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Web developer salary & career outlook

web developer

by Megg Mueller | August 1, 2011



A Web developer is the architect of a Web site, creating the foundation upon which designers and content editors apply their work. A Web developer uses software, computer languages and other tools to make a Web site look, act and feel the way a user needs and expects. Web developers can also maintain a site's database and organization while continuing to develop the site to its fullest potential.

A Web developer's top skill is knowledge of computers. Knowledge of computer languages, such as HTML, a deep understanding of various software applications, and a keen understanding of how Internet users interact with a site is also crucial. Developing these skills requires an intrinsic interest in the Internet; thorough training is also important.

Web developer salaries

According to the Occupational Information Network, Web developers earned a median annual salary of $77,010 in 2009. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies Web developers in its computer networks, systems, and database administrators category and reports the middle 50 percent of professionals working in these careers earned between $51,690 and $84,110. Salary can vary greatly depending on education, industry and location. For example, GlassDoor.com notes salaries in a range from more than $200,000 to around $50,000 for Web developers and related occupations.

Some of the highest paying states for Web developers--New Jersey, California, District of Columbia, and New York--also have some of the highest costs of living in the country. There are some metropolitan areas, though, which offer good salaries relative to the cost of living, including:

  • Colorado Springs, Colorado: Web developers earned a 2009 mean annual wage of $73,080, according to the BLS. Colorado ranks number 33 in the country on ACCRA's cost of living list, according to Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC)
  • Bethesda, Maryland: Web developers earn a mean annual wage of $81,930, according to the BLS, with Maryland ranking number 44 on the ACCRA list, according to MERIC
  • Seattle-Bellevue-Everett, Washington: Web developers earn a mean annual wage of $79,860, with Washington ranking number 37 on the ACCRA list as reported by MERIC

Job outlook for web developers

According to the BLS, Web developer jobs, under the umbrella of computer network, systems, and database administrators, are expected to grow much faster than average from 2008 through 2018. Overall job opportunities are expected to increase by 23 percent. As the scope of services available on the Internet expands, employment of Web developers is expected to increase. While job prospects are expected to be excellent, employees with college degrees and certifications are expected to have the best opportunities.

Web developers may need a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field earned either through on-campus or online training. Some entry-level positions may only require work-related experience and certification, which can also be earned online.

For related news and information from Schools.com, see:

About the Author

Megg Mueller is a journalist with almost two decades of experience. She has worked as a reporter and editor for the Reno Gazette-Journal and as an editor of health care and education manuals for Aspen Publishers, a subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer. She wrote a weekly column on the hotel industry during her tenure as assistant travel editor for USA TODAY.com. Mueller is the editor of a tourism-based Web site and also serves as a reporter for a weekly business newspaper.

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