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Web developers don’t just build websites-they build businesses. And yes, they make good money. But how good? And does it depend on where you live, what you know, or who you work for? The answer isn’t a single number. It’s a range shaped by skill, location, and demand. In 2025, web developers in Ireland, the U.S., and Germany are earning more than ever. But not everyone gets paid the same. Let’s break down what’s actually happening on the ground.
Entry-Level Web Developers: Starting Out
If you’re just starting, you’re not going to make six figures right away. But you also won’t be scraping by. In Dublin, an entry-level front-end developer with a bootcamp certificate and a solid portfolio can expect €32,000 to €38,000 per year. In Berlin, it’s €35,000-€40,000. In the U.S., especially in cities like Austin or Seattle, it’s $55,000-$70,000.
What makes the difference? It’s not just the job title. Employers look for specific skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and at least one framework like React or Vue. If you can also handle basic responsive design and cross-browser testing, you’re already ahead of 60% of applicants. Companies don’t pay for degrees-they pay for results. A GitHub profile with three live projects beats a CS degree with no code.
Mid-Level Developers: The Pay Jump
After two to four years, things change. Mid-level developers-those who’ve shipped real products, fixed production bugs, and collaborated with designers and product teams-earn significantly more. In Dublin, the average is €52,000-€65,000. In London, it’s £48,000-£60,000. In San Francisco, it’s $85,000-$110,000.
What’s driving the increase? It’s not just experience. It’s specialization. Developers who know how to optimize for performance, use TypeScript, or integrate with headless CMS platforms like Contentful are in higher demand. Companies don’t want someone who can copy a template-they want someone who can solve real problems. If you’ve worked on a site that went from 4-second load time to under 1.2 seconds, you’re worth more.
Full Stack Developers: The Highest Payers
Full stack developers-those who can code both front end and back end-earn the most. In Ireland, they average €68,000-€85,000. In the U.S., it’s $95,000-$130,000. Why? Because they reduce hiring costs. One person who can handle React, Node.js, PostgreSQL, and deploy on AWS is more valuable than two specialists.
Here’s what full stack developers actually do day-to-day: they write API endpoints in Express.js, set up database schemas in PostgreSQL, fix CSS bugs on mobile, and sometimes even configure Nginx. They don’t just code-they think about architecture, security, and scalability. If you can deploy a working app using Docker and GitHub Actions, you’re not just a developer. You’re a problem-solver with multiple skill sets.
Freelancers: More Control, More Risk
Freelancing isn’t for everyone, but it pays well-if you know how to sell yourself. In Dublin, experienced freelance web developers charge €50-€90 per hour. That’s €100,000+ a year if you work 25 hours a week. But here’s the catch: you need clients. You need contracts. You need to handle invoicing, taxes, and downtime.
Top freelancers don’t just build websites. They solve business problems. A client doesn’t hire you to “make a site look nice.” They hire you to increase conversions, reduce bounce rates, or integrate a payment system. If you can show past results-like “increased sign-ups by 42%”-you can charge premium rates. Many freelancers in Europe now work with U.S. startups, billing in USD and earning the equivalent of €120,000 annually.
Remote Work and Global Pay Disparities
Remote work changed everything. A developer in Lisbon can work for a startup in New York and earn $90,000 while living where rent is half the price. But that doesn’t mean everyone gets paid the same. Companies in Silicon Valley still pay more. But many European firms now offer competitive salaries to attract talent without requiring relocation.
Some companies use location-based pay. Others pay the same globally. If you’re applying for remote jobs, look for firms that pay based on role, not zip code. Startups like GitLab and Automattic pay the same rates worldwide. That’s a big win for developers outside the U.S.
What Skills Pay the Most in 2025?
Not all web development skills are equal. Here’s what’s driving salary spikes right now:
- React + TypeScript: The most in-demand combo. Companies use it for 78% of new front-end projects.
- Next.js: Used by Airbnb, Netflix, and Uber. Knowing it adds €10,000-€15,000 to your salary in Europe.
- Web Performance Optimization: Speed matters. Developers who can reduce LCP and CLS scores are hired first.
- Headless CMS Integration: Contentful, Sanity, Strapi. Companies want content teams to manage pages without touching code.
- APIs and Backend with Node.js: Full stack devs who can build REST and GraphQL endpoints earn more than front-end-only devs.
Learn one of these, and you’re not just a coder-you’re a strategic asset.
Is Web Development Still a Good Career?
Yes. But not because it’s easy. It’s good because demand is growing. The World Economic Forum lists web development as one of the top five emerging jobs in Europe. In Ireland alone, tech companies hired over 12,000 new developers in 2024.
Here’s the reality: if you’re willing to learn, adapt, and build things that matter, you’ll make good money. You won’t get rich overnight. But if you keep improving, you’ll outearn 80% of office workers in other industries.
Web development isn’t about memorizing syntax. It’s about solving problems. The people who make the most money aren’t the ones who know the most frameworks. They’re the ones who understand users, business goals, and how to deliver value fast.
What’s Holding People Back?
Most people who struggle to earn well in web development aren’t lacking talent. They’re lacking focus. They jump from tutorial to tutorial without building real projects. They wait for the “perfect” course instead of shipping something-even if it’s messy.
Here’s what works: build one site. Launch it. Get feedback. Fix it. Then build another. Repeat. After three projects, you’re not a beginner anymore. You’re someone with experience. And that’s what employers pay for.
Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for a degree. Start now. The money follows the skills you actually use-not the ones you just watch.
Do web developers make more than software engineers?
It depends. Web developers who specialize in full stack or performance-critical applications often earn as much as general software engineers. But engineers working on systems, AI, or embedded software in big tech firms (like Google or Meta) typically earn more-especially in the U.S. In Europe, the gap is smaller. A senior web developer in Dublin can earn €85,000, while a senior software engineer might earn €95,000. The difference isn’t huge if you’re in the right niche.
Can I become a web developer without a degree?
Absolutely. Over 60% of professional web developers in Europe don’t have a computer science degree. What matters is your portfolio, your ability to solve problems, and your communication skills. Bootcamps, freeCodeCamp, and personal projects are enough to land a job if you can demonstrate real results. Employers care about what you can build, not where you went to school.
Is web development a stable career?
Yes, but only if you keep learning. The tools change fast. Five years ago, jQuery was everywhere. Now, it’s React and Next.js. The core skills-HTML, CSS, JavaScript, problem-solving-stay the same. But if you stop updating your skills, you’ll get left behind. Web development is stable because every business needs a website. But staying employed requires staying current.
How long does it take to start earning as a web developer?
You can start earning within 6-9 months if you’re consistent. Build one project every month. Learn one new tool every two weeks. Apply to junior roles after you’ve built three real websites-even if they’re simple. Many people take two years because they get stuck in tutorial hell. The fastest path is to build, launch, and get feedback-not just watch videos.
Do web developers work long hours?
Most work 35-40 hours a week. Deadlines can mean extra hours before a launch, but burnout is avoidable. Companies that value sustainable development don’t expect 60-hour weeks. Freelancers may work longer, but they also control their schedule. The myth of the 80-hour coder is outdated. Modern web development is about efficiency, not endurance.
Next Steps: What to Do Now
If you’re serious about making good money as a web developer, here’s your simple plan:
- Choose one framework-React or Vue-and learn it deeply.
- Build three real projects. One for a friend, one for a local business, one for yourself.
- Deploy them online using Netlify or Vercel. Make sure they load fast.
- Write a short case study for each: What problem did you solve? What was the result?
- Apply to 10 junior roles. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.”
You don’t need to know everything. You just need to start.