Web Developer Job Description (2026): Duties, Skills and Salary
A web developer builds and maintains websites and web applications. They write HTML, CSS and JavaScript, work with a framework such as React, Vue or WordPress depending on the employer, and make sure pages load fast, look right across browsers and devices, and actually work for the people using them.
Web developer roles range from small-business sites built on CMS platforms to complex web applications at tech companies, so the depth of coding involved varies a lot. The best web developers care about both the visual result and what happens under the hood: performance, accessibility and clean, maintainable code.
Web Developer job description template
Copy it, replace everything in [brackets] and cut what doesn't apply. Keep the requirements to what the job really needs.
Template · replace the [brackets]
Web Developer
[Company] · [City and office days, or remote with the countries or time zones you hire in] · [Full-time]
About [Company]
[Two or three sentences on what your company does, who it serves and why this team matters now.]
About the role
[Company] is hiring a web developer to build and maintain [website / web application]. You'll turn designs into working pages, write clean [HTML/CSS/JavaScript], and keep the site fast, accessible and bug-free.
What you'll do
- Build and maintain pages and features using [HTML, CSS, JavaScript / React / WordPress].
- Translate designs and wireframes into responsive, cross-browser layouts.
- Fix bugs reported by QA, support or users, and track down their root cause.
- Optimize page load speed and follow web accessibility best practices.
- Integrate with APIs and backend services for dynamic content.
- Write and maintain documentation for components and pages you build.
- Test changes across browsers and devices before release.
- Collaborate with designers and [backend developers / stakeholders] on new features.
What you'll bring
- [X]+ years building websites or web applications.
- Strong HTML, CSS and JavaScript fundamentals.
- Experience with [a frontend framework such as React or Vue, or a CMS such as WordPress].
- Understanding of responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.
- Familiarity with version control, typically Git.
- Basic understanding of web performance and accessibility (WCAG).
Nice to have
- Experience with a backend language such as [Node.js, PHP or Python].
- Familiarity with [Sass, Tailwind CSS or a design system].
- Experience with [SEO basics or analytics tools].
- Knowledge of [e-commerce platforms such as Shopify].
What we offer
- [Pay range: e.g. $X–$Y base salary, plus bonus or equity if offered]
- [Remote-friendly, equipment stipend, budget for courses]
- [Health cover, retirement or pension plan, paid time off, parental leave]
- [Work authorization: whether you can sponsor a visa or hire through an employer of record]
[Our process: a recruiter call, a take-home or live coding exercise building a small page or component, and a technical interview with the team.]
[Your equal opportunity statement, and how candidates can ask for adjustments during the process]
Put the pay range in the ad. Several US states, including California, Colorado, New York and Washington, require it in job postings, and the EU Pay Transparency Directive gives applicants the right to know the starting pay or its range before the interview.
Web Developer duties by seniority
What the job usually looks like at each level. Pitch the ad at one level and say which in the title.
Junior
- Builds simple pages and components from existing templates, with review.
- Fixes straightforward bugs and learns the codebase and tools.
- Writes basic HTML, CSS and JavaScript for well-defined tasks.
Mid-level
- Builds full features and pages independently from a design.
- Debugs cross-browser and performance issues without much guidance.
- Reviews other developers' code and suggests improvements.
Senior
- Designs the architecture for larger site sections or applications.
- Sets standards for code quality, performance and accessibility.
- Mentors other developers and makes technology choices for the team.
Web Developer career path
- Junior Web Developer
- Web Developer
- Senior Web Developer
- Lead Developer or Frontend Architect
Web developer is a common entry point into tech, reached through coding bootcamps, self-teaching, degrees in computer science, or freelance site-building work. From here, people often specialize into frontend, full-stack or backend development, or move into technical leadership.
Similar roles
- Frontend Developer job description
Focuses more deeply on JavaScript frameworks and UI, often without CMS work.
- Full Stack Developer job description
Adds backend and database work on top of the frontend skills.
- Backend Developer job description
Works on servers, APIs and databases rather than the pages users see.
- Software Engineer job description
Builds broader software beyond websites, often with more formal engineering practices.
Web Developer job description FAQ
What does a web developer do?
Builds and maintains websites and web applications using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, often with a framework or CMS. Duties include turning designs into working pages, fixing bugs and keeping sites fast and accessible.
What skills should a web developer job description require?
Solid HTML, CSS and JavaScript, experience with a relevant framework or CMS, and familiarity with Git and responsive design. Backend or SEO knowledge is a useful extra, better listed as nice-to-have for most roles.
Is web developer an entry-level job?
It can be. Junior web developer roles are common first jobs in tech, often filled by bootcamp graduates, while senior developers lead architecture decisions. State the level and expected experience clearly in the posting.