Web developers
SOC Code: 15-1254
Web developers carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $90,930 and +7.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 86,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Web developers sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 67% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Web developers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Web developers has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Web developers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Web developers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Web developers (SOC 15-1254) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 86,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +7.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $90,930, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Web developers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
- 2. Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
- 3. Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
- 4. Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
- 5. Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
- 6. Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
- 7. Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
- 8. Perform or direct Web site updates.
- 9. Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
- 10. Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.
Key Skills Required
- Programming
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Analysis
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Communications and Media
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Web developers?
Web developers has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Web developers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Web developers is projected to grow by 7.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 86,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Web developers?
Key skills for Web developers include Programming, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Web developers earn?
The median annual wage for Web developers is $90,930, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Web developers?
The typical entry-level education for Web developers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Web developers?
Web developers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).