Web Developer & Digital Designer
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
What the job is
- The work
- Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
BLS
Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Some web developers and digital designers work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Others are self-employed. Still others work in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising.
BLS
Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- People who like both code and design and can focus for long periods, because a small error can stop a page from working.
- Career cluster
- Digital Technology
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (web developers and digital designers).
- Median pay
- $99,520 a year ($47.85 an hour)
BLS
Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 220,100
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +5%, which BLS calls "faster than average"
BLS
Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +11,300 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers vary, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
BLS
Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- In short
- Education ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer a degree in computer science or programming; developers who can show their abilities through work or projects may not need a specific credential.
- License
- Not required
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
-
StateChoose a state
- AlabamaState guide
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- VermontState guide
- VirginiaState guide
- WashingtonState guide
- West VirginiaState guide
- WisconsinState guide
- WyomingState guide
Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Web developer or digital designer: degree or portfolio
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's in computer science or programming · Route 2: Diploma + skills + a portfolio of projects · Route 3: Digital (UX/UI) designer: degree in web design, digital design or graphic arts · Route 4: Digital designer: design degree
More careers in Digital Technology
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 20 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.