With better access to broadband and easy accessibility/cost of mobile phones, internet use is expected to rise to 7.6 billion users with 50 billion connected devices by 2020. Who’s going to make sure that apps are running well, users get optimal online experiences, and that websites are coded properly? Web developers, that’s who!

Web developers have many different professional roles to fill. From IT specialist to web developer, web designer to product manager, opportunities for coders is exciting and diverse. Web developers are expected to find continuous, rapid job growth with the projected average number of new jobs for web developers at around 28,500.

Web Developer Salaries

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that web developers earn a mean annual salary of $67,540 currently. Right now, there is high need for web developers and not enough skilled people to fill those positions.

Salary expectations for web developers depends on the type of web development role they fill and the industry they work in. A recent salary breakdown by industries shows the following experienced web developer salaries:

* Software publishers: $85,210
* Monetary authorities - central bank: $83,970
* Securities and commodities contracts intermediation and brokerage: $83,350
* Depository credit intermediation: $83,010
* Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing: $81,620

Many of these industries are based in areas like - New York, California, Washington D.C. and Maryland - which have higher costs of living than other parts of the country. There are, however, other areas in the United States, like Boulder, Colorado, which offer good salaries, affordable everyday costs, and a fantastic quality of life.

What Skills do Web Developers Need?

Employers prefer web developers who have had some type of on-campus or online web development training. A Computer Science degree is not necessary but some type of training or certification is. Candidates for web development jobs are expected to understand multiple programming languages like JavaScript or Angular and must have the ability to use tools like MongoDB or Node.js proficiently.

Web developers who are able to integrate front back end languages and tools in a way that creates a well-designed, harmonious user experience supported properly with scripts and code modules are consistently in high demand. The top skill requirement is a solid computer knowledge including web languages like HTML or JavaScript.

How do I Become a Web Developer?

Previously, a number of web developers were self-taught. With the complexity and continuous change of today’s technology, some type of formal training - like an online class, a certificate program, or an immersive bootcamp experience - is often needed.

Websites and apps (mobile or otherwise) are all built with code, so to begin your web developer career, you need HTML and CSS proficiency. In addition, different jobs call for unique technologies and tools like JavaScript, Web protocols, Node.js, Angular, Web standards or GitHub. For front-end development, visual design skills and understanding of how user experience affects online engagement is a plus.

It’s impossible to learn everything all at once. Successful web developers have exposure to a variety of different technologies, are adept with a few tools, and have solid computational thinking skills. In addition, web developers need to keep on learning and expanding their technical knowledge base.

Ready to be a web developer? RefactorU can help. Check out our immersive bootcamp experience to learn more. Or, explore our full list of online courses.