Web development is the bedrock of the digital age. Web developers make it possible for you to browse websites, order from ecommerce, or scroll through social media. They use HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to design, build, and maintain websites. With an increasing need for an online presence, the demand for skilled web developers has grown. So how much do web developers make?
Nationally, web developers earn more than most jobs. However, the annual salary of a web developer depends on multiple factors like technical and soft skills. A full stack developer, for instance, earns more money than front end web developers or backend web developers for possessing more skills. Keep reading to find out how much web developers make.
Web Developer Salary: An Overview of How Much Web Developers Make
- Average Salary: $77,200 per year
- 10th Percentile Salary: $40,750
- 90th Percentile Salary: $146,430
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, the average web developer salary is $77,200 per year. This means half of web developers earned more than $77,200 in 2020. Further, the highest 10 percent were paid $146,430 per year, while the lowest 10 percent earned $40,750.
Though, you might note that these are not recent figures. With rapid technological advancements, web developers are needed more than ever to create interactive websites. According to Glassdoor, in 2022, the national average wage of a web developer is $70,863 per year. Junior web developers make $51,661 per year and senior developers earn $103,069 per year.
How Much Do Web Developers Make Per Hour?
Web developers in the United States make about $36 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. A typical web developer salary depends on many factors, including educational requirements, years of experience, job title, skills, knowledge of programming languages, and the cost of living in the specific location. While some web developers earn $66 an hour, others only make $11.
Web developers looking to increase their hourly wage can do so by upskilling. The best way to upskill is to sign up for an online web development course. These courses teach popular programming languages, how to build web pages, and how to create web graphics.
Do Web Developers Make Good Money?
Yes, web development is a fairly high-paying job in the tech industry, right now. Web developers and digital designers earn a median wage of $77,200 per year, which is more than the national average salary of $41,950 for all job roles.
How Much Do Web Developers Make? A Salary Breakdown by Location, Experience, and Skills
Web developer salaries can vary significantly depending on location, years of experience, and skills. Web developers can make as much as $89,000 in some states while earning less in other states. Keep reading for a full salary breakdown.
Web Developer Salaries by Location
Here’s a breakdown of the top five states in which web developers can make the most. Usually, states with a massive tech industry like Massachusetts and Rhode Island offer higher average web developer salaries.
| Location | 25th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 75th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $56,497 | $81,566 | $98,327 |
| Hawaii | $54,262 | $76,851 | $94,436 |
| Rhode Island | $51,917 | $76,851 | $90,356 |
| North Dakota | $51,248 | $76,851 | $89,192 |
| Alaska | $51,850 | $74,857 | $90,239 |
Web Developer Salaries by Level of Experience
Like every other profession, the salary of a web developer increases with experience. According to Payscale, a senior web developer makes $73,000, which is a 30 percent boost from what entry-level web developers make.
| Experience Level | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $36,000 | $51,000 | $72,000 |
| Early-Career | $40,000 | $59,000 | $82,000 |
| Mid-Career | $46,000 | $68,000 | $98,000 |
| Experienced | $49,000 | $73,000 | $108,000 |
| Late-Career | $53,000 | $80,000 | $112,000 |
Web Developer Salaries by Skill
A career in web development gets more rewarding as web developers broaden their skill set. Most web developers learn the most in-demand programming language. As per a Payscale estimate, web developers who know C# can earn a median wage of $65,000 a year. Keep reading for a full breakdown of web developer salaries by programming language.
| Skill | 10th Percentile Salary | Median Salary | 90th Percentile Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| C# | $48,000 | $65,000 | $90,000 |
| JavaScript | $42,000 | $61,000 | $90,0000 |
| PHP | $40,000 | $58,000 | $83,000 |
| HTML | $39,000 | $57,000 | $83,000 |
| CSS | $39,000 | $57,000 | $84,000 |
How Much Do Freelance Web Developers Make?
Freelance web developers have an average hourly rate of $35, which is $72,000 a year. Some top earners make $111,000 a year in the United States. However, you should remember that the US government imposes different income tax rules for self-employed people. So, you might end up paying a higher income tax than full-time web developers.
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Web Developers Job Outlook
Web development is a field with immense potential. The growing need to adopt a digital-first approach across industries has skyrocketed the demand for skilled web developers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development jobs are projected to grow 13 percent by 2030. The US is expected to add an average of 17,900 openings for web developers each year within the next decade.
Is Web Development a Good Career?
Yes. Tech is the best industry to be in right now. With the world moving towards a digital global economy, web developer jobs are in high demand. If you are looking for a high-paying lucrative career in the tech industry, you should consider becoming a web developer.
How Much Do Web Developers Make? FAQ
Yes, web developers can make six figures by upskilling themselves frequently and gaining valuable work experience.
An entry-level web developer can earn close to $51,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.
Yes, web development jobs are projected to grow faster than average according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
It takes three to 12 months to become a full stack developer without any experience. The best way to become a web developer is to attend a coding bootcamp. You can then create a project portfolio and either get a job or work as a freelancer.
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