Front end developer job description.

What does a front end developer do?

 

A front end developer focuses on building the user-facing part of websites and applications. They use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (often with frameworks like React or Angular) to develop responsive, accessible interfaces that work across devices.

 

Their responsibilities include implementing UI designs, improving user experience, fixing browser compatibility issues, and working closely with designers, product managers, and back end developers.

 

In early-stage or lean teams, front end developers may work across the full stack. In larger companies, they specialise in the visual and interactive layers, often contributing to design systems or component libraries.

 

Key responsibilities of a front end developer.

 

Front end developers focus on building the visible and interactive parts of web applications. Common responsibilities include:

• Translating UI/UX designs into pixel-perfect code using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Using frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue to create dynamic interfaces

• Ensuring cross-browser and device compatibility

• Implementing responsive design and accessibility standards

• Working with designers to align development with visual expectations

• Optimising pages for performance and load speed

• Managing application state and component architecture

• Debugging issues and maintaining front-end documentation

• Integrating APIs and working with back-end teams for data flow

• Staying updated on front-end trends, libraries, and best practices

This role blends interface development with performance and accessibility standards.

 

Skills and requirements for a front end developer.

 

Front end developers create visual and interactive web application components. Employers typically look for:

• 2–5 years of experience building user-facing digital products

• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Vue

• Strong understanding of accessibility, responsive design, and UX principles

• Experience integrating APIs and working with JSON data

• Familiarity with front end build tools and package managers

• Confidence using Git, GitHub, or other version control systems

• Attention to detail in styling, layout, and usability

• Understanding of browser compatibility and performance optimisation

• Experience working in agile or sprint-based teams

Most front end developers work closely with designers, back-end engineers, and QA to deliver intuitive experiences.

 

Average salary for a front end developer.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a front end developer typically ranges from £40,000 to £60,000, depending on framework expertise, UI/UX collaboration, and code quality.

• Mid-level front end developers tend to earn between £40,000 and £50,000

• Senior developers with React, Vue, or TypeScript experience can earn between £51,000 and £60,000

• High-performing teams may also offer bonuses for shipping scalable, responsive code at pace

London and remote-first roles in SaaS, ecommerce, and product-led teams pay top-end salaries.

 

Career progression for a front end developer.

 

A front end developer specialises in user-facing interfaces, interaction, and design implementation. This role leads into advanced UI/UX engineering or technical leadership. Career progression typically includes:

 

Junior front end developer

 

Builds components using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Supports more senior devs with design implementation.

 

Front end developer

 

Owns sections of the front end stack using frameworks like React or Vue. Collaborates with designers and back-end teams.

 

Senior front end developer

 

Leads component libraries, performance optimisation, and accessibility standards.

 

Front end lead / UI engineering manager

 

Manages front end standards, architecture decisions, and team development.

 

Head of engineering / CTO

 

Takes responsibility for the wider technology strategy and development culture.