How much does a web developer make?
Answer: A typical web developer in the United States makes $92,650 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 70,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Web developer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a web developer do?
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).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.
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.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Computer and Mathematical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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