Front-End Developer
Build the part of websites and apps users see and click - the visual, interactive layer.
This UK front-end developer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £28,000 - £40,000
- Mid-career salary
- £50,000 - £75,000
- Senior salary
- £80,000 - £120,000+
- Work environment
- Office or remote, mostly desk-based
- Time to entry
- 6 - 18 months (self-taught) or 1 - 3 years (degree)
- Degree required
- Helpful but not required
- Category
- Technology
What a Front-End Developer does
Build the part of websites and apps users see and click - the visual, interactive layer.
- React Developer - Specialise in React-based web apps - the most in-demand frontend stack.
- Web Performance Engineer - Make sites lightning-fast on slow networks and old devices.
How to become a Front-End Developer
- Look up Front-End Developer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Front-End Developer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- React or similar framework
- Responsive design
- Accessibility
- Git