What does a senior front end developer do?
Senior front end developers play an important role within a business. They are responsible for overseeing the work of junior front end developers and working closely with back-end developers. They are tasked to implement the user interface and develop patterns and abstractions, emphasizing the efficiency of software products. Other duties include evaluating new technologies, building prototype systems that meet the requirements and quality standards, and interacting and engaging with end-users. They also have to collaborate with the user experience team in designing and implementing software experience.
Senior front end developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior front end developer resumes:
- Manage changes to source code using git repository.
- Fabricate style sheets to manage the look-and-feel of the complete site using CSS3, Bootstrap3, XML, and XSL.
- Manage multiple web and database servers in multiple locations to ensure constant availability, functionality, synchronization and security.
- Develop rating and sharing single page applications by using AngularJS and data fetch by using AJAX and JSON.
- Develop a single page, cross-device/cross-browser web application sharing utilizing AngularJS, bootstrap and JavaScript.
- Work with Xcode for debugging.
- Apply the test first methodology on the same using JUNIT.
- Refactore JS for several pages to avoid the heavy JS files.12.
- Set up the development environment with NPM (node package manager).
- Lead writer for digital initiatives, automate email platform, and Facebook.
- Involve in writing maven scripts for merging jar files into existing repository.
- Create JUNIT test cases for testing the business flow for bugs and fixing tickets.
- Handle logos for all network channels locally within the app using Xcode asset catalog.
- Develop AngularJs directives, components, services, and controllers and create jasmine unit tests.
- Used JQUERY plug-ins to implement features as a light box, sliders and other intuitive features.
Senior front end developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Senior Front End Developers are proficient in Front End, JavaScript, and Html Css. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Customer-service skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Senior Front End Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Front End, 10%
Provided technical front end development for web-based applications improving performance and user satisfaction.
- JavaScript, 9%
Experience in developing web application using Model View JavaScript frameworks like Backbone-Marionette, primarily focusing on the user interface.
- Html Css, 5%
Designed business applications using web technologies like HTML CSS based on the W3C standards.
- UI, 5%
Involved in peer-to-peer code reviews and functional testing and Participated in product development discussions and provided UI related information.
- GIT, 5%
Used FireBug, and Notepad++ to debug and used GIT to control the version and communicate with the partners.
- Java, 4%
Interfaced with Java developers to integrate front-end enhancements into production.
"front end," "javascript," and "html css" are among the most common skills that senior front end developers use at work. You can find even more senior front end developer responsibilities below, including:
Concentration. One of the key soft skills for a senior front end developer to have is concentration. You can see how this relates to what senior front end developers do because "web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods." Additionally, a senior front end developer resume shows how senior front end developers use concentration: "developed infopath forms with concentration on integration into sharepoint lists. "
Customer-service skills. Another essential skill to perform senior front end developer duties is customer-service skills. Senior front end developers responsibilities require that "webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests." Senior front end developers also use customer-service skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "lead development of and shipped customer websites and web applications. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for senior front end developers to perform their duties. For an example of how senior front end developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "web developers often are involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it is appealing as well as functional." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior front end developer: "managed all creative efforts and front-end development, gui / creative lead and liaison between development and business teams. ".
Detail oriented. senior front end developer responsibilities often require "detail oriented." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "web developers need to have an eye for detail, because a minor error in coding could cause an entire webpage to stop working." This resume example shows what senior front end developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "changed all java script code into structured & object oriented javascript by defining some global variables and methods. "
The three companies that hire the most senior front end developers are:
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Senior front end developer vs. Java/j2ee developer
Java developers are in charge of the design, development, and management of Java-based applications. Whereas, J2EE or Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition developers are responsible for developing web and software enterprise-internet level applications. Both developers utilize the Java programming language, but the first one develops desktop-based applications while the later develop enterprise-related applications. Java developers have many roles and responsibilities, and they vary based on the applications that they develop and design.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior front end developer are more likely to require skills like "webpack," "user experience," "react native," and "responsive web." On the other hand, a job as a java/j2ee developer requires skills like "database," "log4j," "api," and "design patterns." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Java/j2ee developers tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $100,301. In contrast, senior front end developers make the biggest average salary, $120,432, in the finance industry.On average, java/j2ee developers reach lower levels of education than senior front end developers. Java/j2ee developers are 9.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Senior front end developer vs. Lead software developer
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior front end developer resumes. While senior front end developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "front end," "git," "user experience," and "react native," lead software developers use skills like "architecture," "application development," "software development," and "api."
On average, lead software developers earn a higher salary than senior front end developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, lead software developers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $115,917. Whereas senior front end developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $120,432.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Lead software developers tend to reach lower levels of education than senior front end developers. In fact, they're 7.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior front end developers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Howard Rees
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Rider University
Meaning that the applications (and those "operating" them) do not understand what's happening inside. AI systems are often "designed, trained, and tested" by the provider and certified as generating the output most desired by the customer but only in a statistical sense. There is no "proof" that the AI black box is, with certainty, doing what the business customer (or the provider for that matter) thinks it is doing - it just does a good job when tested on data. There will be a significant need for tech-savvy people to design, train, monitor, and apply them so that they do not deviate from the desired goals. Such deviations can result in socially destructive business practices. As you can't properly manage what you don't understand, there is a risk in using AI too blindly. CS and IT graduates will need to help out.
Senior front end developer vs. Java developer
A Java developer is responsible for developing Java-based applications, including its strong efficiency and smooth operations for the clients and business' use. Java developers implement application designs, diagnosing ineffective processes, and conducting troubleshooting. A Java developer must ensure the stability of the application before launch to provide the best user experience. Software developers must have an excellent command of programming languages, software analysis, system codes, and other technical specifications. A software developer maintains a record of the processes and issues resolutions for reference and improvement opportunities.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a senior front end developer is likely to be skilled in "javascript," "git," "user experience," and "responsive web," while a typical java developer is skilled in "database," "api," "design patterns," and "tomcat."
Java developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $96,841. Senior front end developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $120,432.Most java developers achieve a lower degree level compared to senior front end developers. For example, they're 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Senior front end developer vs. Interactive developer
Interactive developers are considered as the new software engineer breed. They function as a part programmer, part audio/video editor, and part designer interested in 3D technologies. Their responsibilities include developing and creating a website, searching for a site, and programming languages. It is expected from them to work with the other UX team members like developers, engineers, and researchers. They are equipped with skills in creating animations, Javascript, and other technologies based on the web.
Types of senior front end developer
Updated January 8, 2025
