The Highest-Paying Web
Development Careers of 2021
Web development involves more than just creating websites. There are many different career opportunities within this field. If you want to work in web development, check out the list below. You can learn more about the highest-paying and best web development careers in 2021.
What Is Web Development?
Web development is a tech field dedicated to developing and maintaining websites. With the help of programming languages and other elements, you can build a web system for every possible need. Your goal as a web developer or web designer is to make sure that the site is functional and appealing to its target user.
Typically, web development is broken down into two functions. Front end web development focuses on user needs and managing the site interface. Meanwhile, backend development is for the server side, which is what makes the site functional and smooth.
Why You Should Pursue a Career in Web Development
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Research outfits like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, ZipRecruiter, and more have all shown that the majority of web development careers have positive job prospects. Software developer job opportunities, for example, will grow by 22 percent over the next decade, according to the BLS. This is much higher than the national average.
The digital world continues to flourish, which is why more jobs related to computer science are being created. The field is competitive, but there are many jobs that need to be filled. You can land a lucrative career in just a couple of years.
Top 10 Web Development Careers at a Glance
The table below shows the top 10 web development careers, with data pooled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and ZipRecruiter. The projected job growth statistics refer to growth between 2019 and 2029.
| Job Title | Education Requirement | Projected Job Growth | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | 22 percent | $110,140 |
| .NET Web Developer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $93,412 |
| Backend Developer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $81,161 |
| Multimedia Artist | Bachelor’s Degree | 4 percent | $77,700 |
| Web Developer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $77,200 |
| Full Stack Developer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $75,057 |
| Front End Developer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $74,880 |
| UX Designer | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $74,603 |
| Python Web Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | 8 percent* | $65,103 |
| Web Specialist | Associate Degree | 8 percent* | $51,618 |
*Projected job growth is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Web Developers and Digital Designers.
The Best Web Development Careers in 2021
Web development skills can support many different careers. You can also use this skill for other work related to web applications, project management, marketing, and more. Take a look at the list below to learn more about the best web development careers in 2021.
Software Developer
Software developers are the highest-paid web development workers. They create web applications or systems for computer and mobile use. You need to have at least a bachelor’s degree to become a software engineer or developer. You are not only managing a website but creating software and establishing systems for a specific function.
Software Developer Responsibilities
- Designs and develops software based on user needs
- Analyzes software and assesses which upgrades it might require
- Maintains and tests software
- Monitors software performance for future developments
.NET Web Developer
A .NET web developer specializes in web development that uses the .NET Microsoft Framework to code websites. These developers need to be familiar with programming languages and the .NET framework.
An associate degree is accepted for this job as long as you can prove your knowledge of these basic tech skills. The fastest way to acquire the requisite skills is by attending one of the best .NET bootcamps.
.NET Web Developer Responsibilities
- Designs web-based applications and documents codes
- Updates existing applications using .NET
- Provides technical support for any issues
- Recommends solutions based on the assessment of a website or application
Backend Developer
A backend developer works on the server side of web development. You will be expected to handle web servers with the help of programming languages like Python, PHP, and Ruby. As a backend developer, you should also be able to manage databases using SQL. The site must be able to respond right away when users make commands.
Backend Developer Responsibilities
- Manages websites using programming languages
- Tests and maintains code to prevent issues
- Creates and updates website features
- Works with a team to make sure that the website functions well
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia artists help make a website look good, so they are a big part of web development. Artists work together with developers to find the right design for a website or an app. To become a multimedia artist for web design, you should learn about UX/UI design and different graphic design trends.
Multimedia Artist Responsibilities
- Creates and illustrates graphics using computer programs
- Provides designs based on the needs of the clients
- Seeks feedback from directors, game designers, or clients
- Works with web developers and other teammates to complete projects
Web Developer
Web development should be your top choice when entering this field. You must be able to comfortably work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript because they will be part of your everyday tasks. You are responsible for the functionality and performance of a website, and you may also be required to provide content.
Web Developer Responsibilities
- Creates and designs websites that are optimal and functional
- Writes code with programming languages
- Coordinates with a graphics team to find the right design and layout for the website
- Monitors website performance
Full Stack Developer
Full stack developers handle both backend and front end development. Usually, this job is taken on by two separate roles, but you can opt for both if you have the right skills. Full stack developers need to know programming languages, design elements, and web development trends. You can become a full stack developer with only an associate degree.
Full Stack Developer Responsibilities
- Maintains website servers and functionalities
- Designs the interface of the website for a smooth user experience
- Creates servers and databases to store data properly
- Resolves downtime and any issue encountered
Front End Developer
Front web developers manage the web interface and focus on the design of a website. The main purpose of a front end web developer is to make sure that users have a seamless and rewarding web experience. Coding is an important skill for front end developers. You can learn these skills with a degree program or a bootcamp.
Front End Developer Responsibilities
- Creates functional and optimal web designs
- Debugs website and application issues
- Programs and codes depending on project requirement
- Monitors codes and programs to see where to improve
UX Designer
A UX designer, or user experience designer, works on the ease of website navigation. This is an important component for web development because websites are always user-oriented. As a UX designer, you are expected to know how to code with HTML and CSS and use graphic designs. You should also be able to test a website’s functionality.
UX Designer Responsibilities
- Collaborates with web designers and other parties to improve user experience
- Creates layouts, plans, and prototypes for web development
- Tests website performance and provides solutions for web design issues
- Works on Adobe Suite or CAD to create graphic designs
Python Web Developer
Python web developers specifically focus on using Python for web development. You need to have a bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science to qualify for this job. You will be building websites with Python and other languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The work is very technical and you will work on writing code and debugging issues.
Python Web Developer Responsibilities
- Develops websites using Python
- Tests code and the functionality of websites
- Debugs web development issues
- Creates accessible data systems
Web Specialist
Web specialists are more business-oriented when it comes to creating and developing websites. Your goal is to create content for a specific business or organization. You are not only building the website but also strategizing content to sell their products or services. You need to have good communication and technical skills.
Web Specialist Responsibilities
- Participates in developing and building the website
- Keeps track of website traffic and engagement
- Creates content for the website
- Writes, designs, and proofreads website content
What Education Is Required for a Career in Web Development?
For most careers in web development, you will only need an associate degree. To be a web developer, it is important that you have a thorough understanding of HTML and other related skills in programming.
However, for other more advanced fields such as software development, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree. You should get a degree in computer science, software engineering, or other related fields. It depends on your experience level and your career goals for this industry.
Can I Study Web Development Online?
Yes, you can study web development online. It is one of the best topics to study remotely. Universities have shifted online due to the COVID-19, and many of them are still holding classes online.
As long as you have the right tools for web development, you can learn on your own. There are web development bootcamps as well that have many web development programs to choose from.
Personality Traits Necessary for a Web Development Career
To succeed in your web development career, you must have interpersonal skills on top of your tech skills. Especially in an entry-level job, communicating with your clients and superiors is an essential soft skill for a web developer to have.
It is also important that you have a sound mind for problem solving and decision making. A lot of your work revolves around finding solutions for different issues, so you should be able to make informed decisions.
Is a Web Development Job Good For Me?
If you are interested in working with websites, then becoming a web developer is good for you. You could work on designing a website’s interface, managing the server side, or both. The job outlook for most web development careers is faster than average, which means you will have many opportunities in this field.
