Why Web Developers are Essential to Today’s Economy

When you make a purchase online, you are part of the ever-growing e-commerce economy, which composes 15% of all retail sales according to the latest Internet Trends Report. Web developers are the hidden designers of that growth, creating websites and mobile applications that improve online sales for businesses while also making consumers’ lives easier.

Web developers use software applications and computer code to create web applications that run on the internet or on corporate intranets. They must be skilled in design and computer programming to create websites and apps that are both functional and visually appealing. The most satisfying part of the job is when they see the end result of their designing and programming -- a successful, working website.

For those with a creative skillset and a passion for technology, a career in web development offers the best of both worlds.

What do web developers do?

Web developers may work on the “front end” of a website (the part of the web application you can see), like an online shopping cart, or they may work on “back end” components, like an order fulfillment system. Some may work on both. Some developers also specialize in user interface design, focusing on all of the high-level functionality and graphic appeal that make a website easy and enjoyable to use.

According to Career One Stop, typical tasks and projects for a web developer may include:

• Updating website content
• Designing websites or web applications
• Collaborating with others to resolve information technology issues
• Creating electronic data backup to prevent loss of information
• Resolving computer software problems

Most web developers work for computer systems and design firms, while others may work in educational, civic and professional services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in seven web developers were self-employed in 2014.

Why should I consider a career in web development?

The growth of e-commerce and mobile technologies have contributed to increased demand for web developers in the coming years, as companies rely on web developers to expand their online retail presence and create mobile-friendly versions of their websites.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for web developers will grow by as much as 27 percent by 2024, much faster than average for all occupations. During that time, an estimated 39,500 new jobs will be created.

How much can a web developer make?

Software developers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on their education, range of responsibilities and state of employment. Discover how much software developers make and how it varies across primary job types.

How do I become a web developer?

Most entry-level positions in web development require an associate degree in software development, web design, or a related field. Often, developers will have a background in programming as well as graphic design. More than half of professionals in the field obtain their bachelor’s degree and may work in more advanced and technical roles, such as back-end web development.