How much does a web developer make?
a year · about $45 an hour
A typical web developer in the United States makes $92,650 a year, about $45 an hour, about 1.8× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
After a client or team explains what a site should do, a developer writes code and adds features or media. Then they test it on phones and browsers, fix bugs or broken links, and update the site.
Did you know? A tiny coding mistake can stop an entire webpage from working—that’s why web developers carefully check code and fix problems.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,100 and $162,290How do you become one?
In the U.S., learn HTML and other coding; education ranges from high school to a bachelor’s degree, and projects can prove your skills instead of a particular credential. Build a portfolio and apply for jobs; there is no single school route.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, developers with more experience or in-demand skills—such as building complex back-end systems—may earn more. Pay also differs by location, employer industry, and credentials.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($130,440), lowest in Montana ($62,060).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,100 | $92,650 | $162,290 | about 70,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $130,440 | about 4,000 |
| Virginia | $128,380 | about 5,000 |
| California | $119,570 | about 7,000 |
| Maryland | $112,690 | about 2,000 |
| Missouri | $103,750 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: 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. Excludes “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1254.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes151254.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/pdf/wage-differences.pdf
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY