IT Support Specialist vs Web Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Web Developer earns more on average — the national median is $42,140/year (68%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $147,801 | IT $54,993 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $122,892 | IT $49,975 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $148,827 | IT $61,860 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $113,006 | IT $43,762 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $113,802 | IT $48,925 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $134,947 | IT $55,732 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £80,939 | IT $32,941 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$138,013 | IT $53,817 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Web Developer earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $42,140 (68%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Web Developer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Web Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Web Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — IT Support Specialist or Web Developer?+
Web Developer has a lower AI automation risk (52% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.