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🌐 Web developer · BLS median $95,380

Web Developer Salary Calculator: Your Take-Home Pay

The median web developer (and digital designer) earns $95,380 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024). Full-stack and senior developers earn more, and many work freelance or contract, which changes the tax picture. The calculator is pre-filled with the median; set your real pay, pick your state, and see your take-home.

● BLS median $95,380 ● State tax included ● 2026 federal data

🌐 Web developer take-home pay

Web developer pay

What web developers earn — and keep — in 2026

Web development is an accessible, well-paid tech career often entered through a portfolio rather than a specific degree. The BLS reports a median web developer and digital designer wage of $95,380 (May 2024). Full-stack, senior and specialized developers earn more — the top 10% exceed $170,000.

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Freelance changes your taxes: Self-employed and 1099 web developers pay the full 15.3% self-employment tax (both halves of FICA) and make quarterly estimated payments. This calculator models W-2 employment; freelancers should budget extra for the employer-side FICA.

Where a web developer's paycheck goes

On the $95,380 median, a single web developer pays federal income tax mostly in the 22% bracket after the standard deduction, plus 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare. W-2 developers see FICA split with their employer; freelancers cover both halves themselves.

The highest-paying states for web developers

Web developers earn the most in tech and media markets — including Washington, California, New York, Massachusetts and Texas. Washington and Texas charge no state income tax, helping remote developers keep more.

Compare the role with other careers

See how web developer pay compares with a software developer or graphic designer, or check your exact net in Texas.

Questions

Web Developer Salary Calculator FAQ

How much does a web developer make in 2026?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $95,380 for web developers and digital designers (May 2024). Full-stack and senior developers earn more, and the top 10% exceed $170,000.

What is a web developer's take-home pay on $95,380?

A single web developer earning the $95,380 median takes home roughly $73,000 to $75,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state, less where state tax applies. Freelancers should budget for the full self-employment tax.

How are freelance web developers taxed?

Self-employed web developers pay the full 15.3% self-employment tax (both employee and employer FICA) plus income tax, and make quarterly estimated payments. They can deduct half the SE tax and business expenses. This W-2 calculator understates a freelancer's FICA burden.

Which states pay web developers the most?

Web developers earn the highest wages in tech and media markets including Washington, California, New York, Massachusetts and Texas. No-income-tax states like Washington and Texas let remote developers keep more of their pay.

Mustafa Bilgic
Reviewed & maintained by
Mustafa Bilgic — Editor, SalaryCalculator.us

Web Developer wage data is taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook; tax figures from the IRS and SSA.

  • Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Web Developers and Digital Designers (median $95,380, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base · State departments of revenue.
  • 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026

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