Web Developers
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 2 of 29 tasks
Document technical factors such as server load, bandwidth, database performance, and browser and device types.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 2.8% of the role's time · $209M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Install and configure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) servers and associated operating systems.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 0.5% of the role's time · $34.6M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 11.4% of the role's time · $863M · waiting on a check
Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 10.5% of the role's time · $797M
Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
reason given most often: a failure is too expensive · 7.2% of the role's time · $548M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 6.4% of the role's time · $485M
Respond to user email inquiries, or set up automated systems to send responses.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 6.1% of the role's time · $462M
Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.2% of the role's time · $397M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 5.1% of the role's time · $386M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Perform or direct Web site updates.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 4.7% of the role's time · $355M · waiting on a check
Confer with management or development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.5% of the role's time · $264M
Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 3.0% of the role's time · $225M
Document test plans, testing procedures, or test results.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.9% of the role's time · $219M · waiting on a check
Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.8% of the role's time · $215M
Recommend and implement performance improvements.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.6% of the role's time · $195M
Design and implement Web site security measures, such as firewalls and message encryption.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 2.6% of the role's time · $195M
Incorporate technical considerations into Web site design plans, such as budgets, equipment, performance requirements, and legal issues including accessibility and privacy.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.6% of the role's time · $195M
Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 2.5% of the role's time · $187M
Establish appropriate server directory trees.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.4% of the role's time · $182M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Create Web models or prototypes that include physical, interface, logical, or data models.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 2.1% of the role's time · $162M · waiting on a check
Collaborate with management or users to develop e-commerce strategies and to integrate these strategies with Web sites.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it, and a failure is too expensive · 1.9% of the role's time · $147M
Develop or implement procedures for ongoing Web site revision.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 1.8% of the role's time · $139M
Monitor security system performance logs to identify problems and notify security specialists when problems occur.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.7% of the role's time · $131M
Provide clear, detailed descriptions of Web site specifications, such as product features, activities, software, communication protocols, programming languages, and operating systems software and hardware.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.6% of the role's time · $123M · waiting on a check
Renew domain name registrations.
reason given most often: a failure is too expensive · 1.5% of the role's time · $115M · passed by Claude Sonnet · the models disagreed
Communicate with network personnel or Web site hosting agencies to address hardware or software issues affecting Web sites.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.4% of the role's time · $110M
Develop system interaction or sequence diagrams.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 1.4% of the role's time · $110M · waiting on a check
Evaluate or recommend server hardware or software.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $69.7M
Research, document, rate, or select alternatives for Web architecture or technologies.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 0.9% of the role's time · $65.1M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 20,620 | $1.9B | $62.5M | $0 |
| Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services | 3940 | $511M | $16.4M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 5650 | $498M | $16.0M | $0 |
| Software Publishers | 3070 | $414M | $13.3M | $0 |
| Employment Services | 3320 | $414M | $13.3M | $0 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 4540 | $395M | $12.7M | $0 |
| Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | 4400 | $365M | $11.7M | $0 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 3020 | $316M | $10.1M | $0 |
| Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services | 1400 | $188M | $6.0M | $0 |
| Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers | 1590 | $159M | $5.1M | $0 |