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What does a web site developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Oliver Bonham-Carter Ph.D.

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.

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Web site developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real web site developer resumes:

  • Manage high transaction databases including all database objects, triggers, procedures, user rights and functions.
  • Develop front-end applications in HTML / HTML5 / CSS / CSS3
  • Use of HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, XML and databases, along with specific authoring programs in development.
  • Utilize .ashx and Ajax to serve dynamic web pages store in database.
  • Modify the CSS of the theme extensively (using a child theme).
  • Add AutoComplete system reading from XML file for suggest document loading into forms.
  • Implement rich text HTML email marketing campaign and delivery of rich text subscription newsletters.
  • Customize the PHP registration utility used for secure online payment for classes & clinics.
  • Develop most of the website using FrontPage, and JavaScript and also are responsible for project management.
  • Create ajax interface for non-technical staff to input and update site information, creating a content management system.
  • Web site platform and tools include Wordpress, CSS, advance plugins, and opt-in integration with email marketing system.
  • Develop database-driven design using PHP and MySQL.
  • Develop a functional cross-browser canvas application utilizing JSON and jQuery.
  • Develop template driven websites for recruiters that allow them to display jobs that are contained within a resume/job requirements database.
  • Perform data warehousing of existing user accounts database by designing the database schema utilizing MySQL to logging of user accounts.

Web site developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 40% of Web Site Developers are proficient in Java, C++, and Linux. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Creativity, and Customer-service skills.

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

  • Java, 40%

    Incorporate context sensitive help using Java Environment Java 1.1, Internet Explorer 5.0, Microsoft Internet Information server

  • C++, 21%

    Aided students in laboratories to developing web sites, creating Access databases, developing DOS application with C++.

  • Linux, 19%

    Develop complex business intelligence applications using WebFOCUS version 8 running in a Linux environment.

  • Perl, 15%

    Utilized Perl and HTML to develop a searchable database for airplane part requests

  • Object Oriented Programming, 2%

    Developed solutions for diverse programming scenarios in C#, employing Object Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts.

  • Debugging, 1%

    Formulate project estimates, coordinated and developed application solutions including designing, coding, testing, debugging, and documenting.

"java," "c++," and "linux" are among the most common skills that web site developers use at work. You can find even more web site developer responsibilities below, including:

Concentration. The most essential soft skill for a web site 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 site 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 site 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 site developer resume, here's how web site developers can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "consulted with clients to provide expertise across a broad range of creative and technical design strategies for web site development projects. "

Customer-service skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of web site developers is customer-service skills. This skill is critical to many everyday web site developer duties, as "webmasters have to respond politely and correctly to user questions and requests." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "managed web site development projects for customers from conceptualization through completion. "

Detail oriented. For certain web site developer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "detail oriented." The day-to-day duties of a web site developer rely on this skill, as "web developers need to have an eye for detail, because a minor error in coding could cause an entire webpage to stop working." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what web site developers do: "utilized mvc design patterns and object-oriented programming in php and javascript to ensure the simplest maintenance and management of projects. "

All web site developer skills

The three companies that hire the most web site developers are:

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Compare different web site developers

Web site developer vs. Developer/consultant

A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.

If we compare the average web site developer annual salary with that of a developer/consultant, we find that developer/consultants typically earn a $6,954 higher salary than web site developers make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between web site developers and developer/consultants are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like java, c++, and linux.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a web site developer are more likely to require skills like "cloud computing," "c #," "customer support," and "bootstrap." On the other hand, a job as a developer/consultant requires skills like "project management," "hr," "microservices," and "mvc." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Developer/consultants tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $101,340. In contrast, web site developers make the biggest average salary, $108,002, in the technology industry.On average, developer/consultants reach higher levels of education than web site developers. Developer/consultants are 9.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Web site 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 $2,349 lower salary than web site developers a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both web site developers and applications developers have skills such as "cloud computing," "java," and "c++. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real web site developer resumes. While web site developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "c #," "customer support," "bootstrap," and "database design," applications developers use skills like "qa," "database," "regression," and "scrum."

On average, applications developers earn a lower salary than web site developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, applications developers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $103,905. Whereas web site developers have higher pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $108,002.In general, applications developers achieve higher levels of education than web site developers. They're 6.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

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

Oliver Bonham-Carter Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Allegheny College

In the next few years, technologies related to artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, container-orchestration systems, and cybersecurity will continue to become more important and prominent. These technologies have the foundation to improve the quality of life in terms of health, education, fighting misinformation, creating better connections, fighting climate change, etc. IoT with smart devices connected online will continue to rise, thus producing more data, which will necessitate AI, data analytics, and security solutions. Additionally, I foresee 5G technology to play an essential role in the next few years, as e-commerce expands into autonomous delivery services. In the software engineering field, to enable fast, secure, and connected software development, technologies allowing to automate a part of that process, such as version control, containerization, and Kubernetes, will also become increasingly important.

Web site developer vs. Contract developer

Contract Developers develop secure web applications for data collections, quality measurement efforts, and reporting purposes for large-scale performance, wireframes and UI specifications for interactive and static reporting and analysis features, and developing UI to interact with reporting engines. They are involved with system design and technical documentation and responsible for dot net development. In this position, contract developers must excellent in problem-solving, analytical skills and attention to detail, display and manipulate performance metrics, and highly confident dealing with internal and external clients.

On average scale, contract developers bring in lower salaries than web site developers. In fact, they earn a $121 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on web site developers and contract developers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "java," "c++," and "linux.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from web site developer resumes include skills like "cloud computing," "c #," "customer support," and "debugging," whereas a contract developer is more likely to list skills in "python," "html css," "api," and "web application. "

Contract developers make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $103,060. On the other hand, web site developers are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $108,002.contract developers typically earn similar educational levels compared to web site developers. Specifically, they're 2.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Web site developer vs. Senior .net developer

A senior .NET developer is responsible for creating and managing software applications and programming languages under the .NET framework. Senior .NET developers carefully analyze software specifications and system requirements to ensure high-quality concept implementation using optimal operating procedures. A senior .NET developer runs diagnostic tests to identify its inconsistencies, perform adjustments as needed, and create reports of the system's features and methodologies. A senior .NET developer must have strong knowledge of the technology industry and software programming disciplines to assist junior developers and drive strategic results.

Senior .net developers tend to earn a higher pay than web site developers by an average of $3,638 per year.While both web site developers and senior .net developers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like java, object oriented programming, and debugging, the two careers vary in some skills.

Even though a few skill sets overlap between web site developers and senior .net developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a web site developer might have more use for skills like "cloud computing," "c++," "c #," and "linux." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior .net developers require skills like "net core," "c # .net," "web services," and "asp. "

Senior .net developers enjoy the best pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $106,638. For comparison, web site developers earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, senior .net developers hold higher degree levels compared to web site developers. Senior .net developers are 10.5% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of web site 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.

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