When you think about web developer salary 2025, the amount a professional earns for building and maintaining websites and web applications. Also known as web development pay, it varies wildly based on skill, location, and whether you work freelance or full-time. This isn’t just about coding—it’s about solving real problems for businesses, from small shops to big brands.
Many people assume web developers make a flat rate, but that’s not how it works. A freelance web developer pay, how much independent developers charge per hour or per project. Also known as freelance web development pay, it can range from $25 to $150 an hour depending on experience and niche. Someone who builds simple WordPress sites might charge less than someone who codes custom React apps with Node.js backends. And if you’re in the UK, you’ll likely earn more than someone in Eastern Europe—but less than someone in San Francisco.
Then there’s the full-stack developer salary, the income earned by developers who handle both front-end and back-end tasks. Also known as full stack developer pay, it’s often higher because you’re doing two jobs at once. Companies pay more for this because they don’t need to hire two people. But even within full-stack roles, pay changes based on what you specialize in. A developer who knows how to integrate APIs, manage databases like MySQL, and deploy on cloud platforms like Google Cloud earns more than someone who only tweaks CSS.
Don’t forget WordPress developer salary, what professionals earn specifically working with WordPress sites. Also known as WordPress developer pay, it’s a whole different ballgame. WordPress is everywhere, but that doesn’t mean it pays less. In fact, many businesses pay well for developers who can build fast, secure, scalable WordPress sites—especially if they know PHP, custom themes, and plugin development. Some even earn more than general web devs because they solve very specific, high-demand problems.
Location matters, but experience matters more. A junior dev in Manchester might make £35k, while a senior dev in London makes £70k. But a self-taught dev with a solid portfolio and real client results can out-earn someone with a degree but no track record. The market doesn’t care where you learned—it cares what you can deliver.
And yes, age doesn’t matter. People over 40 are switching into web dev and landing solid salaries. You don’t need a degree. You don’t need to be a genius. You just need to build things, learn from feedback, and keep improving.
What you’ll find below are real breakdowns of what web developers earn in 2025—not guesses, not theory. We’ve pulled data from actual freelancers, full-time hires, and niche specialists. You’ll see how much WordPress devs make, how freelance rates stack up against salaried roles, and what skills push pay higher. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to plan your next move.
In 2025, the highest-paid freelance web developers solve high-stakes business problems-not just build websites. Learn which skills command $150+/hour and how to shift from coding to value-based pricing.