Web Developer Job Outlook

Web development is a highly desirable career for many reasons. These include the sizable salary, engaging work, flexibility in hours and location, and the many opportunities to learn and grow. Even with these many advantages, however, you may be wondering whether becoming a Web Developer will provide you with a strong chance of getting and keeping a job. In fact, another great reason to become a Web Developer is the strong job outlook. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for Web Developers will grow 23% over the decade 2021-2031, which is much faster than the average growth rate of 5% across all careers. Many employers are eager to hire Web Developers today, with the employment rate for this career being over 94% as of 2023. Plus, the anticipated increase in demand through 2031 suggests that someone who becomes a Web Developer now is likely to have solid job security in the future as well. This projection is borne out by the continual evolution of web technology for new applications and contexts, which should also help web development continue growing as a field.

What is a Web Developer?

A Web Developer builds websites and web applications for companies or clients who hire them to create a product that serves a specific purpose. They are responsible for meeting the project objectives while providing a positive experience for the end user. Web Developers write and test the product’s code and are often responsible for maintaining performance and capacity. 

Various specializations fall under the Web Development umbrella. A front end developer focuses on the visual elements of a website or application—that is, the interface that the end user sees and interacts with. A back end developer designs and creates the site’s behind-the-scenes structure and functionality. However, the type of web developer most desirable to employers is a full stack developer with front-end and back-end development skills.

Web developers may work solo or as part of a team, often depending on whether they are freelance or work full-time for a particular company. Almost any business in any industry needs a web developer, but whether they have a web development team or hire a freelance developer will depend on their circumstances. Businesses need web developers because having an online presence increases their client base. Many businesses also need web developers because they want to connect with potential customers through their own web applications. 

Read more about what a Web Developer does.

What is the Job Outlook for Web Development?

Job Outlook

Web development is a growing field, and there is a high demand for skilled Web Developers in many industries. As innovators discover new potential in web-based technologies, even more Web Developers will be needed to create sites and applications that can maximize that potential. And recent existing web technologies are becoming standard in more and more industries, so there’s growth potential there as well. The projected numbers for job growth in web development in the near future reflect the probability of this double expansion in demand. While no one can truly anticipate what the future holds, informed parties generally evaluate the likelihood of increasing applications for web technology as quite high.

Future Growth

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2021, the average projected job growth across all careers will be 5% over the years 2021-2031. But demand for Web Developers is projected to grow much more quickly, about 23% over the course of that same decade. For each year during that period, the Handbook predicts 21,800 Web Developer jobs will be added on average. The BLS has a strong record of accurate and well-informed projections for the future growth and outlook of careers within the United States economy.

Industries

Another great aspect of being a Web Developer is that individuals who choose this career are not bound to one particular industry, so their job outlook does not depend on the success or failure of any one endeavor. Rather, businesses in almost any industry are likely to hire Web Developers, even if the industry itself is unrelated to technology. To sell their products, businesses need websites—it is now unusual to have a successful business that does not have a website to promote its products. For larger companies, having a dedicated mobile app for their business is becoming increasingly common as well. If there’s a business you care about and admire, or an industry that captures your imagination, chances are that they will need a Web Developer, either now or as they continue to expand. 

This is great news for career changers because there is a good chance that there are Web Developer jobs in which knowledge of your old industry could also come in handy. If you were a teacher, for example, you could help create an educational app. A former health care worker could update a medical practice’s website to provide a smoother patient experience. A barista-turned-Web-Developer would have both the knowledge and the skills to create a great online ordering app for a local shop. And these are just a few of the possibilities.

Salary

The job outlook for Web Developers is strong in another sense, too: they can expect to make a substantial salary, especially once they’ve gained work experience in the field. In 2021, the median salary for a Web Developer in the US was $78,300 per year. For an entry-level Web Developer, the typical annual salary range is about $51,000 to $74,000. Once you’ve gained experience, your salary will often increase substantially. In some locations, a senior Web Developer can make up to $155,000 a year. As a Web Developer, you’re not likely to get stuck in a situation where your salary plateaus. Not only will it increase steadily with experience, but you can also earn a more substantial raise by learning desirable additional skills within the field. 

How Do I Find a Web Developer Job?

To find a Web Developer job, you’ll need to know the right job sites, network as much as possible, have excellent materials, be prepared for interviews, and get feedback on your materials and interview skills. The articles in this hub will help you learn about these elements of a successful job search, but getting feedback and mentoring is the most important aspect. If you do a certificate program at Noble Desktop, you’ll get 1-on-1 career mentoring and feedback on your job materials. Your options for relevant certificates at Noble include software engineering, front end web development, Javascript, full stack development, and Python development.

The best sites to use when searching for web development jobs include Indeed, LinkedIn, Dice, GitHub, and Stack Overflow. If you’re looking for freelance jobs, add in Guru and Upwork. The necessary materials for applying include an excellent portfolio, an efficient resume, a strong cover letter, and a thorough LinkedIn page that includes all of your skills and qualifications. You should have your career mentor review all of these materials so that you can make the best possible impression. You’ll also want to make sure you network by reaching out to people on LinkedIn and attending professional networking events. Knowing someone involved with hiring for a job makes you much more likely to be considered for an interview. There may be hundreds of people applying for the same job, and a personal connection makes it much easier for you to stand out from the crowd.

If you do get an interview, you’ll need to research the company and, if you can, the person or people who will be interviewing you. Then you’ll be prepared to say why you want to work there and connect with your interviewers on a personal level. You’ll also want to research common Web Developer job interview questions and make sure you are ready to answer them. You should be ready for a technical interview, which will usually involve solving a coding problem in real-time. If you want to practice your interviewing skills, you may want to do a “mock interview” with your career mentor. They’ll pretend to be interviewing you, and then you can workshop your answers with them afterward.

Learn the Skills to Become a Web Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Web Developer, you must learn specific skills critical to the job. Noble Desktop can help you build these skills through in-person or live online instruction. Either way, you’ll have access to expert instructors who can clarify issues when you are confused, provide feedback on your work, and guide you through becoming a Web Developer. Small class sizes and the option to retake any course for free once you’ve completed it are additional incentives for studying with Noble Desktop.

Noble offers several relevant certificate programs demonstrating your Web Developer skills and qualifications to share with potential employers and support you in your job search. Completing the software engineering certificate gives you the broadest qualifications and career path options. If you are primarily interested in developing for the front end, consider the front end web development certificate. JavaScript is becoming increasingly popular for web development, so completing the certificate in Javascript will boost your resume. Opt for the full stack development certificate if you're interested in front end and back end programming. And if you prefer behind-the-scenes programming, pursue the certificate in Python development.

If you’re a beginner in web development, Noble’s hub of articles and resources on web development is a great place to start and plan your learning path. Noble’s web development courses are excellent if you’re eager to start learning but not yet ready to commit to a full certificate.