Web Developers

Career summary

Web developers are also known as web designers, web developers, webmasters, and website, Internet, or intranet developers.

Developers talk to clients to find out what they need. They take into consideration the website's audience and purpose. Some websites provide information to a limited audience while other's sell products to a wide audience. Some websites are very simple and others connect to complex databases.

Web developers create the overall look of a site. They integrate graphics and colors.

They may write the code for websites. Websites use several different types of code and programming language. Most developers know several programming languages but some specialize in one language. They make sure that everything works together seamlessly. They ensure that websites work well on different types of computers (PC or Mac) and on different types of browsers.

Web developers protect websites from hackers and other security threats. They often work with network administrators to make sure websites work well. They make sure that websites are backed up in case data is lost. They fix problems with websites. They usually learn of problems through clients or through users who may call or e-mail about an error message.

Developers are constantly working to keep their skills up to date. They do this by attending conferences, workshops, and trainings. They also read journals and magazines (in print or online) to find out the latest trends and updates in programming and design.

Related careers

This career is part of the Information Technology cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Computer Engineers
• Computer Network Architects
• Computer Network Support Specialists
• Computer Operators
• Computer Programmers
• Computer Systems Administrators
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Database Administrators
• Graphic Designers
• Information Security Analysts

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to web developers.

• Design, build, and maintain web sites, using a variety of programming languages and software.
• Perform or direct web site updates.
• Write, design, or edit web page content.
• Talk with management and clients about needs, content, or to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
• Regularly back up files in case a web site crashes.
• Identify problems through testing or through customer feedback. Correct problems.
• Make sure computer code is valid and works with a variety of browsers and operating systems.
• Maintain and keep skills up-to-date by attending trainings and workshops and reading about new developments in the field.
• Analyze user needs to determine the requirements for a new or changed web site.
• Develop databases that support web sites and applications.
• Design and build web sites that sell products or services.
• Work with other computer professionals, such as network administrators, to make sure the web site is working correctly.
• Make sure web sites are secure and safe.

Common work activities

Web developers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Analyze data or information
• Document and record information
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop and build teams
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, web developers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They interact with other employees or clients, but spend a lot of their time working on a computer.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other developers.
• Mostly communicate by telephone and e-mail. They may also talk in person or write letters and memos, but this is less common.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate in their design and programming. Errors could cause the web site to malfunction, which in turn can cost clients or the organization time and money.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact clients and their company's reputation. They often make a decision with consulting a supervisor, but not always.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals without consulting another first.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which weekly deadlines must be met.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities, especially using a computer.

Hours/travel

• Work 40 hours per week.
• May work long hours to solve critical problems or meet deadlines.
• May be able to perform some of their work at home by "telecommuting."

Physical demands

Web developers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for web developers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for web developers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

Skills and abilities

Web developers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Write computer programs.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Web Page and Multimedia Design
• Webmaster and Web Management

Other programs of study to consider

• Computer Graphics
• Database Administration
• Digital Communication and Media
• Electronic Commerce
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Graphic Design
• Information Science
• Information Technology
• Public Relations

Training

To work as a web developer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have an associate degree in web design or a related field.

Education after high school

Educational requirements vary with employer. Requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree in web design or a related field is the most common way to prepare. A bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or a related field may be required for more technical work, such as back-end web design.

In general, being able to demonstrate proficiency with computer programming combined with strong design skills is the most important asset to a college graduate. You need to have a thorough understanding of programming languages, such as HTML, JavaScript, and SQL. It is also helpful to have knowledge of multimedia publishing tools, such as Flash.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

Many new developers receive on-the-job training. In general, training lasts up to six months. You work under the guidance of experienced developers. As you gain knowledge and experience you receive greater independence and work on more difficult websites.

Because of the fast changing nature of this field, employers often offer training in the newest Internet technologies, computer languages, and applications.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science

Many web developers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers often prefer applicants who know several programming and markup languages and tools, such as PHP, Java, Python, HTML, and XML. Employers also seek developers who know how to use a variety of web development and design software, including Dreamweaver, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Employers also prefer applicants who can explain technical concepts to customers and non-technical staff. Students can improve their job prospects by completing an internship.

In general, employers look for people with excellent design and programming skills. They also look for applicants who can think logically and pay close attention to detail. This occupation requires patience, persistence, and the ability to be both analytical and creative, especially under pressure. In addition, the ability to work with abstract concepts is especially important.

Employers also look for workers with good spelling and grammar to minimize corrections which can be time consuming once text has been added to a website.

Tips

Gain experience by creating your own website or by volunteering with an organization that needs a site set up or maintained. Internships while in school are also valuable. Some middle school, high school, and college students gain experience by working on their school's website.

Costs to workers

Workers may want to join a professional organization, which may have annual dues.

#Took over national content to edit programming info 2/28/17 cj.

Licensing/certification

Certification, although not required, may be helpful. Web developers may become certified through organizations such as the WebProfessionals.Org . A portfolio that contains examples of websites applicants have created or worked on is important.

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Wages

Wages vary widely based on the developer's level of education and experience. Wages also vary based on the tasks performed. In addition, wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time developers usually receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Self-employed web developers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 16% of web developers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Computer systems design companies
• Telecommunication companies
• Financial and insurance agencies

A growing number of web developers work on contract or as independent consultants.

National outlook

Job growth for web developers will continue to be strong due to the rise of social media and the use of mobile apps. Many businesses will improve the appearance and functionality of their websites to attract more customers.

Employers will continue to look for developers who have strong technical skills. Prospects should be best for college graduates with knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of programming languages and digital multimedia tools. Job seekers should stay up to date with the latest skills and technologies.

Other resources

Association for Computing Machinery 
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500

Association for Women in Computing - Puget Sound Chapter 
3743 S. 170th Street
Sea-Tac, WA 98188

Computing Technology Industry Association 
3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100
Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.678.8300

Engineering & Science Career Videos 

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

National Association of Government Web Professionals 
8120 Lehigh Avenue, Suite 100
Morton Grove, IL 60053
847.647.7226

Society for Technical Communication 
3251 Old Lee Highway, Suite 406
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.522.2075

Society of Internet Professionals 

Washington Technology Industry Association 
2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 390
Seattle, WA 98121
206.448.3033

WebProfessionals.Org 

References

Career cluster

• Information Technology

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Web Developers (15-1134.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Investigative/Realistic

COPSystem

• Science Professional