Post job

Web architect vs web application developer

The differences between web architects and web application 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 architect and a web application developer. Additionally, a web architect has an average salary of $112,335, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.

The top three skills for a web architect include user interface, websphere and java. The most important skills for a web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.

Web architect vs web application developer overview

Web ArchitectWeb Application Developer
Yearly salary$112,335$85,840
Hourly rate$54.01$41.27
Growth rate13%13%
Number of jobs233,882229,802
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3737
Years of experience44

What does a web architect do?

A web architect specializes in designing and developing web applications and solutions. Among their duties include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, conceptualizing plans and framework, generating codes and other materials, creating test structures to eliminate bugs, maintaining extensive records, and establishing security measures and policies. They may also provide technical support and guidance to staff during the projects. Moreover, a web architect typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.

What does a web application developer do?

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.

Web architect vs web application developer salary

Web architects and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Web ArchitectWeb Application Developer
Average salary$112,335$85,840
Salary rangeBetween $85,000 And $147,000Between $66,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAFairfield, CA
Highest paying stateIdahoWashington
Best paying companyAppleApple
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between web architect and web application developer education

There are a few differences between a web architect and a web application developer in terms of educational background:

Web ArchitectWeb Application Developer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMassachusetts Institute of Technology

Web architect vs web application developer demographics

Here are the differences between web architects' and web application developers' demographics:

Web ArchitectWeb Application Developer
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 88.9% Female, 11.1%Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between web architect and web application developer duties and responsibilities

Web architect example responsibilities.

  • Manage several active critical projects at once and lead a team of Java/J2EE developers, consultants and testers.
  • Manage UI designer; help to develop look-and-feel.
  • Manage a team of 4 backend and UI developers.
  • Manage high transaction databases including all database objects, triggers, procedures, user rights and functions.
  • Modify existing XSLT's for translation of XML data to HTML pages.
  • Design and develop socket-based client / server applications using Java, XML and SQL.
  • Show more

Web application developer example responsibilities.

  • Manage full-life cycle development of windows services and web-base applications.
  • Manage intranet updates while administering user access to corporate projects.
  • Manage, develop, integrate and implement relate applications components, including front-end development, server-side development and database integration.
  • Create and implement user interface solutions for complex web applications using JSP, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
  • Web-Base database application development responsibilities include database development, CGI script design and implementation and HTML data input/output page development.
  • Addressed mobile phone and tablet device compatibility with CSS3 media queries, AJAX, and HTML5.
  • Show more

Web architect vs web application developer skills

Common web architect skills
  • User Interface, 9%
  • WebSphere, 7%
  • Java, 7%
  • Architecture, 6%
  • Web Application, 5%
  • JavaScript, 5%
Common web application developer skills
  • JavaScript, 8%
  • Web Application, 7%
  • CSS, 6%
  • HTML, 5%
  • Java, 4%
  • Database, 4%

Browse computer and mathematical jobs