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The differences between web site developers and lead 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 site developer and a lead developer. Additionally, a lead developer has an average salary of $116,340, which is higher than the $91,554 average annual salary of a web site developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for a lead developer are java, javascript, and architecture.
| Web Site Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $116,340 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $55.93 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 274,208 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Typically, a web developer constructs a website's layout and creates an interesting home page and a design that is user-friendly. Web developers ensure the functionality of the site on web browsers once it is up and running. They test and update the site whenever necessary. Sometimes, they write content for their website. They implement website features, integrate security measures, and handle its functionality. Some of the characteristics they need to develop are communication skills, patience, and passion for learning.
A lead developer is responsible for creating software programs and applications, following the client and the business's software quality standards and design specifications. Lead developers assist a team of developers in implementing strategic procedures, managing system codes, debugging applications, running diagnostic tests, and troubleshooting defects to ensure its smooth performance. They also respond to clients' inquiries and concerns, performing feature adjustments as needed. A lead developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and command on programming languages and software design processes.
Web site developers and lead developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $116,340 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $83,000 And $161,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | California |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Retail |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and a lead developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 68% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Computer Science |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between web site developers' and lead developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Lead Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 76.4% Female, 23.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.0% Asian, 12.4% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 8% |