A Comprehensive 2023 Guide to Front-End Developer Salary

At present, there are well over a billion websites on the internet and the number keeps changing in real-time. The exponential growth in websites also reflects the high demand for front-end developers. In this guide, we’ll discuss front-end development, the roles and responsibilities of a front-end developer, and the lucrative front-end developer salary packages based on skills, experience, geographical location, and top companies. 

Introduction to Front-End Development

To understand front-end development, it is important to first learn about web development. Web development refers to the tasks associated with building a website and applications for the web or a private network. The process of web development focuses on the creation, maintenance, and management of a website through programming. Web development is usually classified into two categories: front-end development and back-end development. To create a fully functional website, both front-end and back-end development are essential.

Front-end development deals with the visual aspect of the client’s side of a website or an application and employs coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Meanwhile, back-end development is concerned with the basic framework or the server side of the website which is not visible to users. Working with both front-end and back-end development is called full-stack development. 

Front-end developers are responsible for designing, creating, and developing an interactive and user-friendly website. Their main objective is to ensure that the site is easy to navigate across platforms and devices. Here are some of the major roles and responsibilities of a front-end developer. 

Roles and Responsibilities of a Front-End Developer

• Designing, developing, and structuring the visual aspects of websites and applications
• Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create web projects
• Making functional and easy-to-navigate websites and applications across platforms and devices 
• Writing high-quality code that can be scaled and reused over time
• Managing the user interface of web development
• Defining JavaScript architecture
• Enhancing and maintaining the user experience 
• Designing the visuals of websites and applications  
• Collecting and processing data for display
• Maintaining the website and application performance
• Optimizing web applications for mobile devices 
• Troubleshooting and debugging errors 

ALSO READ: How to Become a Front-End Developer: A Comprehensive Guide 

Are Front-End Developers in Demand?

Front-end development is a coveted job, providing excellent opportunities across sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, government, and education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates web developers’ and digital designers’ employment to grow by 23 per cent from 2021 to 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations. 

According to Glassdoor, front-end development is one of the top 50 best jobs in the United States in 2022, with a job satisfaction score of 4 out of 5. Further, the average annual front-end developer salary is $76,181 in the U.S. Although the job profile of a front-end developer is similar across the world, the salary varies based on many factors, such as experience, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. 

Front-End Developer Salary – By Location

Salaries tend to differ based on geographical location, as they account for factors such as the cost of living, job demand, and taxes. Here is how the average annual front-end developer salary compares across regions, according to Glassdoor.

Top Paying Companies

Tech giants such as Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and eBay are increasingly hiring and paying hefty salaries to skilled front-end developers. Here is an overview of front-developer salary levels across top companies, according to Glassdoor. 

Skills That Impact Front-End Developer Salaries

Front-end developer salary packages can vary widely depending on the knowledge and skills. Mastering the following skills can set you apart from the competition and make you eligible for lucrative job opportunities. 

Ideal Skills for Front-End Developers

• Proficiency in CSS and HTML
• Proficiency in Javascript 
• Understanding of frameworks and libraries, such as React, Angular, and jQuery
• Understanding of TypeScript
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Expertise in cross-platform development 
• Testing and debugging projects 
• Good grasp of graphic user interface (GUI)
• Excellent problem solving 
• Great communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently in collaboration 
• Creativity to design the visual aesthetic of a project

With rapid technological development, web technology is evolving at a fast pace requiring front-end developers to keep sharpening their skills and knowledge to stay relevant and competitive in their careers. 

Is it Worth it to Become a Front-End Developer?

Front-end development is a highly lucrative career. As a front-end developer, you can expect great job opportunities, salary packages, additional perks, job satisfaction, and a much-needed work-life balance. Additionally, with experience and credentials, you can progress to higher-paying roles and job opportunities. 

According to Glassdoor, in the U.S., the highest salary of a front-end developer is $117,751 per year. Also, front-end developers in the senior roles of lead front-end developer and senior front-end developer have an average annual salary of $120,176 and $140,845 respectively. Needless to say, a career in front-end development can offer exceptional career growth with time and experience. 

Accelerate Your Development Career With Emeritus

Front-end development is a rewarding and exciting career choice. As web technologies continue to evolve, front-end developers must be creative and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. You can advance your career prospects by taking advantage of the large catalog of online coding courses at Emeritus taught by experts from the world’s best universities. Emeritus courses are an excellent way to learn front-end development as they teach you everything you need to know while also giving you enough flexibility to learn at your own pace. Additionally, if your objective is a career change or advancing into a senior role, taking a short-term course will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge.

Please note all salary figures are from Glassdoor.

By Krati Joshi

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