Occupation · SOC 15-1254
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.
Median wage
$90,930
$48,560–$162,870
Projected growth
+7.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
650
per year
Employed (US)
78,860
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,197 mapped
Core skills
ProgrammingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisActive ListeningActive LearningJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageMathematicsCommunications and Media
Technology & tools
Word processing softwareDocument management softwareDevelopment environment softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging software
Representative tasks
Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.Perform or direct Web site updates.Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.Renew domain name registrations.Respond to user email inquiries, or set up automated systems to send responses.Confer with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions.Communicate with network personnel or Web site hosting agencies to address hardware or software issues affecting Web sites.Collaborate with management or users to develop e-commerce strategies and to integrate these strategies with Web sites.Document test plans, testing procedures, or test results.Establish appropriate server directory trees.Recommend and implement performance improvements.Document technical factors such as server load, bandwidth, database performance, and browser and device types.Develop or implement procedures for ongoing Web site revision.Create Web models or prototypes that include physical, interface, logical, or data models.Provide clear, detailed descriptions of Web site specifications, such as product features, activities, software, communication protocols, programming languages, and operating systems software and hardware.Evaluate or recommend server hardware or software.Monitor security system performance logs to identify problems and notify security specialists when problems occur.Install and configure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) servers and associated operating systems.Research, document, rate, or select alternatives for Web architecture or technologies.Develop system interaction or sequence diagrams.Design and implement Web site security measures, such as firewalls and message encryption.Incorporate technical considerations into Web site design plans, such as budgets, equipment, performance requirements, and legal issues including accessibility and privacy.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Supporting code for basic Web pages — write and test under direct supervision using standard HTML and CSS in a guided development environment.Web page structure and layout — construct following provided templates using web page creation and editing software on an entry-level project.Website backup procedures — execute file backup routines to local directories following documented protocols to enable recovery after problems.Programming language options — recognize and list common languages such as JavaScript and Python when selecting tools under supervisor guidance.Browser and device compatibility issues — identify basic rendering problems by running manual checks across common browsers on a test server.Simple database queries — run pre-written SQL statements to retrieve and display data for a web application under close technical oversight.Scheduled website tests — perform routine test scripts according to a planned checklist after minor page revisions in a supervised setting.Website content updates — apply directed text and image changes using a content management tool under explicit instruction from a senior developer.Graphic and media assets — organize and insert images using graphics or photo imaging software into web pages following design specifications.Technical documentation — read and summarize requirements from specifications and user stories to support assigned coding tasks in a team environment.
developing
Supporting code modules for Web applications — write and integrate with reduced oversight using object-oriented languages in an established development workflow.Web sites and applications — design and build using authoring and scripting languages, content creation tools, and digital media with routine independence on mid-sized projects.Automated backup routines — configure and schedule file backups from production Web sites to local directories, verifying integrity for reliable instant recovery.Programming language and tool selection — evaluate and recommend appropriate choices for assigned project features based on performance and compatibility requirements.Code validation and quality checks — review written code to confirm it meets industry standards, is properly structured, and is compatible with target browsers and devices.Relational databases — develop and maintain database schemas and queries that support dynamic Web applications in a shared team environment.Post-revision website testing — perform structured functional and regression tests after each product update, documenting results and reporting defects to the project team.Routine website updates — perform and coordinate content and feature updates using web platform development software, ensuring accuracy and minimal downtime.Development environment tools — configure and operate IDEs, version control systems, and desktop publishing software to manage code across multiple concurrent tasks.Cross-functional communication — explain technical decisions and progress to non-technical stakeholders using clear written and verbal channels during project reviews.
proficient
Complex Web application code — architect, write, and refactor autonomously across front-end and back-end layers to meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.Full Web site lifecycle — design, build, and maintain complete sites end-to-end using advanced scripting languages, CMS platforms, and digital media tools without supervision.Disaster-recovery backup strategy — design and implement comprehensive file and database backup systems for Web sites, ensuring rapid restoration under real production conditions.Technology stack decisions — independently evaluate and select programming languages, frameworks, and design tools aligned to project goals, budget, and long-term maintainability.Code compliance and standards enforcement — evaluate entire codebases for validity, structure, and cross-platform compatibility, resolving non-routine issues across diverse browsers and operating systems.Advanced database development — design normalized relational databases and optimize queries to support high-traffic Web applications in resource-constrained production environments.Comprehensive testing programs — plan, schedule, and execute full test cycles including performance, accessibility, and security checks across all stages of the Web development lifecycle.Complex site updates and migrations — direct and personally execute large-scale website updates, data migrations, and platform upgrades while managing risk and maintaining uptime.Systems analysis and problem solving — analyze end-to-end Web system behavior to diagnose and resolve intricate performance bottlenecks and integration failures independently.Technical writing and standards documentation — produce clear specifications, API documentation, and coding guidelines that guide team practices and ensure project consistency.
advanced
Web development strategy and architecture — set the technical direction for large-scale Web platforms, defining architecture standards and technology roadmaps at an organizational level.Development team capability — mentor and coach junior and mid-level developers through code reviews, pair programming, and structured learning plans to elevate team-wide proficiency.Organizational backup and recovery policy — establish enterprise-wide data protection and disaster-recovery standards for all Web properties, ensuring compliance and audit readiness.Technology evaluation and governance — lead formal assessments of emerging languages, frameworks, and toolchains, driving adoption decisions that align with long-term organizational objectives.Code quality culture — champion and institutionalize code review practices, automated testing pipelines, and standards compliance across all development teams and projects.Data architecture leadership — oversee the design of scalable, secure database ecosystems supporting multiple Web applications, integrating best practices for performance and data governance.Quality assurance program leadership — direct organization-wide Web testing strategy, defining schedules, tooling, and accountability structures that reduce defect rates across all products.Enterprise Web operations — lead planning and execution of major platform migrations, redesigns, and continuous delivery pipelines at organizational scale while managing stakeholder expectations.Cross-departmental systems planning — collaborate with business, UX, and infrastructure leaders to evaluate and align Web systems investments with strategic organizational priorities.Innovation and continuous improvement — identify and champion adoption of emerging Web technologies, methodologies, and best practices that increase competitive capability and team performance.
Also known as
112 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Web Site DeveloperCyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Networks Operations (Air Force 1D731A)Web Application DeveloperSoftware Development Officer, Product Manager (Air Force 16K1M)Back End EngineerWordPress DeveloperCyber Defense Operations Helper, Enterprise Operations (Air Force 1D711Q)Cyber Operations, Network Operations (Air Force 5C0X1N)Front End DeveloperCyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Mission Defense Activities (Air Force 1D731M)Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice (Air Force 1D731)Web Software EngineerWebsite ManagerCyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Data Operations (Air Force 1D771P)Cyber Defense Operations Superintendent (Air Force 1D791)Webmaster AnalystTableau DeveloperInternet DeveloperSoftware Development Officer, Product Designer (Air Force 16K3D)Cyber Defense Operations Journeyman, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force 1D751W)Web TechnicianCyber RandD Specialist (Navy 002775)UI Developer (User Interface Developer)Cyber Defense Operations Craftsman, Expeditionary Communications (Air Force 1D771W)Graphic Illustrator Apprentice (Navy A26A)Full Stack DeveloperSoftware Development Officer, Software Engineer (Air Force 16K3E)Information System Technician (Coast Guard IT)Web ArchitectInternet SpecialistRuby on Rails DeveloperCyber Defense Operations Superintendent (Air Force 1D7X1)Software Development Officer, Software Engineer (Air Force 16K1E)Information Systems Technician (Navy IT)Front End EngineerWeb Applications DeveloperHTML Developer (HyperText Markup Language Developer)Cyber Defense Operations Apprentice, Data Operations (Air Force 1D731P)Applications Developer (Marine Corps 0673)Web Design Specialist