How to Become a Web Developer
by Danielle Antosz | Published on January 14, 2025
Web developers are like the architects of the internet. They’re responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the websites and web applications that make your favorite online experiences possible. (Even this one!) As our online world continues to expand, the demand for web developers is skyrocketing.
So, what does it take to become one of these masters of the digital world? How much can you expect to earn? Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know to start and succeed in a career as a web developer.
What is a Web Developer?
A web developer is a professional who designs, codes, and maintains websites or web applications. In simple terms, they make the internet look and function the way it does. Key responsibilities for a web developer include:
Design and Code: Bring websites to life by designing layouts and writing code with tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Optimization: Ensure websites are fast, responsive, and user-friendly across all devices (because no one likes a site that crashes halfway through checkout).
Troubleshooting: Fix bugs, debug code, and ensure websites run smoothly.
Updates and new features: Add new products, update old pages, and manage redesigns as your company or client grows.
Collaboration: Work with designers, content creators, and stakeholders to meet project goals.
Day in the Life of a Web Developer
A web developer’s day can (and will) vary depending on the company, team size, and projects. For example, at a startup, you might juggle multiple roles, while at a larger company, your focus could be on a single aspect of the codebase.
But no matter where you work, web developers generally spend their days balancing creativity with problem-solving (and trying not to overdo it on caffeine).
Here’s a breakdown of what a typical day might look like:
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
8:30 AM – Morning Kickoff | Check emails, review tasks in Jira or Trello, and join the daily stand-up meeting to get status updates on different projects. |
9:00 AM – Code Dive | Focus on writing or refining code, whether it’s creating new features or fixing bugs in the codebase. |
11:00 AM – Debugging Session | Work on resolving bugs or issues reported by the QA team or discovered during user testing. |
12:30 PM – Lunch Break | Recharge with some food, catch up on tech news, or chat with colleagues. |
1:30 PM – Collaboration Time | Meet with designers, developers, or stakeholders to review progress or brainstorm solutions. Your expertise will help the team decide what is possible in the time frame outlined. |
3:00 PM – Testing and Optimization | Test code for browser compatibility, mobile responsiveness, and performance, then make necessary tweaks. |
4:30 PM – Code Reviews | Review teammates’ code, provide feedback, and submit your own work for approval. |
5:30 PM – Wrapping Up | Update task boards, jot down notes for the next day, log off, and head home! |
Some days might be more meeting-heavy, especially if you’re starting a new project or preparing to launch. If you’re working on a time-sensitive launch, you might work longer hours or spend more time troubleshooting. But one thing is for sure: web development is an engaging career that will keep you on your toes!
Technical Skills Needed to Become a Web Developer
The technical skills you’ll need to pursue a career as a dev can vary depending on the type of projects you work on, company needs, or your specialization as a front-end, back-end, or full-stack developer.
Still, there are some must-have skills you’ll want to pursue in this line of work:
Front-End Technologies: Master HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Frameworks like React and Angular will also give you a leg up.
Back-End Basics: Learn Node.js, PHP, or Python and how to work with databases like MySQL or MongoDB. Ruby is another framework worth considering.
Version Control: Git and GitHub are your new best friends for tracking changes in your code.
APIs: Understand how to create and interact with RESTful APIs, as these are essential for connecting front-end and back-end systems.
Responsive Design: Make sure your websites look stunning on everything from a smartphone to a 4K TV. Learn frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS, which simplify responsive design.
If you’re aiming to be a full-stack developer (someone who works on both front-end and back-end), broaden your skills with:
JavaScript Runtime: Master frameworks like Next.js (React-based) or Nuxt.js (Vue-based) for server-side rendering and full-stack development.
DevOps Basics: Understand CI/CD pipelines and how to integrate automated testing and deployments into your workflow.
Deployment and Hosting: Learn containerization tools like Docker for deploying scalable applications.
Keep in mind– the right skills can vary! Different companies and industries often have unique tech stacks, so the key is to build a strong foundation in core technologies and stay flexible. Technology evolves quickly, so continuous learning is part of the job.
Education and Training for Web Developers
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is nice but not required. Many web developers are self-taught or have completed coding boot camps that focus on practical skills. Certifications are ideal; they help you prove you have the chops in whatever your company requires.
New web developers should consider certifications like:
These industry-standard certs can help you stand out in the job market.
Career Path and Progression for Web Developers
Most web developers start as junior developers working on small projects or bug fixes under the guidance of a senior developer. With experience, you can move into roles like full-stack developer, senior developer, or team lead.
From there, you could move into management and away from the actual code. You might also explore alternative paths, such as UX/UI design, software engineering, or mobile app development.
Web Developer vs. Software Developer: What’s the Difference?
If you’re trying to decide between becoming a web developer or a software developer, the choice comes down to your interests and the type of projects you want to work on. While both roles involve coding, they differ significantly in focus, tools, and career opportunities. Let’s break it down:
Web developers specialize in creating websites and apps that people interact with on the Internet. Their work can include building the visual aspects of a website, such as buttons and forms, or managing the back end, such as servers and databases.
Software developers build applications that go beyond the web. They may build desktop applications, mobile apps, embedded systems, or large-scale software solutions for enterprise businesses.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Web developers focus specifically on websites and web-based apps, while software developers have a broader reach and create applications for desktops, mobile devices, and more.
Web developers need expertise in web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, whereas software developers often work with different programming languages tailored to specific platforms.
Web developers use frameworks like React or Angular, while software developers might use tools like .NET or Flutter.
How Much Does a Web Developer Make?
Salaries for web developers vary based on experience, location, and industry, but in general, you can expect to make a solid living. Here’s a breakdown of the average salary for devs by experience level:
Experience Level | Average Salary |
Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $55,000 - $75,000 |
Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $75,000 - $95,000 |
Senior-Level (5+ years) | $95,000 - $120,000+ |
(Source: Glassdoor, [10/08/2024])
Factors like living in a tech hub (hello, San Francisco) or freelancing can also influence your paycheck. Being a full-stack dev versus front or back-end can also impact how much you’ll earn.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Becoming a web developer takes time, effort, and a bit of patience. But it is doable if you’re dedicated and willing to learn. Here’s how to get started:
Learn the Basics: Use CBT Nuggets and other online sources to learn the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.
Earn a certification: Choose a cert from the list above and study! Earning a certification is the single best way to show you can do the job!
Build Projects: Create a personal portfolio to showcase your skills (think personal blogs, e-commerce sites, or fun side projects).
Stay Curious: Web development evolves quickly, so keep learning new frameworks and tools.
A career in web development is exciting, creative, and filled with opportunities. So why wait? Start learning on CBT Nuggets today.