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The differences between web application 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 web application developer and a lead web developer. Additionally, a lead web developer has an average salary of $108,800, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a web application developer include javascript, web application and CSS. The most important skills for a lead web developer are web application, javascript, and CSS.
| Web Application Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $85,840 | $108,800 |
| Hourly rate | $41.27 | $52.31 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 229,802 | 250,411 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A web application developer is responsible for designing website and system applications following clients' specifications and business' needs. Web application developers utilize their expertise in programming languages and system codes, ensuring the efficiency and smooth navigation of the website. They also run multiple diagnostic tests on the output before release, identifying inconsistencies, and addressing incompatibilities on browsers and devices. A web application developer should be detail-oriented and highly-technical as this job requires excellent digital knowledge to manage complex systems.
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.
Web application developers and lead web developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Application Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Average salary | $85,840 | $108,800 |
| Salary range | Between $66,000 And $110,000 | Between $84,000 And $140,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairfield, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | First Republic Bank |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Professional |
There are a few differences between a web application developer and a lead web developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Application Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 71% | 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 web application developers' and lead web developers' demographics:
| Web Application Developer | Lead Web Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% | Male, 81.3% Female, 18.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% 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% |