2026 Career Guide

How to Become a JavaScript Developer

Complete guide to javascript developer education, certifications, licensing requirements, salary by location, and top employers. Updated January 2026.

Median Salary:$80,730
Job Growth:+16%
Annual Openings:21,800
Education:Bachelor's
Key Takeaways
  • 1.JavaScript Developers earn a median salary of $80,730 with 16% projected growth and 21,800 annual openings (BLS)
  • 2.Education: Bachelor's in Computer Science or Master's in Computer Science typically required
  • 3.No state licensing required; certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect enhance competitiveness
  • 4.Top states by salary: California ($114,750), New York ($97,750), Massachusetts ($95,200), Washington ($93,500)
  • 5.Process takes 4 years including education plus certification preparation
On This Page

What Is a JavaScript Developer?

A javascript developer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications, systems, and technology infrastructure. With 199,400 jobs nationwide, this is a growing occupation with strong career prospects.

The path to becoming a javascript developer typically requires The standard path for software development careers.. To explore web development programs, see our comprehensive rankings.

JavaScript Developer

SOC 15-1254
BLS Data
$80,730
Median Salary
$45,300 - $136,000
+16%
Job Growth (10yr)
21,800
Annual Openings
Bachelor's in Computer Science or Master's in Computer Science or Coding Bootcamp
Education Required
Certification:Recommended but not required
License:Not required

What Does a JavaScript Developer Do? Key Responsibilities

JavaScript Developers perform a wide range of duties depending on their work setting and specialization. Core responsibilities include:

  • Design and develop software applications and systems
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code
  • Debug and troubleshoot software issues
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on projects
  • Review code and provide constructive feedback
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices

How to Become a JavaScript Developer: Step-by-Step Guide

Total Time: 4 years
1
4 years

Complete Bachelor's in Computer Science

The standard path for software development careers.

  • Strong technical foundation
  • Widely recognized
  • Good career prospects
View web-development programs
2
1-6 months

Build Technical Skills

Develop hands-on skills through projects, internships, or bootcamps.

  • Complete personal projects
  • Contribute to open source
  • Build a portfolio
3
1-3 months

Earn Relevant Certifications

Earn certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect to enhance your credentials.

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect - $150-$300
  • Google Cloud Professional - $200
4
1-2 years

Gain Entry-Level Experience

Start your career in an entry-level javascript developer position to build practical experience.

  • Apply for entry-level positions
  • Seek mentorship from experienced professionals
  • Build your professional network
  • Document your accomplishments
5
Ongoing

Pursue Specialization & Advancement

Specialize in high-demand areas and pursue leadership opportunities.

  • Identify specialization areas
  • Pursue advanced certifications
  • Consider graduate education
  • Develop leadership skills

JavaScript Developer Education Requirements: Degrees & Programs

Bachelor's in Computer Science

4 years

The standard path for software development careers.

Advantages

  • Strong technical foundation
  • Widely recognized
  • Good career prospects

Considerations

  • Time commitment
  • May not be required by all employers

Master's in Computer Science

2 years

Advanced degree for specialized or research roles.

Advantages

  • Higher salary potential
  • Specialized knowledge
  • Research opportunities

Considerations

  • Higher cost
  • Not always necessary

Coding Bootcamp

3-6 months

Intensive training programs for career changers.

Advantages

  • Fast track to employment
  • Lower cost
  • Practical skills

Considerations

  • Less theoretical depth
  • Variable quality
  • May need to supplement with self-study

JavaScript Developer Certifications: Required & Recommended

While not required, certifications can increase salary by $5,000-$15,000 annually and demonstrate expertise.

Recommended Specializations

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Amazon Web Services

Validates cloud architecture skills on AWS platform.

$150-$300
Valid: 3 years

Google Cloud Professional

Google Cloud

Demonstrates expertise in Google Cloud technologies.

$200
Valid: 2 years

JavaScript Developer Skills: What You Need to Succeed

Successful javascript developers combine strong technical competencies with interpersonal skills.

Technical Skills

Programming LanguagesEssential

Proficiency in languages relevant to the role (Python, JavaScript, Java, etc.).

Data Structures & AlgorithmsEssential

Foundation for efficient problem-solving and technical interviews.

Version Control (Git)Essential

Collaborative development and code management.

Cloud PlatformsImportant

AWS, Azure, or GCP for modern application deployment.

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingEssential

Breaking down complex problems into manageable solutions.

CommunicationImportant

Explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

CollaborationImportant

Working effectively in agile teams.

JavaScript Developer Career Path: Entry to Senior

The javascript developer career path offers diverse opportunities for advancement. Most professionals start in entry-level roles before advancing to senior positions or specializing.

  • Junior JavaScript Developer (Entry Level): Learning and contributing to projects. Salary: $56,511-$68,621.
  • Mid-Level JavaScript Developer (2-4 years): Independent work on features and projects. Median salary: $80,730.
  • Senior JavaScript Developer (5-7 years): Technical leadership and mentorship. Salary: $96,876-$113,022.
  • Staff/Principal (8+ years): Architecture and cross-team impact. Salary: $121,095-$145,314.
  • Director/VP (10+ years): Engineering leadership. Salary: $145,314+.

JavaScript Developer Salary by State: What JavaScript Developers Earn

National Median Salary
$80,730
BLS OES Data
1
CaliforniaCA
287,500 employed
$114,750
+42% vs national
2
New YorkNY
212,500 employed
$97,750
+21% vs national
3
MassachusettsMA
112,500 employed
$95,200
+18% vs national
4
WashingtonWA
87,500 employed
$93,500
+16% vs national
5
New JerseyNJ
100,000 employed
$91,800
+14% vs national
6
TexasTX
275,000 employed
$80,750
+0% vs national
7
FloridaFL
225,000 employed
$78,200
-3% vs national
8
IllinoisIL
137,500 employed
$86,700
+7% vs national
9
PennsylvaniaPA
125,000 employed
$83,300
+3% vs national
10
OhioOH
112,500 employed
$76,500
-5% vs national

Top Employers Hiring JavaScript Developers by State

California

CA
~2,180 Open Positions
Google
Tech Giant12 locations
Apple
Tech Giant8 locations
Meta
Tech Giant5 locations
Salesforce
Enterprise Software4 locations
Netflix
Tech Giant2 locations

Washington

WA
~1,744 Open Positions
Microsoft
Tech Giant15 locations
Amazon
Tech Giant20 locations
Boeing
Aerospace8 locations
Expedia
Tech Company3 locations

Texas

TX
~2,180 Open Positions
Dell Technologies
Hardware/Software10 locations
Oracle
Enterprise Software6 locations
AT&T
Telecom15 locations
Tesla
Automotive/Tech3 locations
IBM
Tech Giant8 locations

New York

NY
~2,180 Open Positions
JPMorgan Chase
Financial Services20 locations
Goldman Sachs
Financial Services5 locations
Google
Tech Giant4 locations
IBM
Tech Giant6 locations
Bloomberg
Financial Tech3 locations

Massachusetts

MA
~1,744 Open Positions
Fidelity Investments
Financial Services8 locations
Wayfair
E-commerce2 locations
HubSpot
Software2 locations
Raytheon
Defense10 locations

Georgia

GA
~1,744 Open Positions
Home Depot
Retail Tech5 locations
Cox Enterprises
Media/Tech4 locations
NCR Corporation
Tech3 locations
SunTrust/Truist
Financial Services10 locations

Illinois

IL
~1,744 Open Positions
Motorola Solutions
Tech5 locations
Allstate
Insurance/Tech8 locations
McDonald's
Corporate Tech2 locations
United Airlines
Aviation Tech3 locations

Pennsylvania

PA
~1,308 Open Positions
Comcast
Media/Tech8 locations
SAP
Enterprise Software3 locations
Vanguard
Financial Tech4 locations

Florida

FL
~1,744 Open Positions
Citrix
Software3 locations
Ultimate Software/UKG
HR Tech2 locations
Chewy
E-commerce2 locations
Tech Data
IT Distribution3 locations

Ohio

OH
~1,308 Open Positions
JPMorgan Chase
Financial Services10 locations
Nationwide
Insurance/Tech8 locations
Cardinal Health
Healthcare IT4 locations

JavaScript Developer Job Outlook: Growth & Opportunities

JavaScript Developer employment is projected to grow 16% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. About 21,800 job openings are expected each year.

Strong demand is driven by digital transformation, cloud adoption, and the increasing reliance on software across all industries. Professionals with advanced certifications and specialized skills will have the strongest job prospects.

Best Web Development Programs

Related Degree Programs

Bachelor's

Explore degree options.

JavaScript Developer FAQs: Requirements, Salary & Career

Data Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Job outlook, education requirements, and employment data for javascript developers

BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

Wage and employment data by state and metro area

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Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.