A front-end developer creates the front-end part of websites and web applications – the part that users actually see and interact with.

A front-end developer builds websites and applications using web languages ​​such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that allow users to access and interact with the website or application. When you visit the site, the design elements you see were created by a front-end developer.

Contrast this with back-end developers who work on developing the behind-the-scenes parts of a website or application, such as data storage, security, site performance, or other server-side features.

What does a front-end developer do?

Front-end developers create a user interface (UI) that defines what each part of a website or application does and what it will look like.

For example, if someone wanted to build a website, they could hire a front-end developer to create the website layout. The front-end developer determines where to place the images, what the navigation should look like, and how the site should be presented. A big part of their job is to make sure that the look and layout of the website or app is easy to navigate and intuitive for the user.

Front-end developer salary and job prospects

According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a front-end developer in the US was $88,558 in May 2022. Factors such as education level, experience or certifications can affect how much you earn.

Front-end development is a career that is expected to continue to be in demand for many years to come. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that web developer jobs in the United States are expected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, well above the overall average of 8 percent for all jobs.