Front-end web developer career guide

By: Elizabeth Wallace, Edited by: Alec Surmani

Last updated: May 23, 2025

If you've ever appreciated an exceptionally well-designed website or found yourself thinking about what you may have done differently to one that isn't so well designed, front-end web development may be for you.

Discover what kinds of jobs may be available to you in the field of front-end web development.

What jobs can you get in front-end web development?

Front-end web development is a crucial part of today's internet. You can design the look and feel of websites, making them accessible and user-friendly, and yes, even beautiful.

Front-end developers can work in just about any industry, since nearly every company has a web presence. Let's look at a few career options available to you if this is your path, with each role's required level of education and skills as well as salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Web developer

Web developers use a variety of design and technical skills to build the digital sites we interact with every day.

A front-end web developer focuses on the customer-facing side of websites. These developers consider what users need to navigate through the site and understand what the company or individual wants to convey.

• Education: A boot camp or certification, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree
• Key skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Angular, and debugging tools
• Median annual salary (May 2023): $92,750
• Projected employment growth (2023-33): +9%

Software developer

Software developers create and maintain computer applications and programs using some of the same coding skills as front-end development. Instead of focusing solely on customer-facing tools, software developers can dive into the back end of applications.

• Education: Typically, a bachelor's degree
• Key skills: Programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, software development lifecycle (SDLC) knowledge, and problem-solving abilities
• Median annual salary (May 2023): $132,270
• Projected employment growth (2023-33): +18%

Graphic designer

Graphic designers create visual content to convey messages, improve user experience, and communicate ideas. This is a flexible field for working in a variety of industries, and many graphic designers are self-employed. If you've wanted to start a freelance business, this may be a good route.

• Education: Generally, a bachelor's degree
• Key skills: Proficiency in design software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, and knowledge of visual composition principles
• Median annual salary (May 2023): $58,910
• Projected employment growth (2023-33): +2%

Computer systems designer

Computer systems designers combine front-end development with full-stack skills to design entire computer systems. These skills apply design principles to both user-facing applications and the technical systems that support them.

• Education: Typically, a bachelor's degree, but some employers may prefer a master's degree
• Key skills: Full-stack development skills, systems analysis, network design, and knowledge of common programming languages like Python or C++
• Median annual salary (May 2023): $164,500
• Projected employment growth (2023-33): +26%