |
| 13 | New York | 9 | 0% | $117,929 |
| 14 | Chicago | 8 | 0% | $96,870 |
| 15 | Houston | 8 | 0% | $103,591 |
| 16 | Phoenix | 7 | 0% | $103,979 |
| 17 | Dallas | 6 | 0% | $102,141 |
| 18 | Charlotte | 4 | 0% | $107,393 |
| 19 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $127,261 |
| 20 | Portland | 3 | 0% | $116,341 |
Senior Front End Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of senior front end developer experts
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Carnegie Mellon University
Seminole State College of Florida
Southwestern University
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Nova Southeastern University
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Wright State University
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
University of Guam
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Indiana University Southeast
University of Tulsa
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 2. Computer science remains in high demand in today's job market, with California exemplifying this trend. In recent years, the number of open positions in the state has exceeded the average demand rate by 1.5 times. At the University of the Pacific, our CS program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in this landscape. Through our co-op program, in collaboration with recruiters such as Nvidia, HP, and Lawrence Livermore National Lab, students have the opportunity to participate in paid internships lasting approximately 8 months. These internships provide invaluable exposure to real-world work settings and allow students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts and gain valuable industry insights. It is worth noting that many of our graduates choose to return to the same company post-graduation.
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 3. The appeal of computer science among students is often attributed to the relatively short journey from concept to execution. Unlike many engineering fields where hardware constraints can impede the swift realization of ideas, the development of software offers a streamlined process. With nothing more than access to a computer and relative proficiency in programming, individuals can swiftly transform their ideas into tangible solutions. This accessibility and agility contribute to the popularity of CS among aspiring students. On the other hand, CS heavily relies on abstract analysis as a fundamental skill for success. Students who struggle with grasping abstract concepts may find themselves frustrated or disengaged with the field.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: As a Computer Science graduate, it’s vital to work on independent projects outside of course projects or assigned tasks. This allows you to apply your knowledge and explore new areas and opportunities. Showcasing these projects in a digital portfolio provides a visual and tangible representation of your skills and growth. Emphasizing your attention to clean coding and documentation reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. The field is vast and rapidly evolving, so stay curious, keep learning, and enjoy your professional journey. Avoid getting caught up in fleeting trends. Understanding the difference between work, job, and career is crucial; find work and jobs that contribute to your long-term career aspirations while steadily maintaining your focus on your career goals. In addition, being aware of the organization’s environment and culture at the workplace you intend to work at is important. Familiarize yourself with workplace methodologies like Agile, Just-In-Time (JIT), DevOps, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Feature-Driven Development (FDD), Extreme Programming (XP), Rapid Application Development (RAD), and Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) (to name a few). Each organization will have its unique blend of these elements, and knowing what works best for you will help you thrive in your chosen career path. Remember, the key to success in this dynamic field is continuous learning and adaptation.
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: To optimize your earning potential in the field of Computer Science, it’s important to establish a solid educational foundation and master widely-used programming languages and technologies. Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience, and obtaining industrial certifications in specialized areas can significantly increase your marketability. Cultivating a robust professional network and honing your salary negotiation skills are also key. It’s important to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, salary trends, and consider focusing on a niche area in high demand. From the outset of your career conversations, it’s beneficial to communicate clear salary expectations. Conduct thorough research on the current market rates for the role you’re targeting to ensure your expectations are realistic. Understanding your worth in the market is crucial, and you should aim for a salary that not only reflects your skills and experience but also keeps you motivated and invested in your work. Remember, while salary is a significant factor, aspects like work-life balance and job satisfaction also play a vital role in your overall career satisfaction. Aim for a win-win salary negotiation where both you and your employer feel the compensation is fair and equitable.
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sridhar Ramachandran: The field of Computer Science is a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape. Over the next 3-5 years, several skills will gain prominence. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be indispensable due to the surge in data generation. Cybersecurity will become critical as our reliance on digital systems intensifies, and it will be everyone’s prerogative to ensure the security of their digital assets. Essential cybersecurity skills will include understanding of network security, proficiency in security software tools, knowledge of threat and vulnerability assessment, and the ability to implement incident response and recovery plans. Proficiency in Cloud Computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure will be sought after as businesses increasingly transition to the cloud. Data Science and Analytics will continue to be pivotal for data-driven decision making. Quantum Computing, though nascent, holds the potential to revolutionize the field. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving will be vital in managing complex, interdisciplinary projects. In this dynamic field, employees who know how to learn, unlearn, and relearn will have a competitive advantage. This is particularly true with the emerging importance for AI programming languages like Julia, Swift for TensorFlow, and Rust.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Aldrich: Be open to new experiences and focus on learning from them. A degree in computing gives you a foundation but there will be new challenges in every job; always be thinking about what you can do to become more effective at your tasks.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Holger Findling: Most companies have a fixed range in salary for new hires. There is very limited space to negotiate a higher pay. It used to be a standard practice not to stay more than three years with a company because salary increases are associated with labor grade ranges. A larger salary increase can be realized by moving to a different company. Typically, 5% increase vs 3% salary increase. However, a programmer needs to continue studying in the field of interest. Earn a master's degree. Be the best you can be!
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jacob Schrum: Generative AI is obviously affecting many industries. Although these systems can write code, this will not eliminate the need for skilled coders and problem solvers. However, those entering the field now can use generative AI systems to quickly write formulaic boiler-plate code, which will give them more time to focus on real problem solving. Systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude can also serve as interactive troubleshooting tools that can be more effective than searching the web for a specific answer to a very obscure problem. Still, there is ultimately no substitute for having the actual skills to do these tasks on your own. These systems are improving, but they don't get everything right, and they have a major problem with knowing when they are wrong. Furthermore, certain companies and industries don't want their proprietary code disclosed to companies that own these AI systems, and thus do not allow employees to use them. I'll also note that skills not just in using AI systems, but in creating them will be in high demand. Granted, only a few big companies realistically have the kinds of resources to create the models behind ChatGPT, etc, but other companies can either use these models, or make their own much smaller scale models. Furthermore, Machine Learning skills were in high-demand even before generative AI hit the scene, so I would recommend focusing on those skills.
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Lyle Ford: Having a broad base of skills, both technical and interpersonal are very valuable. Often, physics majors are hired to be problem solvers and each problem has its own set of unique conditions that may require a different set of skills to solve. The ability to be an effective team member is vital and proof of that will make you stand out. Evidence of independent work is also helpful so highlight and research or internship experiences you have had.
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
Ali Alouani
Professor of ECEWhat will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Ali Alouani: Have co-op/internship experience, good GPA, and impress the recruiter.
Mr. Mark Pranger
Instructor, School of Creative and Information TechnologiesOklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Mining And Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mr. Mark Pranger: The biggest advice here is to show the organization the long haul. It costs a lot of money to advertise, find, recruit, hire, and train employees in our field. The company wants to know their return on that investment will be higher. A large technical breadth versus a deep technical understanding is the balance you have to maintain. Many companies I deal with as an internship coordinator tell me that they can train the technical niche needs that they have but the student has to be able to show that they can learn and absorb that knowledge and put it to use. Going back to the portfolio, this gives someone looking at it insight into what extent you can learn, absorb, and produce. I personally am a true believer in the depth over breadth in the computer science programming field. While syntax changes from language to language, the concepts that we use to engineer our software remain the same. So Java does one activity different than C# or Ruby, that concept though will be important and the syntax can be picked up easier if you understand the concept. To me, a deeper understanding of one language and the ability to adapt quickly to another language is more important than having a little knowledge in a wide breadth of language but no depth. I have been in this field for 30 years now and probably know about half that number of languages that I have used over those 30 years. I didn't start with all those languages, but I did start with a very deep understanding of just one or two. I could spend my time quickly learning syntax to pick up a new language for a new position because I understood the concepts so well in my root language. Learn it deep, understand it deep and show you can transfer it across laterally. Put together that portfolio. The portfolio reinforces the narrative I discussed in the earlier question also.
MARLA KRAMER
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and CommunicationsWhat general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
MARLA KRAMER: Do the necessary course work from a reputed institution, where you can get the necessary hands-on experience under the tutelage of an established expert. Create a portfolio of your work on GitHub so that you can share your projects with potential employees. It is more important to demonstrate your skills through code, than it is to provide a list of classes that you have taken. Certification courses are expensive, but getting an accredited certificate in Mobile Application Development or any of the rapidly growing fields is always an advantage. The internet has a lot of uncurated, self-published, and incorrect information, especially when it comes to computer science. It is important that you pick your sources wisely as you build your skills.
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
MARLA KRAMER: Computer Science, and IS in general, is a field that is constantly evolving. It is not enough to know what everybody else knows. Becoming a subject matter expert with deep knowledge is important to be successful in the long run. You have to pick your area of expertise carefully, keep yourself focused and educated in that specific area, and be prepared for a career of continuous learning.
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
MARLA KRAMER: It is unlikely that software development will be fully automated in the near future. Writing correct and efficient applications is a skill set that will only grow as we invent more ways to improve the quality of our lives. As more and more commerce and critical services migrate onto the internet, IS development will require a deeper knowledge of cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Information Security Analysis jobs are expected to grow by 32% over the next 10 years. The BLS estimates Software Developers, Quality Assurance and Testing will grow by 25% over the next decade.
Right now, however, software development is going through a lull because of competition from abroad. Being an expert in at least two popular programming languages, having a solid theoretical foundation, and being able to innovate is pivotal. Artificial Intelligence is being deployed to solve some problems now, thanks to the powerful computers we have today. Learning to effectively use AI frameworks as part of your application development will add a lot of value to your skillset.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Senior Front End Developer?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What Senior Front End Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: This one I'm not sure how to answer as it is too broad. I would say work hard and do quality work, but that seems obvious.
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim ChairWright State University
Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Department
What skills stand out on Senior Front End Developer resumes?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Web Developer: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, PHP, Python, APIs, Web user interface design.
What skills will help Senior Front End Developers earn the most?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Particularly for a web developer, HTML/CSS skills, scripting langue competency, communication skills.
Travis Stouffer
Assistant Professor of Information Systems, ChairUniversity of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Department of Information Systems
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
Travis Stouffer: As a graduate entering the workforce, look for employers that will foster a continuous learning environment and mentorship to help build upon what you’ve learned at the undergraduate level.
James Sellmann Ph.D.
Dean, Professor of Philosophy and Micronesian StudiesUniversity of Guam
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
What will help Senior Front End Developers increase their earning potential?
James Sellmann Ph.D.: Computer skills, especially being able to work effectively with artificial intelligence will be most important. Being able to work with actual intelligence, that is living people, will always be an important skill.
Travis Mandel Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Hawaii at Hilo
Department of Computer Science
What soft skills should all Senior Front End Developers possess?
Travis Mandel Ph.D.: Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.
Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.
Chris Sexton
Visiting Lecturer of Computer ScienceIndiana University Southeast
Computer Science Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Front End Developers?
Chris Sexton: As with soft skills, technical skills in teamwork matter, a candidate must have the ability to work with revision control, be it git or some similar system. In addition, it is vital that fundamental computing skills such as operating the shell of a Linux machine are good signs that a candidate will be able to adapt to new systems.
What skills will help Senior Front End Developers earn the most?
Chris Sexton: My expectation for high earners is generally that they have relevant experience in real projects using the platforms used in the industry, but also that they know why and how those tools work. A candidate who has finished a computer science degree is going to be a candidate that has taken a class on algorithmic analysis, programming languages, software engineering, and of course, many other courses that reveal why we make the choices that we make with technology. Mistakes and shortsightedness are often the result without that key viewpoint of the "why." Leadership comes from confidence and understanding of fundamentals.
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.
Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information SystemsUniversity of Tulsa
School of Accounting and CIS at the Collins College of Business
What hard/technical skills are most important for Senior Front End Developers?
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.: Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.