To become a web developer you need to learn HTML plus at least one other language such as JavaScript or SQL, then prove your skills with real projects. Education ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree in computer science, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics says you may not need a specific credential if your work or projects show what you can do.
Web development is one of the few well-paid technical careers where a portfolio can matter as much as a degree. If you can build a site that works, loads fast and handles traffic, employers will listen.
I've based this on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) profile for web developers and digital designers and the UK National Careers Service profile for web developers, both read as of October 2026.
Web developer pay and jobs in the US
| Measure | BLS figure |
|---|---|
| Median pay, web developers (May 2025) | $92,650 a year |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $48,100 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $162,290 |
| Web developer jobs in 2025 | 87,400 |
| Projected growth, web developers, 2025 to 2035 | 4% |
| Openings each year, developers and digital designers combined | About 13,600 |
These are BLS figures as published as of October 2026. Your rate will depend on your stack, your location and whether you're employed or freelance.
Front-end, back-end or both?
BLS splits the work into a few kinds. Back-end developers handle the overall technical construction of a site, building the framework and making sure it functions as expected. Front-end developers create the technical features for the site's look, building layouts and integrating graphics, applications such as a checkout tool, and other content.
Some developers do everything. If you're unsure which side suits you, my explainer on front-end vs back-end lays out the difference with examples.
Becoming a web developer, step by step
- Learn HTML first. BLS says developers need a thorough understanding of HTML programming.
- Add another language. Many employers want JavaScript or SQL as well, and you'll keep learning new tools throughout your career.
- Build projects. BLS notes you may not need specific education credentials if you can show your abilities through prior work or projects.
- Choose a formal route if you want one. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree in computer science or programming.
- Apply for junior roles. The National Careers Service says you might start as a junior developer and train on the job.
The UK routes in
In the UK, the National Careers Service lists four routes: university, college, an apprenticeship, or working your way up. University options include a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in web design and development, computer science, digital media development or software engineering.
College courses include computing, web design and development, software development and the T Level in Digital Software Development. Apprenticeships run from the Software Development Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship up to the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
| UK route | Typical entry requirement |
|---|---|
| Foundation degree or HND | 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent |
| Degree | 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent |
| Advanced apprenticeship | 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and maths |
| Higher or degree apprenticeship | 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent |
Where the higher salaries are
BLS reported these medians for web developers in May 2025:
| Industry | Median pay (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Information | $119,940 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $88,690 |
| Management, scientific and technical consulting | $86,690 |
| Educational services; state, local and private | $84,450 |
The biggest employer is computer systems design, with 21% of web developer jobs, but the information sector pays more. Self-employment is common too, which is why so many developers freelance alongside or instead of a salaried job.
Skills that matter beyond code
The National Careers Service lists the ability to write programs, attention to detail, analytical thinking, complex problem solving, flexibility, initiative, persistence and maths knowledge. Day to day, you'll meet clients to discuss what they need, plan how a site fits together and build prototypes with designers.
If you'd rather work on larger systems than websites, my guide on how to become a software engineer covers that path.
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What to put in your portfolio
Since BLS says projects can stand in for credentials, your portfolio is your best application. Aim for a few complete pieces rather than lots of half-finished ones:
- a responsive site that works well across browsers and devices
- something with a back end, such as a form that stores data in a database using SQL
- a project that integrates graphics, audio or video
- a site you've improved for speed, with a short note on what you changed
BLS says developers are also responsible for a site's performance and capacity, which means how fast the site loads and how much traffic it can handle. Showing you understand that puts you ahead of applicants who only show screenshots.
Put each project online, write a few lines on what you built and why, and keep the code tidy. If an employer opens your code, clear naming and comments make a good impression.
Finally, keep a short list of what you learned on each project. It gives you ready answers when an interviewer asks how you solved a problem.
My verdict
Learn HTML and JavaScript, build three or four projects you're proud of, and apply for junior roles while you keep learning. A degree helps with some employers, but it isn't the only door. BLS expects about 13,600 openings a year across developers and digital designers, and a strong portfolio is how you'll stand out.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be a web developer?
Not always. BLS says education ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, and you may not need specific credentials if you can show your skills through prior work or projects.
What languages should a web developer learn?
Start with HTML. BLS says many employers also want JavaScript or SQL, and developers keep learning new tools and languages throughout their careers.
How much do web developers make?
BLS reported a median of $92,650 a year for web developers in May 2025, as of October 2026. The highest 10% earned more than $162,290.
Can you become a web developer through an apprenticeship in the UK?
Yes. The National Careers Service lists apprenticeships from the Software Development Technician Level 3 up to the Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
