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What is a web developer and programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Craig Tidwell Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

Some people confuse the terms ‘web developer' and ‘programmer' with each other, but they are very different job titles. Programmers create various types of computer applications, while web developers work specifically on web-based applications. Thus, a web developer and programmer are able to do both. That said, the duties of a web developer and programmer revolve around creating various computer programs depending on their client's needs. They may spend most of their time making websites, but they may also create other types of software as well. Either way, their job revolves around coding, testing, and troubleshooting.

You don't need a college degree to become a web developer and programmer so long as you have the skills for the job. In fact, many web developers and programmers are self-taught. However, you will need to demonstrate your programming and web development skills, most probably through a portfolio or prior work experience. Like many professionals in the computer science field, a web developer and programmer makes an above-average salary of around $36 an hour or roughly $75,000 a year.

What general advice would you give to a web developer and programmer?

Craig Tidwell Ph.D.Craig Tidwell Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

Students who are graduating with a degree in computer and information systems should focus on being lifelong learners. The most challenging, and sometimes frustrating, aspect of a career in information technology is that it is always changing. Employers are also looking for employees that can work well with others, especially in teams. Having a good understanding of the development and design process, and project management (DevOps) is a plus. Currently, there is a high demand for graduates with cloud and information security knowledge and skills.
ScoreWeb Developer And ProgrammerUS Average
Salary
6.1

Avg. Salary $78,037

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.2

Growth rate 13%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.9
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.42%

Asian 15.84%

Black or African American 6.42%

Hispanic or Latino 11.96%

Unknown 6.50%

White 58.86%

Gender

female 20.19%

male 79.81%

Age - 36
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36
Stress level
5.2

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Web developer and programmer career paths

Key steps to become a web developer and programmer

  1. Explore web developer and programmer education requirements

    Most common web developer and programmer degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.3 %

    Master's

    13.8 %

    Associate

    13.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific web developer and programmer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    C++8.65%
    JavaScript7.66%
    Java7.25%
    HTML5.97%
    CSS5.02%
  3. Complete relevant web developer and programmer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New web developer and programmers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a web developer and programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real web developer and programmer resumes.
  4. Gain additional web developer and programmer certifications

    Web developer and programmer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific web developer and programmer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for web developer and programmers include Certified Web Professional - Web Developer and Web Programming Certificate.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research web developer and programmer duties and responsibilities

    • Configure the revision control system on Linux server; managing subversion repository with GUI and command line interface.
    • Manage troubleshooting, debugging and research relate to production support.
    • Develop different VBA macro tools to automate reporting and assure information accuracy, overlapping avoidance and management control.
    • Used jQuery AJAX to retrieve the data from the database and populate the form.
  6. Prepare your web developer and programmer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your web developer and programmer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a web developer and programmer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable web developer and programmer resume templates

    Build a professional web developer and programmer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your web developer and programmer resume.
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
    Web Developer And Programmer Resume
  7. Apply for web developer and programmer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a web developer and programmer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first web developer and programmer job

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Average web developer and programmer salary

The average web developer and programmer salary in the United States is $78,037 per year or $38 per hour. Web developer and programmer salaries range between $60,000 and $100,000 per year.

Average web developer and programmer salary
$78,037 Yearly
$37.52 hourly

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How do web developer and programmers rate their job?

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Web developer and programmer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Cons

Stressing and you have to keep always updated

Pros

Improve every day, a good salary, a lot of job opportunities


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

The opportunity to take lead and mentor junior programmers

Cons

Working with Junior programmers who won't take your advice/direction even if you have a sound argument


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Making your own website

Cons

Taking time to make it


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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