Web Developer Salary: 2026 Guide

Key takeaways 

Web developers design, develop, and produce websites and applications. Because of their work, they often command higher salaries.

• The median total annual pay for web developers in the US is $99,000, with actual pay fluctuating depending on factors such as experience, education, and location [1].

• Industries such as computer systems design tend to pay more.

• You can typically earn more with a bachelor’s degree and certifications or other credentials.

Discover factors that can impact your salary as a web developer in the United States. Afterward, build in-demand web development skills by enrolling in IBM’s Front-End Developer Professional Certificate. In as little as four months, you can learn how to create dynamic, responsive web applications using tools like Figma and Bootstrap.

How much does a web developer earn?

The median total pay for web developers in the US is $99,000 per year, according to Glassdoor [1]. This figure includes a base salary ranging from $63,000 to $106,000 and an average additional yearly pay of between $13,000 and $24,000, which can include bonuses and profit sharing[1]. Many factors can influence salaries, such as skill set, location, and level of experience. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7 percent job growth for web developers and digital designers through 2034 [2]. Understanding what you can expect to earn through this dynamic career may help you determine if a web development career is the right path for you.

Salary by web developer type

There are three different types of web developers: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. Back-end developers create and code the foundational structure and functionality of a website, while front-end developers design the look and feel of the website that visitors experience. Full-stack developers combine these skill sets to work on any aspect of a website’s design and functionality. 

Learn more about the salaries for each type:

• Front-end web developer salary

• Back-end developer salary

• Full-stack developer salary

Primary factors affecting web developer salary

The following sections outline the factors that can influence your salary. Keep in mind that new web developers typically earn less than experienced professionals. Developers with certifications or specialized education can make more. There are many steps you can take to build your expertise and earn the salary you desire.

Location

Due to cost-of-living variations and industry hubs, salaries vary by city. The cities paying the highest salaries for web developers are [3]:

• Seattle, WA: $113,448

• Queens, NY: $12,856

• Chicago, IL: $94,960

• New York, NY: $93,111

• Tampa, FL: $76,256

• Evansville, IN: $76,241 

Industry

Web developers can find employment in many fields since nearly every industry requires an online presence for success. However, some industries employ more web developers and may offer more competitive salaries. The most popular industries for employment, along with the average salary, are [4]:

• Computer systems design and related services: $90,600

• Management, scientific, and technical consulting services: $83,720

• Educational services; state, local, and private: $82,080 

Years of experience

As a web developer, every project is an opportunity to grow your portfolio and gain experience. In time, this can result in higher pay. Glassdoor estimates the average total pay for three main levels of expertise as follows:

• Web developers typically have one to three years of experience and have a salary range of $76,000 to $130,000 [1].

• Web developer managers typically have five to seven years of experience and have a salary range of $92,000 to $159,000 [5].

• Senior web developers typically have seven to nine years of experience and have a salary range of $111,000 to $182,000 [6].

Other factors that can influence web developer salary

Besides the factors we covered above, the type of degree you have (if any) and any additional education you’ve earned, such as certifications or certificates, can also affect the amount of money you make as a web developer.

Having a degree

While you may not need a bachelor’s degree to get started in web development, the degree can be useful when you’re interested in advancing. Just over 70 percent of web developers have a bachelor’s degree, according to Zippia, meaning the degree may be increasingly important to stand out as a candidate or grow in your career [7].

How to become a web developer without a degree

By enrolling in web development boot camps and learning coding online, you may be able to start your career in web development without needing a degree.

Read more: How to Learn Coding

Earning credentials

You can build important skills or strengthen existing ones with certifications and certificates, which may help you stand out as a candidate and even earn a higher salary. Here is a list of skills that could benefit your salary:

• Backbone.js 

• Angular 

• Node.js

• React

• Java

Many online courses are available to build skills and earn Professional Certificates. For example, in the IBM Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate, you’ll learn about foundational technologies, including cloud foundations, GitHub, Node.js, React, CI/CD, Containers, Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Istio, databases, NoSQL, Django ORM, Bootstrap, app security, and more.

Company size

The vast majority of web developers work for companies of varying sizes and industries. Sometimes, the smaller the company, the less it can pay its employees. Larger companies often have the means to offer bonuses, profit sharing, and commission on top of base salaries. They may also provide additional benefits to compete for the best web developers in today’s marketplace. 

Explore our free web development career resources

Join Career Chat for weekly updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Explore essential web development concepts, discover the latest trends, or hear from industry professionals by exploring to our other free digital resources:

• Bookmark for quick access: Web Development Terms: A to Z Glossary

• Watch on YouTube: Why Every Web Developer NEEDS to Understand AI (and how you can start today!)

• Hear from an insider: How This Self-Taught Web Developer Went Straight to a Master's Degree

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