What Does a Front-End Developer Do?

A front-end developer is a type of software developer who creates the user-facing side of websites and applications. They are well-versed in web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that are designed for coding dynamic, interactive user experiences. Anytime you enjoy the look and feel of a digital product, website, or application, you have a front-end developer to thank.

Ready to start preparing for an entry-level front-end developer role? In as little as four months, you can develop strong coding skills with a tech industry leader through Microsoft's Front-end Developer Professional Certificate program.

What does a front-end developer do? 

Front-end developers are responsible for creating enjoyable user interfaces (UI). The term UI refers to the graphical layout, or, everything you can see when you interact with a website or application. In this role, you'll determine where to place images, what the navigation should look like, and the general layout of the website. You'll create navigation tools such as drop-down lists and search bars. Much of their work involves ensuring the appearance and layout of the site or application is easy to navigate and intuitive for the user.

"I've always found crafting polished user interactions that surprise and delight users to be the most rewarding and engaging task," says Mari Batilando, a software engineer at Meta. "In order to do this, you need to both have an eye for detail and a rock-solid understanding of the platform."

Front-end vs. back-end: What's the difference?

What's the difference between a front-end developer and a back-end developer? Back-end developers work to develop the behind-the-scenes portions of a website or application, like data storage, security, site performance, or other server-side functions.

Front-end developer job description example

Duties:

• Design and build software components

• Collaborate with back-end and full-stack engineering teams throughout the software development life cycle (SDLC)

• Advise and collaborate with designers and UX researchers to craft a seamless user experience that aligns with customer goals

• Review code and write documentation

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies to continue improving the product

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

• Experience with JavaScript frameworks such as Angular and React

• Proficient in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Typescript

• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills

Average salary for front-end developers

Glassdoor reports an average yearly pay of $117,000 for front-end developers in the US. This figure includes the average annual salary of $83,119 plus reported additional pay, which may include profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses. Factors like education level, experience, and certifications may affect salary range.

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2025

Front-end developer job outlook

Front-end development is a career that is expected to continue being in demand for years to come. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that web developer jobs in the US should grow by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033 [1]. 

Where do front-end developers work?

The demand and flexibility of this position translate into many career opportunities across various industries and locations. Whether that means working with a non-profit organization, starting your own freelance business, or being an in-house developer for a company, you’ll likely have the chance to find a role that fits your interests.

Work remotely as a front-end developer

The computer-heavy nature of the job also means plenty of opportunities to work remotely. Being a front-end developer can mean being able to work for companies across the country—or even the globe—from the comfort of your home.

Read more: 10 Work From Home Remote Jobs That Pay Well

How to become a front-end developer

A career as a front-end web developer can flex your creativity and problem-solving skills. As a field that is constantly evolving to incorporate new technology, front-end development can reward those who like to learn new things and face challenges. The next few sections outline some of the most prominent skills for front-end developers.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

These three languages are essential to anyone who wants to work in front-end development.

• HTML (hypertext markup language): The basic building block needed to develop websites; a language that allows you to make notes in digital documents that are different from regular text.

• CSS (cascading style sheets): The language used to create the layout, color, and overall style of the pages you create with HTML.

• JavaScript: The programming language that determines what the page will do.

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript work together to determine the look and functionality of the page. 

How to get started: If you want to learn HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, consider enrolling in an online course like HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers from John Hopkins University. You'll build the foundational knowledge you need to start a career in web development while earning a certificate for your resume.

Frameworks

Frameworks are platforms for developing software consistently, efficiently, and accurately. They are tools required for JavaScript and CSS to perform the way you want them to. Having a solid understanding of them is crucial for creating page structures.

How to get started: To brush up on your knowledge of popular web development frameworks, consider learning from an industry leader. For example, you can enroll in the Django Web Framework online course taught by the staff at Meta.

Developer tools and software

Software like version control, which tracks and controls changes in your source code, is critical. It allows you to make changes to your code without starting over. Understanding how to use various software development tools is a building block to a successful career. 

You can familiarize yourself with JavaScript, HTML, CSS, .NET, and C# while practicing object-oriented programming with Microsoft's Front-end Developer Professional Certificate program, designed to get you job-ready in just four months.

Workplace skills

In addition to understanding the technology that drives a website, having specific non-technical (or soft) skills can make you a better candidate for becoming a front-end developer. Here are a few you’ll want to keep in mind:

• Creativity

• Problem-solving skills

• Written and verbal communication skills

• Teamwork

Take the next step in your front-end development career with Coursera

AI skills are in high demand and climbing. You can gain the foundational skills you need to become a front-end developer while also gaining experience with AI-assisted coding tools and techniques through Microsoft's Front-End Developer Professional Certificate program.

Or, start by learning the programming languages you'll need to succeed in a front-end development role with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers, an online Specialization offered by John Hopkins University.