Web developer

Alternative titles for this job include Front end developer, back end developer, full stack developer

Web developers use computer code to create and maintain websites and applications.

Average salary (a year)

£27,000 Starter

to

£60,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

as a contractor / self-employed as customers demand

Meet Pauline

Pauline creates and manages websites in her day job, but is also a freelancer with her own coding business.

She coded in secret until she found a coding community for women.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• web design and development
• computer science
• digital media development
• software engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You can take a college course that might help you get a trainee developer job.

Courses include:

• computing
• web design and development
• software development
• T Level in Digital Software Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to T Levels
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Software Development Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Software Developer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

You might be able to start as a junior developer and do training on the job.

More Information

Career tips

You could build up your skills and knowledge using online learning resources for:

• programming languages
• project management
• software development methods

Further information

You can get more advice about working in computing from:

• TechSkills
• IT PathFinder
• The Chartered Institute for IT

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to write computer programs
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• persistence and determination
• maths knowledge
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a web developer, you could:

• meet clients to discuss what they need
• work out how the website or application will fit together
• create plans and prototypes with the design team
• write code in different programming languages
• build databases and transfer information between them using Applications Program Interfaces (APIs)
• create the layout of on-screen buttons, links and pictures that users need
• work with testers on prototypes to find and fix issues or 'bugs'

Working environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• be a lead programmer, project leader or product manager
• specialise in an area, such as retail or banking systems
• become a systems analyst or IT project manager in other areas of IT
• train students as a further education teacher

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship - Software Development

• Wage: £23,000 a year Annually
• Location: Salford Quays, Manchester

Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship - IT Services

• Wage: £23,000 a year Annually
• Location: Salford Quays, Manchester

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certificate in Software Development

• Provider: THE GROWTH COMPANY LIMITED
• Start date: Flexible
• Location: Not known

Software Development Level 3

• Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
• Start date: 31 August 2026
• Location: Birmingham

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, we're open 10am to 5pm.

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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