Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between web site developers 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 site developer and a web application developer. Additionally, a web site developer has an average salary of $91,554, which is higher than the $85,840 average annual salary of a web application developer.
The top three skills for a web site developer include java, C++ and linux. The most important skills for a web application developer are javascript, web application, and CSS.
| Web Site Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $91,554 | $85,840 |
| Hourly rate | $44.02 | $41.27 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 13% |
| Number of jobs | 177,622 | 229,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| 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 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 site developers and web application developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Site Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average salary | $91,554 | $85,840 |
| Salary range | Between $64,000 And $130,000 | Between $66,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Fairfield, CA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Amazon | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Finance |
There are a few differences between a web site developer and a web application developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Site Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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 web application developers' demographics:
| Web Site Developer | Web Application Developer | |
| Average age | 37 | 37 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9% | Male, 80.9% Female, 19.1% |
| 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, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |