How To Become A Web Programmer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a web programmer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Brian Glas,

Maria Larrondo Petrie Ph.D.

Primarily, web programmers create web applications using programming languages. Firstly, they consult with clients and end-users to discuss the project's requirements and specifications. Afterward, they put the non-design aspects of the development process in place and define the scope of the project. They write and test code for the web application. Additionally, they repair, modify, and update programs and applications when required. Their responsibility is to detect and fix bugs identified before the product is launched.

The skillset for this job includes multitasking, project management, problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills. Candidates must be familiar with programming languages, design software, testing and debugging software, and web development software. Employers require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field with two or more years of relevant work experience. Web programmers earn as much as $94,000. Their average annual salary is $66,986, with $48,000 as the least pay.

What general advice would you give to a web programmer?

Brian Glas

Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Union University

Build relationships: Different technologies will interest and challenge you, but throughout your career, you'll find that it's the relationships that are the most important. This is harder to grasp earlier in your career, but much easier to understand after 15-20 years.
Gain different perspectives: Spend time with people in other roles that your job interacts with, and gain a solid understanding of how they view things; this is most valuable for career progression and understanding of how your work fits into the big picture.

ScoreWeb ProgrammerUS Average

Salary

5.6

Avg. Salary $72,168

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 15.80%

Black or African American 6.41%

Hispanic or Latino 11.94%

Unknown 6.50%

White 58.93%

Gender

female 19.23%

male 80.77%

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

Key steps to become a web programmer

Explore web programmer education requirements

Most common web programmer degrees

Bachelor's

68.9 %

Master's

13.9 %

Associate

12.1 %

Start to develop specific web programmer skills

Skills	Percentages
JavaScript	7.90%
HTML	6.21%
Database	6.14%
Web Application	5.61%
CSS	5.35%

Complete relevant web programmer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New web 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 programmer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real web programmer resumes.

Gain additional web programmer certifications

Web 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 programmer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for web programmers include Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) and Programming in C# Certification.

More About Certifications

Research web programmer duties and responsibilities

Manage SDLC solutions for all software issues keeping with HIPAA.
Handle the deployment of the website and manage the git repository.
Plan, design and develop and manage an e-commerce website using WordPress, along with custom PHP plugins and CSS modifications.
Manage intranet updates while administering user access to corporate projects.

Prepare your web programmer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your web 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 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 programmer resume templates

Build a professional web 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 programmer resume.