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What is a web software engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted experts
Andrea Welker Ph.D.,
Kevin Treu Ph.D.

A web software engineer, also called a computer programmer, is an expert who builds programs. A web software engineer could be either a software developer who builds desktop or mobile applications like games or a web developer who builds websites and is responsible for how a website works and looks. Your job requires you to regularly install needed software for other company staff, review and find solutions to software problems, and develop ways to improve the software. Also, as a web developer, you are to properly discuss website needs with clients and ensure all website components and programs work perfectly.

To become a web software engineer, you need knowledge of software technology, but to work in a company, you must have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in computer science or computer engineering. You must also have very good problem-solving skills and the ability to work well with people. The average yearly salary is $92,000 or $32.86 every hour.

What general advice would you give to a web software engineer?

Andrea Welker Ph.D.Andrea Welker Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University

Be open to new experiences. Find a good mentor. Become a valued employee. Always remember that you are designing something for someone.
ScoreWeb Software EngineerUS Average
Salary
7.5

Avg. Salary $96,649

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 29.81%

Black or African American 4.58%

Hispanic or Latino 8.34%

Unknown 4.84%

White 52.26%

Gender

female 16.86%

male 83.14%

Age - 38
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 - 38
Stress level
4.0

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Web software engineer career paths

Key steps to become a web software engineer

  1. Explore web software engineer education requirements

    Most common web software engineer degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.1 %

    Master's

    18.2 %

    Associate

    9.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific web software engineer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    JavaScript11.52%
    Java8.60%
    CSS7.67%
    Python5.24%
    C++5.08%
  3. Complete relevant web software engineer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New web software engineers 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 software engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real web software engineer resumes.
  4. Research web software engineer duties and responsibilities

    • Manage CMS corporate website for knowledge base integration (WordPress).
    • Add a CMS interface for administrators to easily manage and modify content.
    • Develop UNIX shell scripts (bash/korne) to automate application deployment, monitoring, logs rotation.
    • Support existing intranet application performing duties such as debugging, managing employee access, and responsible for updating site content.
  5. Prepare your web software engineer resume

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

    Build a professional web software engineer 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 software engineer resume.
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
    Web Software Engineer Resume
  6. Apply for web software engineer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a web software engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first web software engineer job

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Average web software engineer salary

The average web software engineer salary in the United States is $96,649 per year or $46 per hour. Web software engineer salaries range between $70,000 and $132,000 per year.

Average web software engineer salary
$96,649 Yearly
$46.47 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do web software engineers rate their job?

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Web software engineer reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2023
Pros

Problem solving and cutting edge technology - always learning and evolving my skill set

Cons

Still have to deal with people :)


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I enjoyed working on creative problems that dealt with the user interface

Cons

I didn't like how technical it could become


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Designing a new system or making changes to an old one.

Cons

Compensation. Pay and Benefits do not match the time spent on a project. Alabama is the Worst state to live in for SOFTWARE ENGINEER Salaries. 40 to 50 percent less than our peer States.


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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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