By Curtis Booth - Published on September 29, 2024

As someone who has spent more than a decade immersed in the world of web development, I've witnessed firsthand the ever-changing landscape of this industry. Over the past five years, especially in my role as founder of CJB Web Development, I've noticed significant shifts in how web developers work, how the job market operates, and how compensation has evolved. Web development, like any tech industry, is constantly adapting to new tools, technologies, and societal changes. Today, I want to share my perspective on how the role of web developers has changed in the UK over the past five years, how the job has been impacted by external factors, and what it all means for current and aspiring developers.

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1. The State of Web Development Five Years Ago

Back in 2018, the role of a web developer in the UK was already a well-established profession, but there was a lot more standardization in terms of what was expected. Back then, front-end and back-end development were relatively well-defined roles. Most developers were either specializing in HTML/CSS/JavaScript for the front-end or focusing on server-side programming using PHP, Python, or JavaScript frameworks like Node.js for back-end work.

At that time, frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue were already gaining popularity, but they were nowhere near as widespread or essential as they are today. Most employers were content with developers knowing one or two of these tools, and experience levels weren't quite as competitive. The demand for developers was strong, but remote work wasn't as mainstream—most roles were office-based, particularly in tech hubs like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Salaries were solid, but they hadn't yet reached the highs we see today.

2. The Rise of Remote Work: A Game Changer

One of the most significant changes I've observed, especially as the founder of a contractor-based company, is the shift towards remote work. This transition was already happening slowly before 2020, but the pandemic turbocharged the process. In the pre-2020 landscape, many web development jobs were strictly office-based. Even as a contractor, clients typically preferred face-to-face meetings or at least the option for in-person collaboration. This limited the scope of work to local or national clients.

However, since the pandemic, the remote work revolution has completely transformed the way developers operate. Now, the geographical location of developers and clients has become almost irrelevant. I can be based anywhere in the UK, or even internationally, and work seamlessly with clients from all over the world. This flexibility has been both liberating and challenging. On the one hand, the pool of potential clients has expanded dramatically, but on the other, the competition for projects has become more global.

3. Increased Demand for Full-Stack Developers

In recent years, there's been a noticeable increase in the demand for full-stack developers—those who can comfortably handle both front-end and back-end work. Back in 2018, companies were more likely to hire specialists for each part of the stack. Now, especially with the rise of JavaScript frameworks like Next.js and full-stack solutions such as the JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, and Markup), employers expect developers to be proficient in both areas.

This shift towards full-stack development has also coincided with the growing use of serverless technologies and cloud platforms. Whereas a back-end developer in 2018 would be focused on traditional server management, today's web developers are often expected to deploy code directly to platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure. At CJB Web Development, we've had to upskill consistently in these areas to stay competitive.

4. The Influence of Automation and AI on Workflow

Over the last five years, automation tools and AI-driven solutions have crept into the world of web development, revolutionizing how developers work. Tools like GitHub Copilot or automated testing frameworks have drastically improved efficiency. For example, automated deployment pipelines (CI/CD) have become standard in modern development environments. In 2018, these were still considered somewhat advanced, reserved for large-scale projects. Today, even smaller companies expect these workflows.

From my perspective, as someone who manages a team of contractors, these changes have been both beneficial and transformative. It has enabled us to complete projects faster and more efficiently, but it's also increased the pressure to constantly adapt to new tools. This rapid change means that a web developer's toolkit looks drastically different from just a few years ago. Being flexible and willing to learn new technologies has become a prerequisite for staying relevant in the industry.

5. Salary and Compensation: Upward Trends, But with a Catch

When it comes to compensation, the last five years have generally been a period of growth for web developers in the UK. In 2018, a mid-level web developer could expect to earn anywhere between £30,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on location and expertise. Senior developers were earning closer to £50,000 to £70,000 annually. Fast forward to 2024, and those numbers have increased significantly.

Today, even mid-level developers can command salaries in the range of £45,000 to £60,000, while senior developers in top firms or agencies can easily make upwards of £80,000, with some earning well over £100,000 in specialized roles. The proliferation of remote work and the rise of contractor roles have also meant that developers can often negotiate higher rates, particularly for short-term or specialized projects.

However, there’s a catch: while salaries have increased, so have the expectations placed on developers. The rise of full-stack development means that a mid-level developer in 2024 is expected to have a far broader skill set than one in 2018. In a way, higher salaries reflect the increased complexity and scope of the job rather than just inflation or increased demand.

6. Freelancing and Contracting: The Golden Age?

As the founder of a web development contracting company, I’ve seen how freelancing and contracting have evolved over the past five years. In 2018, while freelancing was popular, it wasn’t quite as prevalent or lucrative as it is today. The rise of platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal has made it easier than ever for developers to find short-term projects or freelance gigs. Additionally, the remote work boom has opened up opportunities for UK developers to work with international clients.

In my own experience at CJB Web Development, the majority of our clients now come from outside the UK. This has had an enormous impact on our work-life balance and compensation. Being able to pick and choose clients from across the globe has allowed for more control over project timelines and rates, something that was far more challenging when most work was locally based. However, it has also led to increased competition, as UK developers are now competing with talent from across the world, often from countries where the cost of living—and thus, the expected rates—are lower.

7. Work-Life Balance: A Double-Edged Sword

If you had asked me five years ago about work-life balance in web development, I would have probably said that it was fairly manageable. Office hours were more defined, and while overtime wasn't uncommon, the rigid structure of in-person work kept things somewhat predictable.

Fast forward to today, and the boundaries between work and life have blurred significantly, especially with the increase in remote work. While it’s true that working from home offers flexibility, it has also made it harder to "switch off" at the end of the day. In my role as a contractor, this has become even more pronounced. Client expectations have shifted—if you’re available online, they assume you're available for work, regardless of time zones or local business hours.

For many developers, this has created a paradox: while you have more control over your schedule, there’s also a constant pull towards overworking. Finding that balance has become a challenge, one that requires discipline and clear communication with clients.

8. The Skills Gap and Future Trends

Looking ahead, I foresee continued growth in demand for web developers, but with an even greater emphasis on specialization. Skills like DevOps, cloud architecture, and artificial intelligence integration will become increasingly important. There’s also likely to be more emphasis on cybersecurity, as the web becomes a more complex and integral part of everyday life.

At CJB Web Development, we’ve already started preparing for this shift by investing in upskilling and ensuring our team is well-versed in the latest technologies. The future is bright for developers, but only for those who are willing to continuously learn and adapt.

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