Web Developers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Computer & Mathematical
• O*NET-SOC code: 15-1254
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Develop or implement procedures for ongoing Web site revision.
• Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
• Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
• Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
• Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
• Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
• Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
• Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
• Perform or direct Web site updates.
• Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
• Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.
• Respond to user email inquiries, or set up automated systems to send responses.

Tools and technology

AJAX, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud EC2, Amazon Redshift, Amazon Web Services AWS CloudFormation, Amazon Web Services AWS software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Web and Digital Interface Designers
• Web Administrators
• Software Developers
• Computer Programmers
• Database Administrators
• Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
• Database Architects
• Search Marketing Strategists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Web Developers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.