Ever wondered who builds the parts of a website you click on, scroll through, and interact with every day? That’s the work of a front end developer. If you’re looking to break into the tech world, a role as an entry level front end developer could be your perfect starting point. It’s a field with a healthy job outlook, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which means about 14,500 openings are expected each year.
An entry level front end developer is a programmer who focuses on the user facing side of a website or web application. They use coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to turn static designs into live, functional, and good looking websites. At the junior level, you’ll typically work with a team of senior developers, learning the ropes while contributing to real projects. While a computer science degree can be helpful, it’s absolutely possible to land a role through bootcamps, online courses, and a strong portfolio of personal projects.
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Talk to MismoWhat Does an Entry Level Front End Developer Actually Do?
As a junior front end developer, your daily tasks revolve around building and maintaining the user interface under the guidance of more experienced team members. Your core responsibilities will likely include a mix of coding, testing, and collaboration.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Writing Code: You’ll use HTML to structure the content of a webpage, CSS to style everything (think colors, fonts, and layouts), and JavaScript to add interactive elements like clickable buttons, forms, and menus.
- Testing and Debugging: A big part of the job is making sure the website works correctly across different browsers and screen sizes, an area closely tied to quality assurance best practices. This involves finding and fixing bugs, addressing slow load times, and ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Collaborating with Teams: You won’t be coding in a vacuum. Front end developers work closely with UI/UX designers to bring their visual concepts to life and with back end developers to connect the user interface to the server and databases, benefiting from clear communication through visual representation.
- Continuous Learning: The web changes fast. A key responsibility is staying up to date with new technologies, design trends, and coding techniques to keep your skills sharp.
How to Get an Entry Level Front End Developer Job
The market for an entry level front end developer can be competitive, but with the right strategy, you can stand out. Employers want to see what you can build, so a resume without projects might get overlooked.
Build Your Skills and Portfolio
First, master the fundamentals: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Practice by building your own projects, like a personal website or a simple web app, and consider curating a reading list from programming books that accelerate your learning. This leads to the most important step: creating a strong portfolio. Your portfolio is your proof of skill. A great idea is to build your own personal website to showcase your projects. It demonstrates your abilities and initiative to potential employers.
Gain Real World Experience
If your portfolio feels a bit thin, consider taking on freelance or volunteer work. Building a simple website for a local business or a nonprofit can provide you with a real world project and a valuable testimonial. These experiences show employers that you can deliver results for a client.
Network and Get Involved
Engage with the developer community on platforms like GitHub or by attending local meetups. If you’re exploring roles across borders, check out practical advice for international job seeking. Participating in a hackathon is another fantastic way to build something quickly, learn from others, and expand your professional network. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; connections can often lead to job opportunities.
For those looking for remote work, especially in Latin America, connecting with a talent platform can be a game changer. Services like Mismo specialize in matching skilled developers with great opportunities at U.S. startups. See their overview of remote software engineer roles to understand what clients look for.
Let’s Talk Money: The Average Entry Level Front End Developer Salary
Now for the question on everyone’s mind: what can you expect to earn? In the United States, the median total pay for an entry level front end developer is around $73,000 per year. Base salaries for this role typically fall within a range of $50,000 to about $85,000.
For context, the median annual wage for all web developers and digital designers in 2024 was about $90,930. While entry level roles start below this median, there is significant room for growth. The top 10% of web developers, typically senior professionals, earn more than $160,000 annually.
Why Your Location Matters for an Entry Level Front End Developer Salary
Where you live has a massive impact on your potential earnings. Salaries can vary dramatically between different states and cities. For example, Washington is the highest paying state for web developers, with an average salary of about $96,384 per year, while Arkansas averages around $60,442.
This difference is even more pronounced at the entry level. A junior developer in Washington might start around $49,760, whereas a similar role in Arkansas could be closer to $30,450.
Which City Has the Highest Entry Level Front End Developer Salaries?
Unsurprisingly, major tech hubs lead the pack. The San Francisco Bay Area is the highest paying region in the country, with web developers in the San Francisco metro area earning an average annual salary of $111,840. Other top paying cities include:
- San Jose, California
- Seattle, Washington (average around $93,000)
- New York City, New York (junior median around $86,000)
This salary gap is why many U.S. companies are exploring remote talent and evaluating nearshore outsourcing. Hiring a developer in Latin America, for example, can cost $40,000 to $50,000 per year compared to the $132,000 average for a U.S. based engineer. This allows companies to save 30% to 50% on payroll without sacrificing quality. For businesses looking to scale their teams efficiently, exploring the global talent pool through partners like Mismo is a smart financial and strategic move.
High Paying Jobs Related to Front End Development
If you enjoy the work of a front end developer but are curious about paths with even higher earning potential, several related roles are worth considering.
- Back End Developer: These engineers work on the server, database, and application logic. Back end developers often earn about 8% to 10% more than front end developers with similar experience because their work involves complex architecture and security challenges.
- Full Stack Developer: A full stack developer handles both front end and back end tasks. This versatility is highly valued, and it shows in the paycheck. A junior full stack developer in the U.S. earns a median pay of around $93,000 per year, significantly more than a junior front end developer. To get started on the backend, try building a small API with FastAPI.
- Mobile App Developer: Building user interfaces for iOS or Android apps is another lucrative path. Mobile developers are in high demand and often command salaries that are comparable to or higher than web developers.
- Software Engineer at a Big Tech Company: Large tech companies often have a general “Software Engineer” title for new graduates and may not distinguish between front end and back end roles for entry level pay. These positions frequently offer total compensation packages well into the six figures, far exceeding the industry average for a typical entry level front end developer.
Expanding your skill set is a great way to boost your earning potential. Here’s how to level up as an engineer. Whether you’re aiming for a specialized entry level front end developer job or a broader full stack role, platforms that connect you with top companies can accelerate your career. Find the perfect remote tech role by exploring opportunities with a dedicated talent partner like Mismo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important skills for an entry level front end developer?
The three non negotiable skills are HTML for structure, CSS for styling, and JavaScript for interactivity. Beyond that, familiarity with a JavaScript framework like React, version control with Git, and an understanding of responsive design are highly valuable.
Do I need a computer science degree?
No, you don’t necessarily need a degree. Many successful front end developers are self taught or graduates of coding bootcamps. A strong portfolio that showcases your skills is often more important to employers than a specific degree.
How long does it take to get a job as an entry level front end developer?
This varies widely depending on your learning pace, the quality of your portfolio, and your job search strategy. Some people land a job in a few months after completing a bootcamp, while for others, it might take six months to a year of dedicated learning and applying.
Is front end development a good career choice?
Yes, it’s a great career choice with strong demand, solid salaries, and plenty of opportunities for growth. The field is creative, challenging, and allows you to build tangible products that people use every day. With a projected 14,500 job openings each year, the outlook is very positive.
What is the difference between a front end and back end developer?
A front end developer builds the visual, interactive part of a website that the user sees (the client side). A back end developer builds and maintains the server, database, and application logic that power the website from behind the scenes (the server side).