# Web Developers

> Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

- Edition: Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/careers/web-developers
- SOC code: 15-1254.00
- Career family: Computers and math
- Median annual pay: $92,650 (10th percentile $48,100, 90th percentile $162,290)
- Projected growth: As fast as average, +3.8%
- Openings a year: 5,300
- Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
- Bright outlook: no
- Data years: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections

## Interest profile (code CIA)

| Interest area | Score (0–100) |
| --- | ---: |
| Realistic (R) | 33 |
| Investigative (I) | 67 |
| Artistic (A) | 36 |
| Social (S) | 20 |
| Enterprising (E) | 33 |
| Conventional (C) | 67 |

## What you'd do

- Working with Computers (importance 97/100)
- Getting Information (importance 87/100)
- Thinking Creatively (importance 85/100)
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (importance 82/100)
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems (importance 81/100)
- Processing Information (importance 78/100)
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (importance 73/100)
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (importance 72/100)
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (importance 67/100)
- Analyzing Data or Information (importance 64/100)

## Skills

Programming, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, Operations Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Active Learning, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking, Systems Analysis

## Knowledge

Computers and Electronics, English Language, Mathematics, Communications and Media, Customer and Personal Service, Design, Engineering and Technology, Telecommunications, Administration and Management, Administrative

## Also called

Back End Developer, Back End Engineer, Back End Software Engineer, Back-End Web Developer, Computer Graphic Artist, Computer Graphic Designer, Front End Developer, Front End Engineer, Front End React Developer, Front End Software Engineer

## Majors that lead here (NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk, 4-digit CIP)

- [Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1110) (CIP 1110, 1,184 colleges)
- [Computer Science](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1107) (CIP 1107, 1,070 colleges)
- [Computer Software and Media Applications](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1108) (CIP 1108, 701 colleges)
- [Computer Programming](https://www.collegesref.com/programs/1102) (CIP 1102, 608 colleges)

## Colleges with strong outcomes (College Scorecard, 2025)

| College | Program | Earnings 1 yr | Earnings 4 yrs | Median debt |
| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
| [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/carnegie-mellon-university-406) | Computer Science | $173,492 | $268,121 | $19,000 |
| [Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT](https://www.collegesref.com/college/massachusetts-institute-of-technology-mit-1615) | Computer Science | $171,815 | $225,141 | $10,000 |
| [Cornell University-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cornell-university-new-york-710) | Computer Science | $151,551 | $223,309 | $12,500 |
| [Princeton University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/princeton-university-2154) | Computer Science | $155,162 | $217,973 | not reported |
| [Pomona College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/pomona-college-2139) | Computer Science | $100,072 | $217,051 | not reported |
| [Stanford University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/stanford-university-2589) | Computer Science | $157,763 | $214,907 | $12,000 |
| [Brown University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/brown-university-314) | Computer Science | $141,816 | $214,479 | $15,000 |
| [Williams College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/williams-college-3281) | Computer Science | $109,425 | $209,574 | $12,000 |

## Related careers

- [Web and Digital Interface Designers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/web-and-digital-interface-designers): $104,000 median pay
- [Web Administrators](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/web-administrators): $116,580 median pay
- [Software Developers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/software-developers): $135,980 median pay
- [Computer Programmers](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-programmers): $100,390 median pay
- [Database Administrators](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/database-administrators): $104,620 median pay
- [Computer Systems Engineers/Architects](https://www.collegesref.com/careers/computer-systems-engineers-architects): $116,580 median pay

## Sources

- [O*NET Database](https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html), version 31.0 (CC BY 4.0)
- [BLS Employment Projections](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables.htm), version 2025-35, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm), version 2025, data year 2025 (Public domain (U.S. government work))
- [NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk](https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/resources.aspx?y=56), version 2020, data year 2020 (Public domain (U.S. government work))

O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.