Web developer salary in the USA is a common search for people who want to start a career in technology, build websites, or move into a better paying computer job. In 2025, the median web developer salary in the United States was about $92,650 per year, which comes to around $44.54 per hour before taxes when looking at the national median. Web developer pay can be lower for entry-level workers and much higher for experienced developers, especially in states and industries where technology jobs are in high demand. This guide explains the average web developer salary, web developer salary per hour, monthly pay, salary by state, entry-level pay, experienced web developer earnings, and the factors that can increase a developer's income in the USA.
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Web Developer Salary in the USA
A web developer is a technology professional who creates and maintains websites and web applications. Their work can include writing code, improving website performance, connecting websites with databases, fixing technical problems and making websites work properly on different browsers and devices.
The web developer salary in the USA can be different from one person to another because experience, location, skills, industry and type of developer all have an effect on pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for web developers was $92,650 in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,100, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $162,290.
This means a person searching for the average web developer salary should not expect one fixed number. A junior developer may start around the lower part of the salary range, while a skilled developer with several years of experience can earn well above $100,000 a year.
Web Developer Salary at a Glance
| Salary Type | Pay |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,650 |
| Median Hourly Pay | $44.54 |
| Lowest 10% Annual Pay | Below $48,100 |
| Highest 10% Annual Pay | Above $162,290 |
These figures are national median wage figures for web developers from the May 2025 BLS data. Actual salary can be different depending on where the developer works and what type of web development they do.
Web Developer Salary by State
Location can make a big difference in a web developer's salary. Developers working in states with large technology markets, high business activity and more demand for digital services can often earn more than developers in lower-paying markets.
The table below shows the 2025 median annual web developer salary by state. The salary figures are based on BLS wage data as presented through CareerOneStop. States marked N/A do not have a published statewide estimate for Web Developers in the available 2025 data.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | N/A |
| Alaska | N/A |
| Arizona | $76,230 |
| Arkansas | $50,550 |
| California | $119,570 |
| Colorado | $85,950 |
| Connecticut | $85,930 |
| Delaware | $76,020 |
| Florida | N/A |
| Georgia | $90,340 |
| Hawaii | N/A |
| Idaho | $79,290 |
| Illinois | $84,820 |
| Indiana | $80,870 |
| Iowa | $64,210 |
| Kansas | $73,590 |
| Kentucky | $82,630 |
| Louisiana | $85,330 |
| Maine | N/A |
| Maryland | $112,690 |
| Massachusetts | $98,470 |
| Michigan | $98,470 |
| Minnesota | $101,020 |
| Mississippi | N/A |
| Missouri | $103,750 |
| Montana | $62,060 |
| Nebraska | $80,350 |
| Nevada | $83,220 |
| New Hampshire | $78,260 |
| New Jersey | $95,180 |
| New Mexico | $68,120 |
| New York | $98,580 |
| North Carolina | $96,610 |
| North Dakota | $72,190 |
| Ohio | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $78,580 |
| Oregon | $64,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $86,380 |
| Rhode Island | $98,140 |
| South Carolina | $78,190 |
| South Dakota | $51,100 |
| Tennessee | $74,760 |
| Texas | $85,800 |
| Utah | $100,170 |
| Vermont | $84,550 |
| Virginia | $128,380 |
| Washington | $130,440 |
| West Virginia | $78,240 |
| Wisconsin | $90,630 |
| Wyoming | $68,410 |
Average Web Developer Salary
When people search for the average web developer salary, they are usually trying to understand how much money they can realistically make in this career. The national median salary is a better number to use for this because it shows the middle point of the workers rather than being affected too much by very high salaries.
In May 2025, the median web developer salary was $92,650 per year. This is higher than the median wage for all occupations in the United States, which was $50,980 during the same period. So web development can be a good paying career for people who build the right technical skills.
But salary is not the same for every developer. A person working in a small company may earn less than someone working for a large technology company. Location also matters. For example, the 2025 median salary was $119,570 in California and $130,440 in Washington, while some other states had median salaries closer to $60,000 to $80,000.
Web Developer Salary Per Hour
The web developer salary per hour is another important search because many developers work as contractors, freelancers or part-time professionals. Based on the 2025 national median salary, web developers had a median hourly wage of about $44.54 per hour.
Hourly pay can be much different for individual developers. New developers may start at a lower hourly rate while experienced developers with strong skills can charge or earn much more. Freelance developers also set their rates based on the type of project, deadline, technology and client.
- National median hourly pay: about $44.54
- Lower 10 percent: below about $23.12 per hour
- Higher 10 percent: above about $78.03 per hour
- Freelance rates can be different from employee wages
- Specialized web development skills can increase earning potential
Web Developer Salary Per Month
People also search for web developer salary per month when comparing this career with other jobs. A $92,650 annual median salary works out to roughly $7,721 per month before taxes when simply divided across 12 months.
This is only a basic monthly calculation. Actual take-home pay will be lower after federal taxes, state taxes where applicable, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance and other deductions. Some developers can also receive bonuses, stock compensation or other benefits which are not included in the simple salary calculation.
How Much Does a Web Developer Make a Year?
So, how much does a web developer make a year? The answer depends on experience, location and skills. The national median for 2025 was $92,650 per year. The lowest 10 percent earned below $48,100, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $162,290.
This wide salary range is one reason why web development can be interesting for people who want a technology career. Someone can start with basic HTML, CSS and JavaScript skills, then move into front-end, back-end or full-stack development and increase their earning potential over time.
Entry Level Web Developer Salary
An entry level web developer salary is normally lower than the national median because new developers have less professional experience. Employers may still look for a good understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, Git and basic web development concepts.
Entry-level pay can also depend on whether the person has a college degree, coding bootcamp training, internships, personal projects or previous technology experience. A strong portfolio can sometimes help a new developer compete for jobs even when they do not have a long work history.
- Build several real website projects for a portfolio.
- Learn HTML, CSS and JavaScript properly instead of only copying code.
- Understand responsive website design.
- Learn Git and basic version control.
- Practice fixing common website bugs.
- Learn at least one modern front-end framework after learning the basics.
Junior Web Developer Salary
A junior web developer salary is usually below the national median because junior developers are still building professional experience. A junior developer may know HTML, CSS and JavaScript well, but may still need help with larger applications, databases, security and complex bugs.
Many junior web developers work under senior developers or a development team. They may spend a lot of time fixing small bugs, updating pages, testing features and learning the company's coding standards. Salary can grow quite fast when the developer starts taking responsibility for complete features instead of only small tasks.
- Junior developers normally have limited professional experience.
- Strong JavaScript skills can improve job opportunities.
- A good GitHub and project portfolio can help when applying for jobs.
- Knowledge of APIs and databases is useful for moving beyond basic website work.
- Learning to read and understand existing code is very important.
Senior Web Developer Salary
The senior web developer salary can be much higher than entry-level pay. Senior developers normally have several years of professional experience and can work on difficult technical problems without needing constant supervision.
A senior web developer may also review other developers' code, plan technical solutions, improve website speed, work with databases and help decide which technologies should be used in a project. In larger companies, senior developers may also move toward lead developer or software engineering management positions.
Experienced developers working in high-paying states can earn well above the national web developer salary. For example, the 2025 median web developer salary was $130,440 in Washington and $128,380 in Virginia. California had a median of $119,570.
Front End Web Developer Salary
A front end web developer mainly works on the part of a website that users see and interact with. This normally includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript and modern frameworks or libraries. Front-end developers can work on websites, dashboards, online stores and web applications.
The exact front end web developer salary is not always reported separately in government wage data because occupational classifications can group different types of web developers together. However, front-end skills are part of the broader web development job market and salary depends strongly on experience, location and employer.
- HTML and semantic website structure
- CSS and responsive design
- JavaScript and browser APIs
- React, Angular or other modern frameworks
- Website performance and accessibility
- Git and collaborative development
Back End Web Developer Salary
A back end web developer works more on the server side of a website or application. This can include databases, APIs, authentication, server-side programming and the systems that make a website work behind the screen.
Back-end development often requires knowledge of technologies such as Node.js, Python, PHP, Java, C# or other programming languages. Developers who can handle both front-end and back-end work may have more career options because they can work on a larger part of a web application.
Like front-end pay, a separate national salary number for back-end web developers should not be assumed from the general web developer median. The actual salary depends on the occupation classification used by the employer and the developer's skills and experience.
Full Stack Web Developer Salary
A full stack web developer can work on both the front end and back end of a web application. This means they may build the user interface, create APIs, work with databases and connect different parts of the application together.
The full stack web developer salary can be attractive because companies may value developers who understand the complete development process. However, knowing many technologies does not automatically mean a higher salary. Employers usually care about how well a developer can solve real problems and build reliable products.
- Front-end development
- Back-end programming
- Database management
- REST APIs and other API systems
- Authentication and basic security
- Git and deployment workflows
- Cloud and hosting knowledge
Web Developer Salary With Experience
Web developer salary with experience normally increases as a developer becomes more useful to an employer. Experience is not only about the number of years. The type of projects completed and the level of responsibility also matters.
A developer who has worked on large websites, e-commerce systems, SaaS applications, APIs or high-traffic platforms may have stronger earning potential than someone who has spent the same number of years working only on simple websites.
Over time, developers can move from junior positions to mid-level and senior positions. Some also move into technical lead, engineering manager, solutions architect or other technology roles.
Web Developer Salary Without Degree
Many people search for web developer salary without degree because web development is one of the technology careers where practical skills can be very important. The BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for web developers and digital designers, but employers can have different requirements.
A person without a traditional computer science degree can still build a web development career by learning the required technologies, creating real projects and proving their skills. But getting the first professional job can sometimes be harder because some employers use a degree as a screening requirement.
- Create a portfolio with real websites and applications.
- Learn the fundamentals before depending on AI coding tools.
- Keep projects on GitHub and explain what you built.
- Learn how databases and APIs work.
- Practice coding interviews and technical questions.
- Apply for internships, junior jobs and smaller development roles.
Freelance Web Developer Salary
A freelance web developer salary is different from a normal employee salary. Freelancers may charge by the hour, by the project or through a monthly maintenance agreement. Their income can change from month to month depending on how many clients and projects they have.
A freelancer may earn a good amount during a busy month but have less income when there are fewer projects. Freelancers also have to pay for their own software, hosting, business expenses, taxes and sometimes health insurance. So a freelancer's total client billing should not be directly compared with an employee's salary.
Experienced freelance developers can also specialize in higher-value work such as custom web applications, e-commerce development, performance optimization or business automation. Specialization can make it easier to charge more than a developer who only offers basic website design.
Web Developer Salary by Experience Level
There is no single official BLS salary table that assigns a fixed salary to every experience level of web developer. Still, the national wage distribution gives a useful idea of the overall market. In 2025, the national median was $92,650, while the lowest 10 percent earned below $48,100 and the highest 10 percent earned above $162,290.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Position |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Usually below the national median |
| Junior Developer | Usually below or around the national median |
| Mid-Level Developer | Often around or above the national median |
| Senior Developer | Often above the national median |
| Highly Experienced Developer | Can reach the upper end of the wage range |
These are general career-level comparisons, not official BLS salary bands. Individual salaries can be very different because location, industry, company size, technical skills and job responsibilities all affect pay.
Highest Paying States for Web Developers
The highest paying states for web developers can offer significantly more than the national median. Based on the 2025 CareerOneStop wage data, Washington, Virginia, California, Maryland and Missouri are among the states with particularly high median wages for web developers.
- Washington: $130,440 median annual salary
- Virginia: $128,380 median annual salary
- California: $119,570 median annual salary
- Maryland: $112,690 median annual salary
- Missouri: $103,750 median annual salary
- Minnesota: $101,020 median annual salary
- Utah: $100,170 median annual salary
These state numbers show why location matters when comparing web developer salary in the USA. Washington's median was about $130,440, compared with the national median of $92,650.
Web Developer Salary in California
Web developer salary in California is one of the highest in the country. The 2025 median annual wage for web developers in California was $119,570, while the high wage figure was $202,850. California has a large technology market, so developers can find opportunities across software companies, digital businesses, agencies and other industries.
However, a higher salary does not always mean more money left after living expenses. Housing and other everyday costs can be much higher in some California technology markets. Developers should therefore compare salary with the full cost of living before deciding where to work.
Web Developer Salary in Washington
Web developer salary in Washington was also very strong in the 2025 wage data. The median annual salary was $130,440, making Washington one of the highest-paying states in the available data. The high wage level reached $172,060.
The state's technology market creates demand for many types of developers. A person with strong front-end, back-end, cloud or full-stack skills may find opportunities in both large companies and smaller technology businesses.
Web Developer Salary in Virginia
The web developer salary in Virginia was $128,380 per year at the median in the 2025 data. This is substantially above the national median of $92,650. Virginia also had a high wage figure of $178,230.
Technology and government-related business activity can create opportunities for web developers in the state. Developers with experience in secure applications, databases, cloud systems and enterprise websites may have more career options.
What Affects Web Developer Salary?
There are several reasons why two web developers can have very different salaries even when they have similar job titles. A developer's technical skill is only one part of the salary decision.
- Experience: More professional experience can lead to higher responsibility and pay.
- Location: Salary levels can be very different from one state to another.
- Technology skills: Modern frameworks, APIs, databases and cloud skills can improve opportunities.
- Industry: Some industries have larger technology budgets than others.
- Company size: Large companies may have different compensation structures and benefits.
- Job responsibility: Developers responsible for important systems can have higher earning potential.
- Specialization: A developer with valuable niche skills may have better opportunities.
Is Web Development a Good Career in the USA?
For people who enjoy technology and problem solving, web development can be a good career option. The national median pay of $92,650 in 2025 is considerably above the median wage for all occupations, which was $50,980.
The career also offers different paths. Someone can focus on front-end development, back-end development, full-stack development, e-commerce, WordPress, web applications or other areas. This makes it possible to change direction without leaving the web technology field completely.
Still, web development is not an easy job for everyone. Technologies change regularly, and developers need to keep learning. A person who stops learning after knowing only basic website coding may find it harder to compete for better-paying jobs.
Web Developer Job Outlook
The web developer job outlook is another reason people are interested in this career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow from 2025 to 2035. The BLS also expects many job openings each year because of employment growth and workers leaving the occupation.
Businesses continue to need websites, online stores, web applications and digital services. At the same time, employers are looking for developers who can build websites that are fast, secure, mobile-friendly and easy to use.
This means learning web development can still be useful, but candidates should focus on practical skills rather than only collecting certificates. A portfolio showing real work can make a big difference when looking for the first job or moving to a better position.
Web Developer Salary Compared With Other Technology Jobs
People searching for web developer salary often also compare this career with software engineering, data analysis and other technology jobs. Web development can provide a solid income, but the salary depends on the exact occupation and level of responsibility.
The national median web developer salary was $92,650 in May 2025. Some technology careers have higher median wages, while others can be lower. This does not mean one career is always better. A person should also look at education requirements, job availability, work responsibilities and the skills they actually enjoy using.
- Web development can offer a strong technology career without requiring the same specialization as some advanced computing roles.
- Full-stack developers can work across several parts of a web application.
- Software development skills can create opportunities outside traditional website development.
- Experience and specialization can have a major effect on long-term earnings.
Web Developer Salary and Cost of Living
A high web developer salary does not always mean a person will have more money available after expenses. Cost of living is an important factor when comparing jobs in different states.
For example, a developer earning a six-figure salary in a large technology market may have much higher housing costs than a developer earning less in a smaller city. This is why salary by itself should not be the only thing considered when choosing where to work.
Developers should compare housing, transportation, taxes, health insurance and other regular expenses with the offered salary. Remote work can also change this calculation because a developer may work for a company in a high-paying market while living somewhere with lower expenses, depending on the employer's remote-work policy.
Web Developer Salary for Remote Jobs
Remote web developer jobs have become an important part of the technology job market. A remote developer may work for a company without going to a traditional office every day. But remote does not automatically mean higher salary.
Some companies adjust pay based on the employee's location, while others use a broader national or company-wide salary range. Because of this, two remote web developers doing similar work can still receive different compensation.
- Check whether the employer uses location-based pay.
- Look at the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
- Ask about health insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits.
- Check if the job is fully remote or only remote within certain states.
- Understand whether the company expects employees to work specific hours.
Web Developer Salary and Skills
The technology skills a developer has can influence job opportunities and earning potential. Basic website skills are useful, but developers who can solve more complex problems often have access to a wider range of jobs.
A modern web developer may need to understand much more than just creating a webpage. Web applications can involve databases, APIs, authentication, cloud hosting, security, testing and performance optimization.
- HTML: Used to create the structure of web pages.
- CSS: Used for layout, design and responsive websites.
- JavaScript: Used to create interactive web experiences.
- Git: Used for source code management and collaboration.
- APIs: Important for connecting websites with other services and systems.
- Databases: Useful when building applications that store user or business information.
- Security: Important for protecting websites, accounts and data.
- Cloud technologies: Helpful for modern application hosting and deployment.
Can Web Developers Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, web developers can make $100,000 a year, but it is not guaranteed for every developer. The national median salary was $92,650 in 2025, so $100,000 is above the national median but still within the normal range of the profession.
Developers with several years of experience, strong technical skills and jobs in higher-paying markets may have a better chance of reaching six-figure compensation. The BLS wage data also shows that the highest-paid 10 percent of web developers earned more than $162,290 annually.
Location can make a big difference too. A developer working in Washington, Virginia or California may see a very different salary range than someone working in a lower-paying state.
How to Increase Your Web Developer Salary
If your goal is to increase your web developer salary, simply working another year is not always enough. The best salary growth normally comes when your skills and responsibilities also grow.
- Move from basic website development into application development.
- Improve JavaScript and learn a modern framework.
- Learn back-end development and databases.
- Become comfortable working with APIs.
- Learn cloud deployment and basic DevOps concepts.
- Understand website security and performance.
- Build projects that demonstrate real business solutions.
- Take responsibility for larger features and systems.
- Consider moving to a higher-paying industry or employer.
- Compare salaries when changing jobs instead of accepting the first offer.
Web Developer Benefits and Total Compensation
Salary is only one part of what a web developer can receive from an employer. When comparing two web developer jobs, it is important to look at total compensation instead of only the annual salary number.
Some employers offer health insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation, bonuses, stock compensation and professional development support. A job with a slightly lower base salary can sometimes provide better overall value when the benefits package is strong.
- Base annual salary
- Annual or performance bonus
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan contributions
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Stock or equity compensation at some companies
- Remote or flexible work options
- Training and professional development
Web Developer Career Growth
A web developer does not have to remain in the same job title for their entire career. With experience, developers can move into more advanced technical or management positions.
Someone may start as an entry-level web developer and later become a senior developer. From there, some professionals move into technical lead, engineering manager, solutions architect or other technology positions.
Another option is specialization. Developers can focus on e-commerce, cloud applications, front-end engineering, back-end systems, cybersecurity, performance optimization or other areas where businesses have specific needs.
Web Developer Education and Training
Learning web development can happen through different paths. Some developers study computer science or information technology at college, while others learn through coding bootcamps, online courses, self-study and practical projects.
The BLS reports that a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for web developers and digital designers. However, individual employers can set their own requirements, and practical skills remain important in technology hiring. ([bls.gov](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
For someone starting from zero, it is usually better to learn the fundamentals properly instead of trying to learn dozens of programming languages at the same time. HTML, CSS and JavaScript provide a useful starting point before moving into frameworks and more advanced development.
Is Web Developer a Good Career Without Experience?
Starting a web development career without experience can be difficult, but it is possible. The biggest challenge is proving to an employer that you can actually build and maintain working websites or applications.
A portfolio can help solve this problem. Instead of only saying that you know JavaScript or React, show projects that use those technologies. A small e-commerce website, dashboard, booking system or API-based application can give an employer something real to evaluate.
- Create at least three useful portfolio projects.
- Make the projects responsive for mobile and desktop.
- Write clean and understandable code.
- Publish projects where employers can test them when possible.
- Explain the technical problems you solved.
- Keep learning while applying for jobs.
Web Developer Salary: Key Takeaways
The web developer salary in the USA remains attractive for people who want to build a technology career. The national median annual wage was $92,650 in May 2025, while the median hourly wage was about $44.54. The highest 10 percent earned more than $162,290 annually.
State-level salary differences can be large. Washington, Virginia and California were among the higher-paying states in the available 2025 data. Experience, technical skills, industry and location can all change the amount a developer earns.
For someone entering this career, the most useful approach is to focus first on strong fundamentals and real projects. After that, learning back-end development, databases, APIs, cloud technologies and security can open more opportunities. A higher salary usually follows stronger skills and greater responsibility, not just a different job title.
Conclusion
Web development can be a good-paying career in the United States, especially for people who continue improving their technical skills. The national median web developer salary of $92,650 gives a useful benchmark, but actual pay can range widely depending on experience, state, employer and specialization.
If you are just starting, do not focus only on reaching a six-figure salary quickly. Learn the fundamentals, build real projects and gain professional experience. As your ability to handle larger and more complicated web applications improves, your earning potential can improve with it.
The job market is also changing with new development tools and AI-assisted coding. Developers who learn how to use these tools while still understanding programming fundamentals may be in a stronger position. AI can help write code, but knowing how to check, improve, secure and maintain that code is still a valuable developer skill.
Web Developer Salary FAQs
1. What is the average web developer salary in the USA?
The national median web developer salary was $92,650 per year in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. How much does a web developer make per hour?
The median hourly wage for web developers was about $44.54 per hour in May 2025. Actual hourly pay depends on experience, location and employer.
3. How much does a web developer make a month?
Using the national median annual salary of $92,650, the simple monthly calculation is about $7,721 before taxes and other deductions.
4. Can a web developer make over $100,000 a year?
Yes. Experienced developers and developers working in higher-paying locations can earn more than $100,000 per year. The highest 10 percent earned more than $162,290 in 2025.
5. What state pays web developers the most?
Among states with available 2025 median wage data, Washington had a median web developer salary of $130,440, followed by Virginia at $128,380 and California at $119,570.
6. What is an entry-level web developer salary?
Entry-level pay is normally below the national median because new developers have less professional experience. The exact starting salary varies by state, employer, skills and education.
7. Can I become a web developer without a degree?
It is possible to enter web development without a traditional college degree, although the BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education. A strong portfolio and practical technical skills can help when applying for jobs.
8. Do full-stack web developers earn more?
Full-stack developers can have strong earning potential because they understand both front-end and back-end development. However, salary is not automatically higher just because someone uses the full-stack title.
9. Is web development a good career in the USA?
Web development can be a good career for people who enjoy technology, coding and problem solving. The national median salary is strong, and the occupation is expected to have employment opportunities over the coming years.
10. Will web developer jobs grow in the future?
The BLS projects employment growth for web developers and digital designers from 2025 to 2035 and expects many openings during that period. Demand for websites, e-commerce platforms and web applications continues to support the occupation.