Post job

What does a web developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.
What does a web developer do

A web developer is responsible for designing and maintaining a website to attract customers and direct web traffic. Web developers' duty also includes analyzing software and database to develop new applications. A web developer must have extensive knowledge of programming languages and technology solutions to provide the best web design services for the clients, following their specifications, and submitting projects on or before the deadline. Web developers should have excellent time-management and decision-making skills to do tasks efficiently and accurately.

On this page

Web developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real web developer resumes:

  • Lead front-end design and creation.
  • Manage high transaction databases including all database objects, triggers, procedures, user rights and functions.
  • Manage social media including Facebook advertising.
  • Interact with java controllers (JQUERY, AJAX, and JSON to write/read data from back end systems).
  • Used JSP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript to render the dynamic web pages (presentation layer) for the application.
  • Re-Design, update and maintain LinkWorth's WordPress plug-in using PHP and XML files to import data from LinkWorth's servers.
  • Develop cross-browser/platform HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to match design specs for complex page layouts while adhering to code standards.
  • Design and involve in extensive coding of dynamic and browser compatible pages using HTML5, DHTML, CSS 3 and JavaScript.
  • Develop a single page, mobile-first, cross-device/cross-browser web application for real-time location sharing utilizing AngularJS, JavaScript API.
  • Test out new code with behavior driven JavaScript jasmine and write automate selenium base functional test for new features.
  • Improve several data-transfer mechanisms as well as user account security and profile systems base on front-end AJAX and JSON parsing techniques.
  • Hire to spearhead major overhaul of the application website via the use of CSS and AJAX as well as complex XHTML.
  • Design and test web modules, and create style transformation sheets that translate XML source data into HTML and PDF formats.
  • Develop test cases using and AngularJS for the UI, develop the Admin screens using JSP, JavaScript, and AngularJS.
  • Develop online applications using JavaScript and JSON

Web developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 8% of Web Developers are proficient in JavaScript, Html Css, and HTML. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Creativity, and Customer-service skills.

We break down the percentage of Web Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • JavaScript, 8%

    Selected for competitive yearlong industry-informed technical training program that blends a full stack JavaScript boot camp with individualized professional development coaching.

  • Html Css, 6%

    Translated mock-up's to produce clean, bug free, cross-browser using HTML CSS and JS.

  • HTML, 5%

    Developed HTML interfaces with an understanding of UI design principles and object-oriented program development.

  • CSS, 5%

    Customized dynamic menu controls and accommodated CSS application to various controls.

  • Web Forms, 4%

    Design and develop database applications in conjunction with website applications and web forms to store customer information.

  • JQuery, 4%

    Interacted with java controllers (JQUERY, AJAX, and JSON to write/read data from back end systems).

Most web developers use their skills in "javascript," "html css," and "html" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential web developer responsibilities here:

Concentration. The most essential soft skill for a web developer to carry out their responsibilities is concentration. This skill is important for the role because "web developers must sit at a computer and write detailed code for long periods." Additionally, a web developer resume shows how their duties depend on concentration: "developed infopath forms with concentration on integration into sharepoint lists. "

Creativity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling web developer duties is creativity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "web developers often are involved in designing the appearance of a website and must make sure that it is appealing as well as functional." According to a web developer resume, here's how web developers can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "developed and designed various client web pages utilizing html, css, php, mysql administration, and adobe creative suite. "

Customer-service skills. web developers are also known for customer-service skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to web developer responsibilities, because "webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests." A web developer resume example shows how customer-service skills is used in the workplace: "involved in developing android applications and customization as per customer requirements using java and xml. "

Detail oriented. web 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 web developers do with detail oriented on a typical day: "worked on different web services(soap, xml) worked on service oriented architecture (soa). "

Most common web developer skills

Choose from 10+ customizable web developer resume templates

Build a professional web developer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your web developer resume.
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume
Web Developer Resume

Compare different web developers

Web developer vs. Mobile applications developer

A mobile application developer is responsible for designing programming applications for mobile devices according to clients' specifications and business demands. Mobile application developers must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as computer system commands to develop efficient scripts and smooth navigation of operating systems. They analyze the clients' needs and recommend application solutions within their budget limitations and timeframe. A mobile application developer identifies inconsistencies and glitches with the output before submission to ensure its stability and optimal performance.

The annual salary of mobile applications developers is $20,282 higher than the average salary of web developers.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between web developers and mobile applications developers are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like javascript, html css, and html.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a web developer are more likely to require skills like "web forms," "front end," "web development," and "database." On the other hand, a job as a mobile applications developer requires skills like "c++," "c #," "application development," and "objective-c." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Mobile applications developers earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $107,574. On the other hand, web developers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $85,832.The education levels that mobile applications developers earn slightly differ from web developers. In particular, mobile applications developers are 10.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a web developer. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Web developer vs. Applications developer

An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.

On average, applications developers earn a $10,230 higher salary than web developers a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Web developers and applications developers both require similar skills like "javascript," "html css," and "html" to carry out their responsibilities.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real web developer resumes. While web developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "wordpress," "web development," "python," and "mvc," applications developers use skills like "c++," "application development," "regression," and "strong analytical."

Applications developers may earn a higher salary than web developers, but applications developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,905. On the other hand, web developers receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $85,832.applications developers earn similar levels of education than web developers in general. They're 4.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for web developers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Web developer vs. Junior .net developer

The role of a junior .NET developer is to develop, improve, troubleshoot, and maintain computer software applications. You are expected to plan, design, and develop new feature functionality of a software application, and identify, debug, and troubleshoot defects. Additionally, you are responsible for configuring new and existing computer systems and offer user support. Other duties include coordinating with other software developers and professionals in the development of applications, creating user interfaces and client displays, and assisting in handling projects.

An average junior .net developer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of web developers. The difference in salaries amounts to junior .net developers earning a $8,578 higher average salary than web developers.Using the responsibilities included on web developers and junior .net developers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "javascript," "html css," and "html.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, web developers are more likely to have skills like "php," "wordpress," "web development," and "git." But a junior .net developer is more likely to have skills like "entity framework," "web api," "architecture," and "asp."

Junior .net developers earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $99,490. Comparatively, web developers have the highest earning potential in the professional industry, with an average salary of $85,832.junior .net developers typically earn higher educational levels compared to web developers. Specifically, they're 7.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Web developer vs. Front end developer

Front-end developers architect and develop applications and websites through web technologies. They are responsible for the implementation of visual elements that every user sees and interacts with on web applications. They are often supported by the back-end web developers who are in charge of server application logic and integration. They must know CSS or HTML. They should be equipped with CSS processing skills, browser developer tools, version control, JavaScript framework, and responsive design skills.

Front end developers typically earn higher pay than web developers. On average, front end developers earn a $13,172 higher salary per year.According to resumes from web developers and front end developers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "javascript," "html css," and "html. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "web forms," "jquery," "front end," and "web development" are skills that commonly show up on web developer resumes. On the other hand, front end developers use skills like front-end, c #, responsive web, and responsive design on their resumes.In general, front end developers earn the most working in the finance industry, with an average salary of $97,831. The highest-paying industry for a web developer is the professional industry.In general, front end developers hold similar degree levels compared to web developers. Front end developers are 1.0% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of web developer

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.

What a web developer does FAQs

Search for web developer jobs

Browse computer and mathematical jobs