Web Developer

Build the Future, One Line of Code at a Time

Are you going to build the next billion-pound or even trillion-pound company? Well, if you're a web developer, you stand a pretty good chance—just like when Mark Zuckerberg created the first version of Facebook.

Turn ideas into reality, create seamless digital experiences, and shape the online world as a web developer.

In web development, you’ll be the architect behind the digital world—whether it’s an innovative start-up, a global e-commerce platform, or a revolutionary new app. Your skills bring ideas to life, making websites faster, more intuitive, and more powerful. Every great brand, from Airbnb to Tesla, relies on web developers to push boundaries and create immersive online experiences.

You can start today—no degree required, no formal barriers—just a willingness to learn and a passion for building. Whether you're crafting high-performance web applications, optimising user experiences, or developing the next viral platform, a career as a Web Developer puts you in control. Work from anywhere, collaborate with top brands, or start your own tech empire—the possibilities are limitless.

Key Details

£20,000

Entry

£47,000

Average

£65,000

Senior

38 / Wk

Average Hours

Summary

Imagine building something used by millions every day—an app that disrupts an industry, a website that makes life easier, or a digital experience that leaves people in awe. As a web developer, you don’t just write code; you create the internet. You shape the way people interact with technology, crafting solutions that inform, entertain, and inspire.

This career is perfect for those who love solving problems, thinking creatively, and turning ideas into reality. You’ll design sleek front-end experiences that engage users and build robust back-end systems that make everything run seamlessly. You’ll be the hidden force behind the world’s most exciting brands, from innovative start-ups to global tech giants.

Web development isn’t just a job—it’s a gateway to endless opportunities. Whether you want to freelance, work at an inspiring agency, or be part of a cutting-edge tech company, the demand for developers is sky-high. With AI, blockchain, and Web3 reshaping the internet, your skills will always be at the forefront of the next big thing.

And the best part? There’s no one path into this career. You don’t need a computer science degree—you just need curiosity, determination, and a laptop. Whether you specialise in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, you’ll have the freedom to work from anywhere, set your own hours, and build a future on your terms.

If you love creating, innovating, and making an impact, web development is your chance to build something meaningful—one line of code at a time.

Responsibilities

A web developer's work play an important role in shaping the digital landscape, making the internet more accessible, engaging, and functional.

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    Website Design and Development A web developer creates websites using different programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript for front end development and other technologies. They ensure that a website is user-friendly and visually appealing to the audience. Furthermore, they will implement responsive design principles to ensure a consistent experience that work well on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones.

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    User Experience (UX) and Interface Design (UI) Web developers design easy to navigate and visually pleasing interfaces, that put focus on an intuitive and engaging user experience.

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    Website Maintenance Web developers will perform regular testing of webpages to ensure they function properly across different browsers and devices as well as a variety of operating systems. Web developers will implement new features and improvements as required and keep the websites updated to ensure optimal performance and security.

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    Collaboration and Communication Working with designers, content creators, and other developers to bring projects to life is big part of the responsibilities of a web developer. It is also important to communicate with and understand the clients’ requirements to successfully transform their ideas into functional websites. Ongoing communication with clients is required to understand their needs, provide updates and support and incorporate feedback.

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    Optimization Management Implement SEO best practices to improve website visibility. Integrate and manage content using content management systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla. Optimize website performance for faster load times and better user experience.

Key Skills & Traits

To become a web developer you will balance both technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Web developers have a solid understanding of basic design principles. They must continuously learn and adapt in a job that is fast evolving. Web development skills include a mix of technical and soft skills.

Programming language and framework

Front end web developer's skills include proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other relevant coding languages along with an apprehensive knowledge of frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, and libraries like jQuery.

Testing, Debugging & Optimization

A web developer will identify and fix coding issues, enhancing website speed and performance. This is  an essential part web development. Testing detects any issues and debugging resolves code errors. Optimization improves speed, responsiveness, and overall efficiency, resulting in a high-quality and reliable website.

Detail-oriented Communication Skills

Web developers must ensure they are clear and precise in their communication, when collaborating with clients and team members. This is essential for delivering good results and gaining stakeholder engagement. It is important that all teams involved in a project management are fully included and details and expectations are clear.

Backend & Database Management

There are many server-side languages. Back end web development tools include Node.js, Python, Ruby, PHP) and databases (SQL – MySQL, PostgreSQL; NoSQL – MongoDB) and familiarity with these will advance you expertise in the field.

Creative Problem-Solving

The ability to use both analytical and creative skills to find innovative solutions to coding challenges as well as fixing coding errors without delay is a must. Thinking outside the box can set you ahead in the game in a very competitive market.

SEO & CMS Management

SEO & CMS Management is essential when developing web pages and enhancing visibility and simplifying content. SEO will help improve search rankings through keyword optimization, fast loading speeds, and mobile-friendliness. CMS platforms enable easy content creation and editing without extensive coding. Popular platforms include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupa.

Adaptable Time Management

It is important to be organized and efficient while adapting to new technologies and evolving project requirements. Deployment can take over and it is important to be prepared and manage workload efficiently.

Education & Qualifications

Anyone can become a Web Developer—no formal degree required! While some employers may value qualifications in computer science, IT, or software engineering, what truly matters is your ability to code, problem-solve, and build things that work. Many developers are self-taught, switching careers or learning through hands-on projects, coding bootcamps, or online courses.

Success in this field is built on real-world skills, not just credentials. A strong portfolio—showcasing websites, applications, or contributions to open-source projects—will speak louder than any qualification. Whether you’re freelancing, applying for a junior developer role, or building your own tech product, your code and creativity will open doors.

Lifestyle

A career in web development offers a unique blend of technical skill, creativity, and problem-solving, with the flexibility to work in different environments. It can be highly collaborative, especially in agencies, start-ups, and large companies, where developers work closely with designers, content teams, and project managers. However, many web developers also work independently—whether as freelancers, remote workers, or solo entrepreneurs—giving them full control over their projects and schedules. This variety allows developers to shape their careers to fit their preferred working style and lifestyle.
95%
Remote Suited
A lot of employers hire globally today, allowing for remote work. Cloud platforms enable remote coding without needing a local office setup and allowing workers to work efficiently from anywhere.
80%
Stressful
Working as a web developer presents many strict deadlines and requiring quick problem-solving, fixing unexpected errors and bugs. The industry evolves quickly increasing customers expectations that can add pressure to projects.
70%
Work Life Blance
Web development can be stressful, but with good time management and problem-solving skills, it is a rewarding and flexible career. Web development can offer a great work-life balance, but it also depends on your role, employer, and how you manage your time. 
A career as a web developer offers creativity, remote work flexibility, high demand, and good salary potential but challenges like tight deadlines, continuous learning, and debugging can be stressful. With the right attitude and job choice, it can be very rewarding.
38/hrs
Weekly
Working hours vary depending on your way of working, whether freelance, employed or working on a startup and further varies depending on web development projects. Remote workers usually have a more flexible schedule with regards to hours.

Salary Data

Web developers can expect to earn between £20,000 and £47,000 per year, depending on experience, skills, and specialisation. Entry-level developers typically start at the lower end of this range, while senior developers and those with in-demand expertise, such as PHP or WordPress development, can earn significantly more. Freelancers and contractors have the potential to exceed these figures, as they can set their own rates, take on multiple clients, and scale their businesses. Highly skilled developers who specialise in niche technologies or run their own web development agencies can earn well beyond £60,000+ per year, with top freelancers charging £300+ per day for their expertise.
£20,000

Entry

£47,000

Average

£65,000

Senior

Career Path

A web developers career path progresses based on experience, skills, and specialization. A career in web development offers a wide choice of directions to follow. Many web developers gain programming skills and create their own websites in their spare time and getting into the web development field from self learning. It is important for a web developer to build and professional portfolio throughout their career. There a is no set path and only your passion need lead your way. Commonly a career will progress as follows:

Entry-Level Web Developer (0-2 years)

A newly started web developer’s responsibility is to build and maintain websites using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript. They understand basic backend technologies like Node.js or PHP and focus on frontend development, responsive design, and version control (Git). They often work under senior developers to further grow their knowledge and gain experience. At this time, learning about frameworks (React, Vue, Angular), API integration, and databases is crucial for career growth.

Mid-Level Web Developer (2-5 years)

You might progress into either a Web Designer, Full-Stack Developer, UI/UX Developer. Experienced web developers play a big role in building and optimizing web applications. Web developers have strong expertise in frontend and backend technologies, including JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue, Angular), API integration, and database management. They are involved with more complex projects and contribute to architecture decisions.

Senior Web Developer (5-10 years)

As you gain experience, you will develop a more complex skill set and continue your career path as a Senior Web Developer. Career progression can lead to roles like Lead Developer or Technical Lead, with focus on team leadership and project success. Others senior developers may transition into Engineering Management leading teams, or become Software Architects, designing scalable systems. Other choices may lead to Freelance Consulting which offers more flexibility and higher earnings. You could choose CTO or a Startup Founder role that will let you drive innovation. Each direction offers opportunities for growth and specialization in the field.

Specialization or Leadership (10+ years)

As you now hold a vast amount of expertise, you might have gained  knowledge in a specialised field and your future opens up opportunities in following areas: Tech Lead / Engineering Manager, Software Architect – Designing large-scale systems, Freelance / Consultant – Independent work which has potential for higher earnings or you can found a startup- building and running a tech company.



History of the Profession

Though everyone now has an internet connection and the first website was created in the early 90s, web development is still a fairly new industry. Although with the rapid evolution of technology, it is one which has skyrocketed in the last two decades.

Birth of www

1990's
The World Wide Web was created in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee and with that, came HTML for structuring web pages. In 1993, the web becomes more accessible for users with the release of Mosaic -the first graphical web browser. In 1994, Netscape Navigator is launched and dominates early web browsing.

Rise of Web Applications

2000's
In year 2000, AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) improves interactivity, which leads to faster, more dynamic sites. With WordPress launching in 2003, content management is revolutionized. In 2004 – Facebook is created, pushing social media-driven web development even further and in 2006 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) launches, introducing cloud computing for web hosting.

2010's Onward

Since 2010, web development has evolved rapidly—HTML5 and CSS3 introduced advanced styling and multimedia, JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS, React, and Vue.js revolutionized frontend development in 2013. In 2015, Node.js made JavaScript a full-stack language and from 2020 onward, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), JAMstack, and AI-driven technologies are shaping the future of the web.

The Future of Web Development

>>>>
Web development is evolving rapidly. Web 3.0 is bringing decentralized web technologies, blockchain, and AI-driven applications. No-Code & Low-Code platforms like Webflow and Bubble are simplifying website creation, and AR/VR integration is expanding immersive digital experiences.

Reviews

There are a variety of experiences and opinions on being a web developer and many of each pros and cons. Web development jobs offer creativity, flexibility, and job security but downsides include tight deadlines, debugging, and constant upskilling. Some web developers share their experiences here.

Not for everyone

Jon

I find being a web developer is a rewarding yet challenging career that allows for creativity and flexibility. I am freelancing and job demands are very high, which is a bonus. While tight deadlines, debugging, and continuous learning can be demanding, the ability to work remotely, solve unique problems, and build innovative websites makes it an exciting and fulfilling profession. I get be home most days and the pay is pretty good too.

💰£37,000Annual
salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️95%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️60%Stressful
⚖️80%Work life balance

My job, my life, a game.

Lily

My job in web development is incredibly rewarding. I love what I do and the creativity involved building websites and solving complex issues and write code, has me captivated for many hours at a time. I get to work remotely and the ever-evolving nature of innovation and technology keep things exciting. It does come with some challenges— like tight deadlines plus, debugging can be trying at the best of times. BUT, the satisfaction of seeing my work come to life and knowing it reaches users all over the world makes it all pretty satisfying to me. Web development is not just a job; it’s a continuous learning experience that keeps me engaged and motivated every single day.

💰£43,000Annual
salary
💼50Weekly hours
🏝️100%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️50%Stressful
⚖️70%Work life balance

Years of hard work pays off

Hardy

I have been working in a web development job for over 12 years and currently manage the tech team in a major frontrunner of web services. It is a busy job but I work with an amazing bunch of people from all over the world and the knowledge I gain every day still is phenomenal. I am away from home a lot, but it is worthwhile and at the moment, I would not change it for the world. Every time we start a new project, we delve in and it feels like we do not emerge until deployment is successfully completed. We are like fish, we don't breathe - but we still live!

💰£62,000Annual
salary
💼50Weekly hours
🏝️60%Remote suited
🤷‍♀️70%Stressful
⚖️40%Work life balance

Similar Careers

There are many similar job titles that might inspire you, like Software engineers, web designer, front end developers. Click on the following links to review similar jobs:

Resources

Book

Building A Website For Dummies, 4th Edition

If you need to build and maintain a Web site, even if your experience is severely limited, this book makes it easy and fun. You'll learn to plan, design, create, launch, and maintain your site using the most up-to-date tools.
See more 👉
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Book

Full Stack Web Development: The Comprehensive Guide (Rheinwerk Computing)

Between these pages you'll learn to design websites with CSS, structure them with HTML, and add interactivity with JavaScript. You'll master the different web protocols, formats, and architectures and see how and when to use APIs, PHP, web services, and other tools and languages. With information on testing, deploying, securing, and optimizing web applications, you'll get the full frontend and backend instructions you need!
By Philip Ackermann
See more 👉
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Course

The Web Developer Bootcamp

70 hours of total content! This is the only course you need to learn web development. There are a lot of options for online developer training, but this course is without a doubt the most comprehensive and effective on the market.
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Podcast

Transforming the shapes

Web pages are visually and technically a pile of boxes. By default, all those boxes are rectangles and squares. But they don't have to be any longer. With CSS we can now transform those rectangles into parallelograms, rhombuses, skewed boxes, circles, and elephants — or any shape we want. Eva Ferreira joins Jen Simmons to talk about what's possible and how to do it.
See more 👉
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Article

A Day In The Life Of...A Web Developer

Read about a day in the life of web developer Zed, working in the in-house development team, across Pertemps Network Group.

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Video

Web Development Tutorial For Beginners - how to make a website

Learn Web Dev the way professionals do! This FULL course covers it all. We'll learn HTML, CSS, Javascript and the workspace/computer setup that professionals use. By LearncodeAcademy

See more 👉
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Specialisms

Web development offers various specialisms, allowing professionals to tailor their careers based on their interests and strengths. Each specialism has unique challenges and rewards, making it suitable for different skill sets and career goals.
Each of these specialisms offers unique challenges, career growth opportunities, and earning potential. Choosing the right path depends on your strengths, interests, and preferred working style.

Regulatory Bodies

Regulatory Bodies

There are no specific regulatory bodies for web designers, but professionals must follow accessibility, data protection, and industry standards. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is essential, particularly for public sector websites under UK law. Web designers must also adhere to GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 regulations when handling user data. Organisations like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) provide best practices for web development, while the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) oversees data protection compliance.