JavaScript is the most commonly used programming language in the world. It’s a valuable tool for Web Developers and Software Engineers alike. JavaScript on its own won’t get you a job, but it’s the best place to start a career in web or software development. To become a Web Developer or Software Engineer, combine JavaScript with web development best practices, version control (Git), and JavaScript libraries and frameworks.
JavaScript libraries and frameworks are prewritten collections of code that developers can adapt to their own projects. These collections of code make using JavaScript more efficient and more secure. Along with APIs, frameworks, and libraries, JavaScript can handle just about every aspect of web development from front end to back end.
Web Developers have a handful of roles that they can choose from. They can specialize in the front end, the part of the website that the client interacts with, as a Front End Developer. A Back End Developer also uses JavaScript and focuses on building behind the scenes features that power the website or application. For a career with more variety, you can pursue a Full Stack Developer role that builds both the back end and the front end of a website.
There are even niche jobs such as JavaScript Developer that hone in on working primarily with JavaScript. If you know you mostly want to work with just JavaScript or you’re looking for a way to break into tech, this could be the right career move for you! Even JavaScript developers need to know other skills like web development best practices and Git, though.
JavaScript Career Options
Here are a few career paths for which you’ll likely need JavaScript skills in order to succeed. We also include additional info about their average salaries, their day-to-day responsibilities, and a link to learn more about each career.
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Web Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$82K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$83K / year
Web developers build webpages using coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They program functionality and identify/troubleshoot errors in code. Web developers can work on front-end development (the part of the website you see in a web browser), or on back-end development (the logic and database functionality that runs on the web server). Others work as full-stack developers, providing end-to-end (front to back) expertise.
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Software Engineer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$123K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$119K / year
Software engineers use their extensive knowledge of user experience design, operating systems, and programming languages to develop software. They can create different types of software, from games to operating systems. After analyzing a client's needs, they design, develop, and test software to meet that need. Software engineers can be divided into two distinct career categories: application engineers and systems engineers.
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.NET Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$99K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$108K / year
.NET developers use the Microsoft framework to design, develop, and maintain software applications. Working with computer scientists and web developers, .NET developers create original code to meet client needs. After development, .NET developers analyze the user experience and iterate as needed.
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Back End Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$152K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$91K / year
A Back End Developer builds the server-side of a web application and integrates front end development components.
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Full Stack Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$126K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$93K / year
Full Stack Developers build web applications for both the visible front end that users see and the back end that powers the applications.
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JavaScript Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$111K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$106K / year
JavaScript Developers write JavaScript code that defines the behavior of the visual elements of a web application or web page and connect it with back end services. Sometimes, they are responsible for a whole website, including design. Other times, they work on only one component.
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Front End Developer
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$115K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$87K / year
A Front End Developer builds the front end, also called client-side, of a website or web application. Some Front End Developers will update current websites to meet modern standards, create prototypes from wireframes, and use design comps to satisfy the needs of their employer or client.