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Web development is one of the most in-demand careers in Australia, with businesses across industries needing skilled professionals to build, maintain, and optimise their digital presence. But with so many job titles floating around, it can be unclear what each role entails and which aligns with your skills.
Whether you’re a budding coder, a career switcher, or a hiring manager looking to refine your job descriptions, this guide breaks down seven of the most popular web developer job titles in Australia, their responsibilities, and the skills needed to excel in them.
1. Front-End Developer
What They Do: Front-end developers are the architects of user experience, crafting everything you see and interact with on a website. They transform design mockups into functional, responsive web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Key Skills:
- Proficiency in React, Vue.js, or Angular
- Knowledge of CSS preprocessors (SASS, LESS)
- Experience with responsive design frameworks (Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS)
Average Salary in Australia: $90,000 – $120,000 per year
Front-end developers often collaborate closely with UI/UX designers to ensure seamless navigation and visual appeal. This could be your ideal role if you love blending creativity with technical precision.
2. Back-End Developer
What They Do: While front-end developers handle what users see, back-end developers work behind the scenes, managing servers, databases, and application logic. They ensure data flows smoothly between the user and the system.
Key Skills:
- Expertise in Python (Django, Flask), Ruby on Rails, or Node.js
- Database management (SQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL)
- API development (REST, GraphQL)
Average Salary in Australia: $100,000 – $140,000 per year
Back-end roles are perfect for problem-solvers who enjoy optimising performance and security.
3. Full-Stack Developer
What They Do: A full-stack developer is a versatile hybrid, skilled in front-end and back-end development. They can build a complete web application from scratch, making them highly sought after in startups and agencies.
Key Skills:
- Front-end (React, Angular, Vue.js)
- Back-end (Node.js, Django, Laravel)
- DevOps basics (Docker, AWS, CI/CD pipelines)
Average Salary in Australia: $110,000 – $150,000 per year
Full-stack is the way to go if you enjoy variety and want to understand the entire development lifecycle.
4. UX/UI Developer
What They Do: UX/UI developers bridge the gap between design and functionality. They focus on enhancing user experience by improving site navigation, accessibility, and visual appeal.
Key Skills:
- Wireframing and prototyping (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch)
- Front-end coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- User research and A/B testing
Average Salary in Australia: $95,000 – $130,000 per year
This role is ideal for those who love psychology-driven design and want to make websites more intuitive.
5. DevOps Engineer
What They Do: DevOps engineers streamline the development process by automating deployments, managing cloud infrastructure, and ensuring smooth collaboration between development and operations teams.
Key Skills:
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)
- Scripting (Bash, Python, PowerShell)
Average Salary in Australia: $120,000 – $160,000 per year
DevOps is a lucrative path if you enjoy optimizing workflows and working with cutting-edge tech.
6. WordPress Developer
What They Do: WordPress developers specialise in building and customising websites using the WordPress CMS. They create scalable, secure sites with themes, plugins, and custom PHP code.
Key Skills:
- PHP and MySQL
- Theme & plugin development
- WooCommerce (for eCommerce sites)
Average Salary in Australia: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
This role is excellent for freelancers and agency developers who want to work with a widely used platform.
7. JavaScript Developer
What They Do: JavaScript developers focus exclusively on JavaScript-based frameworks to build dynamic, interactive web applications. They may work on the front end, the back end (Node.js), or both.
Key Skills:
- React, Angular, or Vue.js
- Node.js and Express.js
- TypeScript (for scalable applications)
Average Salary in Australia: $100,000 – $140,000 per year
With JavaScript dominating web development, specialists in this language are always in demand.
Which Web Developer Role is Right for You?
| Role | Best For | Avg. Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Front-End Developer | Creative coders who love design | $90K – $120K |
| Back-End Developer | Problem-solvers who enjoy logic | $100K – $140K |
| Full-Stack Developer | Versatile developers | $110K – $150K |
| UX/UI Developer | Design-focused techies | $95K – $130K |
| DevOps Engineer | Automation & cloud enthusiasts | $120K – $160K |
| WordPress Developer | Freelancers & CMS specialists | $80K – $110K |
| JavaScript Developer | JS framework experts | $100K – $140K |
Final Thoughts
The Australian tech industry is booming, and web development offers diverse career paths with strong earning potential. Whether you’re drawn to design, logic, or infrastructure, there’s a role that fits your strengths.
Want to break into web development? Consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp or exploring online courses to build your skills. The proper role—and salary—could be just a few projects away.
Which web developer job title interests you the most? Let us know in the comments!
