Web Developer vs Software Developer (5 Powerful Differences)

You're neck-deep in spreadsheets when your email pings. Your company's going full butts-in-seats with a new in-office mandate.

That's the last straw.

You... calmly... scream into a pillow, grab a fresh cup of coffee, and fire up the job boards. It's time to make that career pivot into the dev world you've been psyching yourself up for.

After months of late-night coding tutorials and weekend hackathons, you're ready to turn those "Hello World" programs into a legit dev career.

Two listings catch your eye. "Remote Web Developer" and "Remote Software Developer".

The requirements? Check. 

That dusty CS degree and your shiny new skills seem to fit the bill. But the actual job descriptions? That's where things get foggy.

What's the real difference? Are the day-to-day tasks the same? Could picking the wrong one derail your dev dreams before they even start?

This isn't about snagging any old job. 

It's about laying the groundwork for your future in tech. Web dev or software dev is a choice that could shape everything from who you work with in your daily grind to the zeros in your bank account.

We're about to crack open the 5 key differences between web developers vs software developers. By the time we're done, you'll have the intel to confidently choose your path and get applying!

Difference 1: Education and Skill Sets

Education and skill set are the first major differences in the quest to understand the web development vs software development conversation. Academic background, skills, and experience all play a role in determining which path might be more accessible.

Web Developers: The Portfolio Builders

• Educational background: Self-taught, bootcamps, associate/bachelor's degrees
• Entry-level skills:
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript proficiency
  • Familiarity with web frameworks (React, Angular, Vue.js)
  • Basic understanding of server-side languages (PHP, Ruby, Python)
  • Version control systems (Git)

Software Developers: The Degree Holders

• Educational background: Often a bachelor's in computer science or a related field
• Entry-level skills:
  • Proficiency in core programming languages (Java, C++, Python)
  • Understanding of data structures and algorithms
  • Knowledge of software development methodologies
  • Database management fundamentals

Even though both routes demand lifelong learning, your education and skills can make a big difference when trying to get your foot in the door at most jobs.

Many companies hiring software developers still see a degree as a must-have. 

Web development is often more flexible, where a kick-ass portfolio might even speak louder than your on-page credentials.

But don't let the degree debate fool you into thinking one path is superior. It's all about matching your background and skills to the right opportunity.

Difference 2: Scope of Work

The million-dollar question - what do web developers and software developers actually do? While there's some overlap in expertise, the core of their work is distinctly different.

Web Developers: Online Architects

• Primary focus: Creating websites and web applications
• Work environment: Internet browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
• Key languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
• Main tasks:
  • Developing clear, responsive, interactive websites
  • Juggling client-side UX/UI and server-side power
  • Ensuring cross-browser compatibility
  • Optimizing for web performance and SEO

Software Developers: Digital Builders

• Primary focus: Building software for various platforms and devices
• Work environment: Desktop, mobile, and embedded systems
• Key languages: Java, C++, Python (among others)
• Main tasks:
  • Developing applications across systems (Windows, iOS, Linux)
  • Creating software that drives hardware
  • Building complex systems and databases
  • Focusing on offline functionality and system-level operations

Understanding scope is all about aligning your tech passions with your day-to-day reality.

Are you itching to shape the face of the web, crafting experiences that millions will interact with through their browsers? Or does the idea of building complex software systems that power our devices get your coding fingers twitching?

Your choice here sets the stage for the problems you'll solve and the skills you'll need to master. It's about making sure you're scratching that tech dream itch, day in and day out.

Difference 3: Collaboration and Workflow

The lone wolf coder is a myth. 

In reality, your tech career is shaped by the squad you roll with. Let's break down the crew dynamics and daily hustle for web developers and software developers.

Web Developers: A Creative-Tech Blend

• Key collaborators: Designers, UX/UI specialists, content creators, marketing teams
• Workflow focus: User experience and visual appeal
• Project cycle:
  • Rapid prototyping and iterative design
  • Frequent updates and A/B testing
  • Balancing aesthetics with functionality
  • Continuous integration for live websites

Software Developers: All In On Code

• Key collaborators: Other developers, software architects, QA engineers, product managers
• Workflow focus: Functionality, performance, and scalability
• Project cycle:
  • Extensive planning and system design
  • Longer development cycles with staged releases
  • Rigorous testing and debugging
  • Ongoing maintenance and updates

Are you energized by the idea of bridging the gap between design and functionality, turning mockups into living, breathing websites? Or does the thought of deep-diving into complex systems with a team of fellow code enthusiasts get you fired up?

This choice impacts everything from the structure of your day to the networks you'll build to the skills you'll develop along the way. It's about finding the tribe that excites you and an environment that feeds you.

Difference 4: Career Prospects and Salaries

Let's talk cold, hard cash, and career trajectory. 

While both paths can lead to lucrative careers, the numbers tell an interesting story about demand and earning potential.

Web Developers

• Job Growth: 8% from 2023 to 2033 (U.S. data)
• Average US Salary:
  • Entry-level: $64,000 to $103,000
  • Senior level: $89,000 to $136,000
• Key Growth Areas:
  • Progressive Web Apps
  • Voice User Interface Integration
  • Blockchain Web Solutions

Software Developers

• Job Growth: 18% from 2023 to 2033 (U.S. data)
• Average US Salary:
  • Entry-level: $83,000 to $125,000
  • Senior level: $117,000 to $151,000
• Key Growth Areas:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Cloud and Edge Computing
  • Internet of Things (IoT)

Software development is currently showing explosive growth and higher salary ceilings. But don't let that fool you into thinking web development is yesteryear's news.

The web isn't going anywhere, and skilled web developers are still in high demand. 

Plus, with the lines between web and software development blurring (hello, PWAs!), web devs with the right skills are going to become powerful bridging points.

Difference 5: Tools and Technologies

Web developers and software developers might share some overlapping tech knowledge, but when it comes to their daily grind, they often reach for different tools. 

Let's break down their go-to tech stacks.

Web Developers: Drawing With Code

• Development Environments: Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, WebStorm
• Key Technologies: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+); React, Angular, Vue.js; Node.js, PHP, Ruby on Rails
• Essential Tools: Chrome DevTools; Git and GitHub; npm (Node Package Manager)

Software Developers: Building Scalable Systems

• Development Environments: IntelliJ IDEA, Eclipse, Visual Studio
• Key Technologies: Java, C++, Python; .NET Framework, SQL, NoSQL databases
• Essential Tools: Docker; Jenkins; Jira

Where web developers often focus on creating sleek, responsive user interfaces and smooth user experiences, software developers are usually more concerned with building robust, scalable systems that can handle complex operations. 

Their tools align with where this attention falls.

But the terrain is changing.

Modern web applications are becoming increasingly complex, pushing web developers to expand their skills into traditionally software dev territory. 

This evolution is blurring the lines between these once distinct roles. The result? A rich, interconnected tech ecosystem where the tools and technologies of both worlds are becoming intertwined.

Web Developer vs Software Developer: Chart Your Course

Web Dev or Software Dev - which path is right for you?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Web development might be your jam if you're all about crafting jaw-dropping user experiences, enjoy the fast pace of internet tech, and want to see your work live on the web.

But if you're curious about complex systems, enjoy untangling mind-bending problems, and want to build software that powers everything from smartphones to spacecraft, software development is your calling.

Whichever path you choose, you're stepping into a tech world that's been stuck in 6th gear for decades. Both roles are hot commodities, with projects that'll make your inner geek squeal and paychecks that'll make your bank account do a happy dance.

Now that you've got these 5 key differences under your belt, you're packing the intel you need to make the choice for you.

Web developer vs software developer? Armed with these 5 key differences, you're now equipped to make an informed decision - so choose wisely.

Ready to turn those late-night coding sessions into a legit tech career? Keep your eyes peeled for fully remote web developer and software developer roles over on Crossover. Who knows? 

Your ticket to a six-figure salary might be just a click away!