The Best
Web Development Careers of 2021
Web development is a great career for those interested in programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There are so many development jobs out there that there’s never been a better time to launch a web development career.
There are many job opportunities in web development and these professionals generally enjoy diverse working environments. In addition, the earning potential for these careers is relatively high.
Web development has a wide variety of specializations to choose from. If you’re interested in this field, keep reading to find which are the best web development careers out there.
Why Web Development?
Entering a web development career is a good choice because the field has a bright job outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for web designers and digital designers will grow eight percent between 2019 and 2029. This means web development is growing twice as fast as the average profession.
In addition, a career in web development is a brilliant choice for professionals passionate about technology. Developers already have many of the skills needed to access other tech roles. For example, they can become web designers, full stack developers, or software engineers.
There is also a generous amount of creative freedom in web development. Professionals can apply their knowledge and innovation to create websites and enhance the user experience.
Where Do Web Development Professionals Work?
Web developers work for any business that relies on responsive and intuitive websites. These organizations range from universities and finance companies to digital marketing firms.
BLS reports that the information technology industry employs the most web developers. The second-largest employer of these professionals is the publishing industry. Self-employed professionals account for 10 percent of working web developers.
Web developers typically work in an office or at home. Where and how you work as a web developer depends on your preferences and professional goals.
The Highest-Paying Web Development Careers: 2021 List
There are many careers associated with the thriving field of web development. Keep reading to learn which web development careers pay the most and the responsibilities they entail. Note that all job growth statistics refer to the 2019-2029 period.
Web Content Manager
Median Salary: $141,490
Projected Job Growth: 6%
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Creative Writing, or Journalism
Web content managers handle an organization’s content management system. You will need to manage the conception, creation, and publication of all website content. To do this, web content managers need exceptional leadership, communication, and creative skills.
According to BLS, the top employers of web content managers are the advertising and public relations and the information services industries. Many of these professionals are self-employed.
Software Developer
Median Salary: $110,140
Projected Job Growth: 22%
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Software Engineering or Computer Science
Software developers, like web developers, rely on programming languages. These professionals have to design and develop software systems for businesses. The products designed by software developers include games, operating systems, and network systems.
BLS reports that the top three industries hiring software developers are information technology, manufacturing, and software publishing. To excel as a software developer, you need to be a quick learner with impressive problem-solving skills. You should also have good communication abilities.
Database Administrators
Median Salary: $98,860
Projected Job Growth: 10%
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Managing database systems, setting database standards, and installing and maintaining database servers are all part of being a database administrator. To succeed in this field, professionals must be strong communicators, detail-orientated, and logical thinkers.
According to BLS, the information technology, educational services, and management industries hire the most database administrators.
DevOps Engineer
Median Salary: $96,418
Projected Job Growth: 22%**
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Using coding languages, development operations (DevOps) engineers design and develop new technology tools and infrastructure. These professionals monitor the infrastructure they create and ensure hackers and viruses don’t breach the security networks.
To become a DevOps engineer, you should work well as part of a team and make effective decisions under pressure. According to PayScale, tech companies, such as Amazon or IBM, are among the biggest employers of DevOps engineers.
Multimedia Programmer
Multimedia programmers have very diverse responsibilities. These professionals create product designs, graphics, sounds, and digital animations. They also have to liaise with company stakeholders and test applications to iron out any issues.
As these professionals spend a lot of time with people, they need great communication and teamwork skills. It’s also imperative to be meticulous and have impressive analytical abilities. Most of these professionals are self-employed, while many work in the motion picture and video and the software publishing industries.
Web Developer
Median Salary: $77,200
Projected Job Growth: 8%
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Information Systems
Web developers have to know how to use JavaScript and similar programming languages to build well-performing websites. These professionals ensure websites operate smoothly and have an intuitive interface.
The publishing and information technology industries are the top employers of web developers. Many of them are also self-employed. Successful web developers need to think analytically and have an eye for detail as well as creative flair.
Full Stack Developer
Median Salary: $75,060
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Web Development
As a full stack developer, you have to build backend applications as well as front end architecture. You will also design the user interactions and ensure all website components are responsive. If you want to become a full stack developer, you need to be creative and inquisitive by nature.
According to PayScale, the biggest employers of full stack developers are internet organizations, hardware and software companies, and consulting firms.
UX Designer
Median Salary: $74,670
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Associate Degree in Web Development or Web Design
Being a UX (user experience) designer entails creating wireframes, interpreting data, conducting usability tests, and creating sitemaps. UX designers have to ensure that every aspect of the user experience functions smoothly and generates the desired results.
Becoming a UX designer requires attention to detail, superb listening skills, clear communication abilities, and a big picture mindset. The companies that hire UX designers the most are internet organizations, hardware and software manufacturers, and consulting businesses.
Applications Developer
Median Salary: $70,433
Projected Job Growth: 22%**
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Becoming an applications developer means testing and debugging code, evaluating existing applications for updates, and creating new source code for applications. Applications developers also create technical handbooks filled with instructions and procedures for writing source code and creating applications.
These professionals need to combine creativity and teamwork skills. They should also be meticulous and confident. The top employers of these professionals are informati
Video Game Designer
Median Salary: $66,217
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Game Design
Video game designers spend their days creating thrilling storyboards, translating game ideas into functional code, and discussing game ideas. These professionals typically have strong problem-solving, creative, storytelling, and communication abilities.
Video game designers can enjoy exciting careers at tech firms or designing games for video game companies like Ubisoft and Activision Blizzard.
*Job growth based on BLS statistics on web developers and digital designers
**Job growth based on BLS statistics on software developers
What Education Is Required to Pursue a Career in Web Development?
For some entry-level roles in web development, an associate degree in computer science or a related field can suffice. However, most careers in web development demand a Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Science, Information Technology, or a similar field of study.
A bachelor’s degree allows you to earn a higher salary than an associate degree. It will also be easier for you to find jobs and move up the corporate ladder. If you want to take on a leadership or senior position in web development, you will likely need a master’s degree or many years of experience in the field. There also doctorates in the field of web development.
Can I Study Web Development Online?
Yes, anybody can study web development online. There are many bootcamps, courses, and degree programs available online.
Generally speaking, if you study web development online, you will have access to the same quality education as you would in person. However, studying web development online requires discipline, commitment, and the ability to study autonomously.
Common Entry-Level Jobs in Web Development
We showed you the web development jobs with the highest earning potential. However, it’s not easy to land one of these jobs; you’ll need to start with an entry-level role. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the most common entry-level web development jobs. Despite being entry-level, many of these jobs still enjoy high salaries.
Junior UX Designer
Entry-Level Salary: $63,666
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Associate Degree in Web Development or Web Design
Working under senior UX designers, these professionals contribute to optimizing a website or software’s user experience. They need to be creative and strong communicators to bring their ideas to life. Junior UX designers also have to ensure that software is easy to update and modify.
Front End Developer
Entry-Level Salary: $60,882
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
As a front end developer, you need to ensure websites meet the user experience requirements and are mobile-friendly. Front end developers also determine the structure of web pages and create features that improve the user experience.
Backend Engineer
Entry-Level Salary: $61,042
Projected Job Growth: 22%**
Min. Education Required: Bachelor’s in Software Engineering or Computer Science
Backend engineers focus on the side of software applications and websites that users don’t see. They must know how to use Python and similar coding languages. Backend engineers have to write server scripts and APIs, optimize servers, develop security infrastructure, and create data storage solutions.
Junior Web Developer
Entry-Level Salary: $50,716
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Associate Degree in Web Design or Web Development
Junior web designers assist senior web developers in creating websites and testing applications. These professionals brainstorm solutions and test websites before launch.
Computer Support Specialist
Entry-Level Salary: $14.82/hour
Projected Job Growth: 8%*
Min. Education Required: Associate Degree in Computer Science
These specialists talk to customers directly and help them solve whatever IT-related issues they are facing. These professionals may also write training manuals, run diagnostic programs to retrieve a solution, or train new users.
*Job growth based on BLS statistics on web developers and digital designers
**Job growth based on BLS statistics on software developers
Is a Web Development Career for Me?
If you’re passionate about coding languages and information technology, web development is right for you. There are many careers in this field and all enjoy high demand.
If you enter this field, you will also gain valuable skills that are transferable to many professions in the tech industry and beyond. In addition, a web development career comes with high earning potential and job security. If this sounds interesting to you, start working toward a web development career today.