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Job outlook for web application developers in the United States
Web application developer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected web application developer job growth rate is 13% from 2018-2028.
About 20,900 new jobs for web application developers are projected over the next decade.
Web application developer salaries have increased 11% for web application developers in the last 5 years.
There are over 276,874 web application developers currently employed in the United States.
There are 229,802 active web application developer job openings in the US.
The average web application developer salary is $85,840.
Are web application developer jobs in demand?
Web application developer job and salary trends over time
Web application developer jobs over time
Web application developer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 276,874 | 0.08% |
| 2020 | 376,860 | 0.11% |
| 2019 | 129,469 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 202,709 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 192,581 | 0.06% |
Average web application developer salary over time
Web application developer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $85,840 | $41.27 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $83,012 | $39.91 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $81,132 | $39.01 | +2.1% |
| 2022 | $79,449 | $38.20 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $77,276 | $37.15 | +1.8% |
Web application developer jobs by state
Most common states for web application developers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 752 | 108% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,882 | 34% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 209 | 34% |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 351 | 33% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,665 | 28% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 274 | 28% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,783 | 26% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,015 | 25% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 783 | 25% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 262 | 25% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,313 | 24% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 446 | 23% |
| 13 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 171 | 23% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,000 | 22% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 293 | 22% |
| 16 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 183 | 21% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,130 | 20% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 583 | 20% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,375 | 19% |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,910 | 19% |
Most common cities for web application developers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairfax | 6 | 25% | $82,326 |
| 2 | Herndon | 4 | 16% | $82,320 |
| 3 | Frederick | 4 | 6% | $81,240 |
| 4 | Mountain View | 4 | 5% | $106,132 |
| 5 | Auburn | 2 | 3% | $71,181 |
| 6 | Jackson | 3 | 2% | $76,239 |
| 7 | Washington | 7 | 1% | $89,040 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $78,412 |
| 9 | Arlington | 3 | 1% | $82,516 |
| 10 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $73,944 |
| 11 | Amarillo | 2 | 1% | $76,705 |
| 12 | Cleveland | 2 | 1% | $76,399 |
| 13 | New York | 5 | 0% | $90,491 |
| 14 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $75,378 |
| 15 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $79,811 |
| 16 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $80,308 |
| 17 | Columbus | 3 | 0% | $75,495 |
| 18 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $90,646 |
| 19 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $78,159 |
| 20 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $70,328 |
Web Application Developer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of web application developer experts
Nova Southeastern University
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Texas A&M University San Antonio
Middle Georgia State University
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Idaho State University
Wright State University
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Southeastern Louisiana University
University of Tulsa
Xavier University of Louisiana
Keiser University Latin American Campus.
Bucknell University
Florida Atlantic University
University of New Haven
University of Central Missouri
Furman University
Murray State University
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As you begin your career in Computer Applications, remember that the technology industry highly values adaptability and continuous learning. Commit to staying current with emerging technologies, programming languages, tools, and methodologies. Engage in online courses, attend workshops, and network with other professionals in your field. This dedication to self-learning and the connections you make can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations that could shape your future career path.
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: Maximizing your salary potential as a new graduate with a Computer Applications degree involves strategic positioning, skill enhancement, and effective negotiation. Following are a few strategies to help increase your salary now and in the future: Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Identify and specialize in high-demand areas that generally offer higher salaries. Build a Strong Portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your skills. A compelling portfolio can strengthen your position during salary negotiations. Develop Soft Skills: While technical skills are essential, soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership hold equal significance. Enhancing these skills can give you an edge in negotiations. Do your Homework and Negotiate: Some industries and locations offer higher salaries. Decide what type of industry you want to focus on and do the background research needed to determine whether your skills will help as leverage. Use your portfolio, certifications, and skill set to strengthen your position. Be ready to articulate your value and how you can contribute to the company's success.
What will help Web Application 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.
Mr. Mark Pranger
Instructor, School of Creative and Information TechnologiesOklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Mining And Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
What Web Application 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.
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Mr. Mark Pranger: The first skill would be one I mentioned up in the first question and that is your communication skills. Not only is it important now, but it will also remain important as time goes forward. A skill that many overlook is the ability to teach yourself. We are in a technical field that changes daily. I do countless interviews with students doing their internships and, on the way, out the door, I give the advice of being a lifelong learner. Be prepared to reinvent yourself in about 5 to 10 years. Our technology changes and is that demanding of us. Do not depend on your company to direct your self-learning. Your career is your responsibility. So, oversee your learning. The company may teach you new skills, but they will be skills they want you to have. It might take you far into the company but you still have to manage your career for your best results. My next piece of advice is to consider a non-technical advanced degree. Consider a business degree to complement your technical degree. As you move up in the organization, things like finance, management, and other business disciplines will increase in importance. You may end up managing a department or even the entire organization's technical future. You will need to understand how all those pieces of the business interact with each other and the related business environment. My last skill to suggest is the skill to maintain a work and life balance. If you put too much into work, you may wake up one day and ask yourself, is it worth it? When one spends all their time working to get ahead, when do they get time to be ahead and enjoy it?
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Mr. Mark Pranger: My first piece of advice a student graduating is to not wait until the last minute to do any networking in their field. If your college/university offers career fairs, start attending those as soon as possible. Start putting your name and associated face out there so when HR sees the name on the resume, they already know the face that goes with it. Put in the shoe leather or other sole material in early and often as possible. My second piece of advice is to target your cover letter, resume, and subsequent contacts such as interviews to the individual companies. Show them that you have taken the time to get to know the company. You may find common ground or may find that you are not a good match. Your time as well as their time is valuable, invest in well into finding the match for you that you can work at and feel rewarded. Make sure to clean up those resumes and other written communications before you send them. One simple grammar or spelling mistake could remove you from consideration in their very competitive world. Practice interviewing if at all possible. Go to any mock interviews your institution offers or clubs offer. If there is not any, ask those in the industry or management positions that you might know to mock interview you for the practice. Show respect for their time and be serious about the mock interview. Show up in person dressed like you are doing a real interview. Your entire interaction with a company and their representatives is your chance to create the narrative they will remember. In that narrative, you take them on the journey of getting to know you, finding out you are a good match to the company, and a good match to the position to which you are applying. The outcome you want is that job offer. One might notice my advice is not technical but more in the way you are looking for a position. Once you get into the position, the actual question that was asked here, start by absorbing anything they are willing to throw at you. Look for opportunities to show the company what you can do and what they can expect from you. Be mindful of your plate size and don't take on too much too early. They will remember two major things about your early days: That you tried and how you handled success and failure. Continue your networking at the job. Though we are in a technical field, we will interact with others not in our field. Our written and verbal communication skills will be put to the test. Nothing kills a great presentation idea more than bad communication skills. Never assume you are the best. Always work on the premise that someone is better and strive to become better. The education has given you the technical side of the coin. But it takes the non-technical side such as communication skills to showcase to others and your company your technical prowess. If you have not already, put together a portfolio of your work. Show the employers what you have done in the field. This includes what you did in school as projects. Having interacted with many hiring managers through advisory committees, one thing that keeps coming up is the creation of a portfolio. Those are not just for the artist, they are for anyone to show what they can do. Don't give up. The pile of rejection letters may become larger before that right position and company comes your way. You do have to search for it but it is out there.
MARLA KRAMER
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and CommunicationsWhat general advice would you give to a Web Application 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 Web Application 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 Web Application 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.
Izzat Alsmadi
Associate ProfessorTexas A&M University San Antonio
Computer Science
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Izzat Alsmadi: Computing fields are unique that they have a very large spectrum of possible jobs.
New graduates should be open and flexible to seek opportunities beyond a narrow focus that they may have in mind.
The degree itself is a great start but in most cases will not be enough and you have to seek own training in new software, tools, etc.
Certificates can be also important for some particular sub-disciplines (e.g. cyber security)
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Izzat Alsmadi: With the quick and rapid evolution language models, they are expected to be great assets in accelerating many jobs. Its important for new graduates to be aware of such models or tools and how they can be used
Programming skills will still be important but languages will be more mature and graduates need to be aware of the different available tools and resources online and how they can be used
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Izzat Alsmadi: The market is very large, make your deep analysis on top trending jobs, their pays and requirements, unlikely to have high paying jobs for fresh graduates with extra skills, certificates, etc.
Tina Ashford
Professor of Information Technology/Faculty Curator of the Museum of Technology/DoIT Internship CoordinatorMiddle Georgia State University
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Tina Ashford: Technical expertise is crucial: cloud fluency, cybersecurity awareness, and understanding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) potential, however, soft skills are equally important - clarity in communication, seamless collaboration, and an ever-growing appetite for learning to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape. Even with AI on the scene, uniquely human problem-solving and fresh ideas will set you apart. This blend of technical and soft skill agility, and never-ending curiosity should bring you success in the field of IT.
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tina Ashford: Build relationships with professionals in your industry. This can lead to new opportunities and provide valuable insights. If you have multiple job offers, use them to negotiate a better deal. However, remember to consider factors like career growth and job satisfaction along with the salary. Keep improving your skills through courses, certifications, or volunteering. The more skilled you are, the higher your earning potential. Don't hesitate to seek advice from career coaches, mentors, or HR professionals. They can provide personalized guidance to help you navigate your career path. Remember, increasing your earnings is a continuous process, not a one-time event. By strategically investing in your skills and staying informed about your industry, you can confidently navigate and achieve a fulfilling and financially rewarding career.
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Tina Ashford: My first piece of advice is to embrace lifelong learning. Tech never sleeps, so neither should your curiosity. View mistakes as growth opportunities, and stay a student forever. Next, optimize your communication and teamwork skills to bridge the gap between techies and everyone else. Critical thinking is your secret sauce, so use it to solve problems creatively and anticipate the future. Finally, specialization is great, but keep an open mind. A broader skillset makes you adaptable, ready to seize unexpected opportunities. Network actively, build relationships, and most importantly, stay passionate. Let your tech enthusiasm fuel your career.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Web Application 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.
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Allen: Get hands-on experience. Join the workstudy program, take the co-op or the internship. Be sure to apply what you've learned!
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Allen: I'd suggest that you hop in to coding and just get started. Even a tiny bit helps. Python is a very popular language, and free to download (Python.org). Once you download, there are some many ways to start learning coding. My personal favorites are Mimo and LearnPython.org. You can also ask ChatGPT for suggestions-remember that ChatGPT can often help your write and explain simple code. Don't understand something? Ask ChatGPT!
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Ahmed Temani: A lot of the buzz is about using chatbots to improve coding efficiency. However, there is a great need for systems level thinking and design as software is deployed across cloud and edge computing devices. Gaining more experience in systems design provides you with additional skills that complement whatever AI-based technology gets deployed.
What Web Application 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.
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Ahmed Temani: As an early career developer, you will likely rotate among different software products and teams. Even if the work is not your current skill set, the new challenges will build new skills and allow you to make more connections within the company.
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Nikyra Capson: I encourage my students to take advantage of opportunities now-don't wait. Idaho State University has a program called Career Pathway Internships (CPI), which allows students to graduate with 2-3 years of work experience in their field. Seeking out these kinds of opportunities while in school will help them obtain a job after graduation. I also encourage my students to connect with their classmates and build solid relationships with the people around them. These relationships can help them in the future.
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikyra Capson: Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.
What will help Web Application Developers increase their earning potential?
Nikyra Capson: Understanding artificial intelligence and developing technology are essential skills for students to have so they're prepared for the future. Software is constantly updating, so designers need to be able to evolve with it and be constantly learning.
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim ChairWright State University
Information Systems and Supply Chain Management Department
What skills stand out on Web Application Developer resumes?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Web Developer: JavaScript, HTML5, CSS, PHP, Python, APIs, Web user interface design.
What soft skills should all Web Application Developers possess?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Communications skills are mostly for web developers since they interface more with clients, team work.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Web Application Developers?
Daniel Asamoah Ph.D.: Particularly for a web developer, HTML/CSS skills, scripting langue competency.
What skills will help Web Application 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 general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Travis Stouffer: Operate with a high-level of attention to detail. Superiors always appreciate a new or old employee who is self-sufficient and doesn’t need their hand to be held. Secondly, do everything you can to support the development process. You want to be seen a key cog in the development process, even if you are not writing code. You want to be the person with answers. Research APIs to use as datasources, write detailed requirements, support those requirements with detailed wireframes and mockups which blueprint the end-state of the application, test coded features and lastly just volunteer to do anything that will lighten the burden on the programmers of the team. Doing these things will also position you with a well-rounded experience that will help you ascend to project management type roles.
What Web Application Developer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Travis Stouffer: Agile Project Management and Rapid Prototyping will continue to be critical in reducing the amount of rework that development teams face. If either of these two aren’t done well, software projects will continue to experience high levels of failure. Even if developers are leveraging artificial intelligence to write code more efficiently, business analysts acting as liaisons will still need to utilize practices to ensure AI tools are helping to construct applications that align with the goals and objectives of its users.
What will help Web Application 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.
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.
Professor of Computer ScienceSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Computer Science
What skills stand out on Web Application Developer resumes?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Working on Software projects that involve team communication, Agile Process, and working with either the MERN, MEAN, or .Net stacks.
What soft skills should all Web Application Developers possess?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: The most important soft skills are how to elicit requirements from clients and how to present the developed software to non-Information technology professionals.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Web Application Developers?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Analytical and programming skills to solve problems at hand.
What skills will help Web Application Developers earn the most?
Dr. Ghanssan Alkadi Ph.D.: Web and Mobile App development will help you earn the most.
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 skills stand out on Web Application Developer resumes?
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.: We constantly work with employers that recruit our students, and for the past several years, there has been an almost insatiable need for workers with skills in data analytics & visualization, agile software development, cloud system architecture and administration, and cyber security.
What soft skills should all Web Application Developers possess?
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.: All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Web Application 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.
What skills will help Web Application Developers earn the most?
Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.: Each of the areas and skills mentioned above is important. The way to earn the most in any of the varied specialties in IT depends on having the right blend of technical and soft skills for a particular employer and, frankly, being the right person at the right time for the right employer. That sounds ambiguous, but the point is that those looking for IT work need to research which companies, locations, and specific jobs pay the most with open positions that match their skillset. And, if you find that dream job with the dream pay but you don't have the requisite skills, there are plenty of opportunities to show a potential employer that you are willing to learn the skills to succeed in that position.
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.
Director, Dual-Degree Engineering Program, Assistant Professor of PhysicsXavier University of Louisiana
Department of Physics and Computer Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Web Application Developers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic has made a substantial impact on every industry across latitude and longitude. It adapted us to the new normal, which some industries see as a boon and others as bane. HigherEd, which happens to be the oldest and mature industry, is no exception. The cohort of graduates who are very special because they are flexible, comprehend concepts via simulations, videos and peer mentoring. The benefits of these pedagogies are unique, thought provoking and content rich. Subsequently, our conventional methods to calibrate or gauge student's learning outcomes were fine-tuned to current circumstances. Moreover, the prominence of online learning has also enabled us to bridge the gap. So, the repercussions of pandemic on current graduates would be narrow and low-gravity.
What's a good job out of college for Web Application Developers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: With increasing unemployment rates, it would be challenging for most of the graduates to find suitable and relevant jobs. More precisely, the pandemic has increased the competition by reducing the number of job vacancies. However, the students with prior internships and research experiences have an advantage to be absorbed quickly but the majority would still be on a hunt mode. In this perspective, they may want to be strategic and pursue jobs that are at a junior level but aligned with their strengths and passion. Self-employment could be other means where they could be on the learning curve and hone skills that are desired. Volunteering has always rewarded those who have embraced it. In short, graduates have to digest the current scenario and strategize their skill sets to land in their dream job.
What technical skills for a Web Application Developer stand out to employers?
Ashwith Chilvery Ph.D.: In any job market, employers always desire graduates with sound technical skills that complement their teams. For instance, graduates may want to be cognizant of disruptive technologies in their fields such as software programming, coding, designing, 3d printing, project management, digital marketing, technical writing, data analytics and etc. In addition, employers have special fondness for graduates with multidisciplinary capabilities and skills. Having such sound skills would enable them to evolve as an independent thinker and thrive as a team player.
Elio Rivas
Department Chair – Software Engineering & MIS Keiser University Latin American CampusKeiser University Latin American Campus.
Software Engineering and Management Information Systems (MIS) Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Web Application Developers?
Elio Rivas: English is 95% percent required in most of the applications. The new graduates face the challenges to know and have experience in almost all the programming languages and companies ask to be certified in most of the cases.
Companies in Nicaragua don't have a culture for training their workforce. This means that neither new graduates have the budget to get certified nor experienced workforce.
What soft skills should all Web Application Developers possess?
Elio Rivas: All the graduates should have customer services-oriented, teamwork, emotional intelligence, patient, persistency, audacity. Negotiation skills to get better paid.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Web Application Developers?
Elio Rivas: Of course, due to the pandemic impact, a lot of companies have been forced to downsize. Nowadays the companies are looking for highly experienced professionals instead of new graduates. Even though the working modality has changed to remote, the exigencies/requirements for job applications are getting harder for new graduates.
What's a good job out of college for Web Application Developers?
Alan Cheville Ph.D.: A good job is always one that aligns with a student's interests and has the possibility for advancement. There are so many individual factors unique to each graduate that it is nearly impossible to broadly identify "a good job". Students come out of college with different levels of debt, ability to relocate, etc. so what may be a good job for one is not for another.
What technical skills for a Web Application Developer stand out to employers?
Alan Cheville Ph.D.: Technical skills stand out to employers if they are the ones their organization needs. So understanding an employer and their needs is quite important - internships are a good way to gain such understanding and build relationships. More generally being able to show that you understand the underlying theory but also have the skills to put that theory into practice along with a demonstrated capability to continue to learn on one's own are highly sought after in technical areas that are changing rapidly.
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.
ProfessorFlorida Atlantic University
Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Web Application Developers?
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.: Students graduating during the pandemic are missing career fair and career service events that the universities and professional association offer, which are very important to get an internship and an entry level position. So their entry-level position may be not in their major and not at the salary and responsibilities that they had hoped. This impacts subsequent offers.
What's a day at work look like for a Web Application Developer?
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.: I teach engineering and computer science, these areas are less prone to the pandemic as they lend themselves to transfer well to virtual work employment. The President's focus on building the infrastructure also is great for these majors.
What technical skills for a Web Application Developer stand out to employers?
Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.: The potential employee needs to be comfortable and flexible to learn different technologies needed to be successful in the virtual work environment. More importantly than the technical schools are the soft skills that give the employee the self-discipline and communications skills to be effective and productive in a virtual work environment. The non-technical major needs to be computer literate and have the mindset to learn new technical skills.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Web Application Developers?
Christopher Martinez Ph.D.: Courses that have a heavy emphasis on hands-on projects can have a massive impact on your job prospects. In the technology field, you want to make sure your resume has many tools/skills that the industry uses, from hardware, test equipment, software tools, and programming languages. If you can take a course that will allow you to learn what industry uses while teaching you theory, you should run to take the course.
What's a good job out of college for Web Application Developers?
Christopher Martinez Ph.D.: The best job you can have out of college is a job you have passion for and will set you up to advance your career. If you have always wanted to work in aerospace, then you should seek out that field from the start. I hate to see students settle for a job because of pay or because they feel they can move to their dream field later.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Web Application Developer job market given the pandemic?
Christopher Martinez Ph.D.: I always tell students to practice for an interview by thinking about how they will answer behavior questions such as how to do your work on a team, how you lead a team, how you learn from a failure, etc. This year I would add a new question to this list, and that is how you work remotely. Students should consider how they work with classmates to find a remote work style that works for them. They should explore how to work with Slack or Microsoft Teams to communicate and organize their team. I think we will see that remote work is a trend that will remain with us for the foreseeable future so students should work to become more comfortable with this new work style.
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin
Professor of Statistics & Mathematics Assistant Chair of Mathematics Programs Actuarial Science and Statistics Program CoordinatorUniversity of Central Missouri
School of Computer Science and Mathematics
What's a good job out of college for Web Application Developers?
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin: A good job out of college is some sort of entry-level actuarial job as an analyst. Typically, this is the first position in a traditional rotational program for insurance companies. Also, most employers will only expect this candidate to have 0-2 exams with a possible internship.
In general, any job within the field that pays would be good; experience is great, even if it's underwriting. An employee can always jump from job to job within a company. I just need to find a company where this is expected.
To be more specific, students should look for a work team that fits well. Some work teams are very distant, while others spend a lot of time together even outside of work. Also, they should consider the company and its values. They need to make sure that their personal goals fit within the values of the company.
What technical skills for a Web Application Developer stand out to employers?
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin: Most employers we work with look for candidates with experience in programmings such as Excel/VBA, Access/SQL, and others such as R and SAS. It is noted that life insurers are more likely to use SQL and SAS since their data is much bigger, while health insurers typically rely mostly on Excel and VBA.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Web Application Developers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Phoebe McLaughlin: It seems like more employers will start looking away from expensive programs like SAS and transition towards free, open-source programs like R. The SOA is already starting to do this with their PA exam, we expect employers are going to follow.
What general advice would you give to a Web Application Developer?
Kevin Treu Ph.D.: Be a sponge! Use every resource at your disposal to learn all you can, not only about the tools and techniques for the projects you've been assigned but for everything your new company does. These resources will most likely include in-house training, but don't stop there. Do online research, work through tutorials, pick the brains of your new colleagues. Never stop learning! That is a huge key to success.
Also, start your career with attention to a healthy work-life balance. Most companies explicitly value this concept and provide opportunities for you to tend to your own mental and physical wellness through various programs. Take the time to rest and recharge, and most importantly, enjoy what you're doing!
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Web Application Developers?
Kevin Treu Ph.D.: Seek out courses that have a major project component, ideally with students working together in teams. And as paradoxical as it may sound - the best experiences are those where the teacher is less of a teacher and more of a facilitator. That is, they create an environment where the onus is on you to go and find the tools that you need to produce the required outcome. At Furman, we have several such courses in topics such as Web-Based App Development, Game Design and Development, Systems Analysis, and Human-Computer Interaction. Sometimes it can be disconcerting - for both student and teacher - when a project-based, "just in time" learning paradigm is used. It's so different from what we're used to! But time and time again, our alums have reported to us that these experiences most closely mirror the actual work experience and thus have the greatest impact on job success.
What's a day at work look like for a Web Application Developer?
Kevin Treu Ph.D.: I'm least confident about answering this question. I have talked to alums about this, however, so I'll give it a go. Recent Computer Science and Information Technology grads might be surprised about the flexibility that they'll find in a typical day working a tech job. The classic 9-to-5 expectation isn't predominant any more. You'll be assigned to a team that is responsible for multiple projects. For the most part, you'll be expected to deliver those completed projects by a deadline while working and communicating effectively with your team. If you can do that best on a non-traditional schedule - working evenings, perhaps, or powering through in a marathon session and then taking some time off - most jobs are going to be fine with that. Expect to use your verbal and written communication skills! There will be lots of team meetings.
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer ScienceMurray State University
Computer Science and Information Systems
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Web Application Developer job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: I'm no economist, but based on what I've seen, the job market in the computing industry has stayed relatively strong. There are still lots of software development and IT job openings right now. Since the pandemic has started, the biggest change is the move to working remotely. More people are just working from home now. There are currently way more remote job postings now than I've ever seen, though many of them state that working remotely is only temporary. Since schools have closed, that also means people have to deal with working while also trying to keep their kids on track with their school work. It's a difficult time for everyone right now.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Web Application Developers?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: A bachelor's degree in computer science is extremely valuable. It has been and continues to be one of the most valuable college degrees a student can pursue. I really think all areas of computing are in demand, but web and mobile computing might be one of the strongest. Some employers do like to see extra certifications in addition to the bachelor's degree. There are literally hundreds of certifications available in the computing industry. They all vary in the required amount of time, effort, and money. I think anything that can set a candidate apart from other candidates is valuable, and that includes any certification. I would not recommend investing thousands of dollars into additional certifications after completing a bachelor's degree, but I don't think it's a bad idea for students to pursue one of the free or lower-cost certifications that are available - especially those students who might not have strong internship experience, extracurricular activities, projects, etc. to put on their resumes. I think anything DevOps related or cloud-based like Amazon's AWS or Microsoft's Azure are especially valuable right now.
What's a good job out of college for Web Application Developers?
Dr. Matthew Tennyson Ph.D.: Any job is a good job out of college! Even if it isn't a perfect fit, that first job can be used to gain experience, and can be used as a stepping stone toward that ideal job. Gaining experience is key. It should really start before graduation. Ideally, a student would have at least one summer internship before graduating. Internships can often lead to permanent job offers after graduation. I've even heard of students, who might struggle to find a permanent job offer after graduation, pursue an internship to not only gain experience but also with the hope that it will lead to a permanent opportunity with that company.