Web development has long been a profitable career path for millions. Despite a recent downturn in the tech sector, marked by significant layoffs, the demand for developers, including front-end developers, remains.
For those new to web development, developers often specialize as either back-end or front-end developers, while some practice full-stack development, handling both front and back-end tasks. A front-end web developer focuses on the part of websites that users interact with, explains Dan Martino, digital director and founder of 914Digital, a New York-based digital media company.
“Front-end development involves using HTML and CSS to style websites and enhance their appearance,” he says. Essentially, a front-end developer transforms a design into a functional website, while a back-end developer handles the behind-the-scenes work, such as database connections, Martino adds.
How much do front-end developers make?
The earnings of front-end developers can vary significantly based on their location. On average, front-end developers in the United States earn $102,142 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. However, this figure doesn’t fully represent a developer’s total compensation.
“Many of these roles come with generous benefits packages and bonus pay,” says Julia Pollak, Chief Economist at ZipRecruiter. Front-end developers often receive substantial bonuses, which increase with seniority, and may also be awarded stock grants. Pollak notes that “job postings alone don’t reveal the full compensation—adding equity and bonuses can boost a developer’s total earnings by as much as 50%.”
Regarding the states where front-end developers earn the most, ZipRecruiter’s data shared with Fortune Education reveals that Montana surprisingly tops the list, with average salaries exceeding $117,000. It is followed by New Hampshire, California, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, where front-end developers earn over $113,000 on average.
Cost of living
For developers of all types, the cost of living in a particular state is a crucial factor to consider—a high salary can lose its value in an expensive area. Especially with the recent rise in living costs, evaluating both earnings and expenses is essential for understanding the true value of a salary.
Pollak points out that front-end developers can find high-paying jobs in states with traditionally lower living costs. Certain industries tend to concentrate in specific cities, such as credit card companies in South Dakota or healthcare companies in Kentucky. These states are more affordable compared to places like New York or California, yet the companies there still require developers.
Consequently, these states might offer opportunities to enhance both earning potential and purchasing power
Front-end developer salary by state
Below are the states where front-end developers earn the highest average salaries. These salary figures, sourced from ZipRecruiter, represent averages calculated from early 2024 to May 2024. The cost of living (COL) index for each state, calculated by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), takes into account the average costs of groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation in various metro areas and cities.
Here are the states with the highest-earning front-end web developers:
| Rank | Location | Avg. salary (as of May 2024) | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | $117,200 | 102.9 |
| 2 | New Hampshire | $114,650 | 114.1 |
| 3 | California | $114,424 | 138.5 |
| 4 | Tennessee | $113,950 | 90.3 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | $113,785 | 95.1 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $113,450 | 94.6 |
| 7 | Washington | $112,100 | 116 |
| 8 | Alaska | $110,200 | 125.2 |
| 9 | New Mexico | $109,400 | 94 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $108,529 | 112.8 |
| 11 | Washington, D.C. | $108,447 | 146.8 |
| 12 | South Carolina | $107,711 | 95.3 |
| 13 | Ohio | $107,644 | 94.7 |
| 14 | Massachusetts | $106,421 | 146.5 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $106,098 | 95.6 |
| 16 | Minnesota | $105,373 | 94.1 |
| 17 | Idaho | $103,636 | 98.6 |
| 18 | Missouri | $103,364 | 88.5 |
| 19 | Delaware | $103,080 | 101.1 |
| 20 | New Jersey | $101,378 | 113.9 |
| 21 | Kentucky | $101,369 | 92 |
| 22 | North Carolina | $101,301 | 95.3 |
| 23 | Vermont | $101,125 | 115.3 |
| 24 | Kansas | $100,545 | 87.1 |
| 25 | Alabama | $100,527 | 88.3 |
| 26 | Oklahoma | $100,525 | 86.2 |
| 27 | Wyoming | $100,250 | 92.4 |
| 28 | South Dakota | $100,092 | 92.4 |
| 29 | Colorado | $99,981 | 105.1 |
| 30 | Michigan | $99,732 | 90.6 |
| 31 | Maine | $99,357 | 109.9 |
| 32 | Louisiana | $98,900 | 91 |
| 33 | Nevada | $98,500 | 101 |
| 34 | Rhode Island | $98,388 | 110.7 |
| 35 | Nebraska | $97,854 | 90.9 |
| 36 | West Virginia | $97,669 | 87.7 |
| 37 | Virginia | $97,421 | 101.9 |
| 38 | Iowa | $97,325 | 90.3 |
| 39 | Utah | $96,413 | 103.2 |
| 40 | Arizona | $96,072 | 108.4 |
| 41 | Mississippi | $95,920 | 86.3 |
| 42 | Arkansas | $95,428 | 89 |
| 43 | Georgia | $95,108 | 90.8 |
| 44 | Texas | $94,258 | 92.7 |
| 45 | Illinois | $93,420 | 92.1 |
| 46 | Maryland | $92,185 | 116.5 |
| 47 | Oregon | $92,100 | 114.7 |
| 48 | Indiana | $91,279 | 91 |
| 49 | Florida | $91,082 | 100.7 |
| 50 | Hawaii | No data | 180.3 |
| 51 | New York | No data | 125.9 |
The takeaway
Front-end web development can be a highly lucrative career, with average salaries ranging from $91,000 to over $117,000, depending on location. Despite recent layoffs in the tech sector, web development is projected to grow, with job numbers expected to increase by 16% by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data indicates that front-end developers can earn substantial salaries across all states, with some unexpected states like Montana and New Hampshire topping the list. It’s important to consider the full compensation package when evaluating earnings, as stock grants and bonuses can significantly enhance total income.