Should you become a front-end or back-end developer?

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in web development, you may have heard the terms front-end, back-end and full-stack developers. So, what’s the difference? Which career path is better suited to you? What is the average front-end vs back-end developer salary in the UK?

There are many similarities, but in essence, front-end and back-end developers create websites. Both use different programming languages in order to do so, and both need to have a strong understanding of design principals, especially in user experience, when they’re building the site.

While both are necessary for the creation of a fully-functioning, well-designed websites, front-end and back-end developers work on different parts of the website, whereas a full-stack developer is someone who can do some or all of the above.

What is a front-end developer?

So, which part of the website is a front-end developer responsible for?

As the name implies, a front-end developer builds the ‘front-end’ or the ‘client-side’ of the website, the part that users interact with. Everything that you see on a website—from the way it looks to the way it functions—is built by front-end developers using programming languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Front-end development is an excellent role for the creative and analytically minded; websites need to not only run well, they need to look good too. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in web design, a good combination of hard and soft skills is essential, including:

Communication and interpersonal skills

Design and creative thinking

Understanding of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI)

Optimising websites

Mobile-responsive design

Knowledge of testing and debugging

Experience with front-end development tools, like content management systems, version control systems, APIs, frameworks, and automation

Read more: 5 reasons to become a front-end developer

What is a back-end developer?

In contrast, back-end developers build the ‘back-end’ of the website; the part of the website users don’t see. They build and maintain the systems that process data, manage security and other server-side functions.

To do this, back-end developers use a combination of programming languages like Java, Python, Ruby, and .Net, and their associated frameworks. They also debug code, build and maintain databases, and ensure the regular backing-up of data.

Creativity is also an important soft skill for back-end developers, as are problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Back-end development also requires:

Experience using back-end development tools, like frameworks, APIs, databases, web servers, and cloud computing

Understanding UX and UI

Communication and interpersonal skills

The ability to work both in a team and independently

Full-stack developers, on the other hand, are able to perform as both a front-end and back-end developer, with some or all of the knowledge of both roles.

Read more: Average back-end developer salaries in the UK

What is the average front-end vs back-end developer salary in 2026?

The average front-end and back-end developer salaries continue to climb across the UK, reflecting ongoing demand for experienced digital talent.

According to our 2026 Salary Guide, the median salary for a front-end developer is now £56,000, up from £55,250 in 2022. That represents a steady increase driven by the continued need for user-focused web experiences and strong front-end frameworks. Across the UK, front-end developer salaries typically range from £44,500 at the 25th percentile to £73,000 at the 75th percentile.

Back-end developers have also seen solid growth. The current median salary sits at £54,250, up from £52,250 in 2022—an increase of roughly 4%. Salaries range between £45,000 and £73,000, depending on experience and specialism.

In London, the figures rise substantially due to strong competition for skilled developers. Front-end developers earn between £60,500 and £99,250, with a median of £76,250. Back-end developers command similar figures, ranging from £61,250 to £99,250, with a median salary of £73,750.

The most in-demand professionals continue to be mid-level to senior developers, especially those proficient in modern frameworks and scalable back-end technologies. As digital transformation initiatives accelerate and tech budgets expand, the outlook for both front-end and back-end development roles remains strong.

Are you considering a career in front-end or back-end development? Discover the current job prospects for both roles in our 2026 Salary Guide.

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