Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Software engineering / 15-1254.00

Web Developers

Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.

US jobs
70,190
Median wage
$92,650 a year
Job family
Software engineering

Can agents do the work of web developers?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Software engineering: Most tasks (no change in 12 months)

Agents complete 60% or more of the tasks (or projects) on two direct benchmarks from independent institutions.

Evidence: SWE-Bench Pro V2, 99.4% of tasks completed; Aider Polyglot leaderboard, 88% of tasks completed.

32% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark.

  • 10%Process digital or online dataNot measured
  • 9%Design computer or information systems or applicationsMeasured
  • 9%Document technical designs, procedures, or activitiesNot measured
  • 8%Test performance of computer or information systemsMeasured
  • 7%Develop technical specifications for products or operationsNot measured
  • 7%Coordinate with others to resolve problemsNot measured
  • 7%Advise others on the design or use of technologiesNot measured
  • 6%Set up computer systems, networks, or other information systemsMeasured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in software engineering, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Context only

These benchmarks span many occupations, or they test how agents behave. They give context but do not set the step.

Retired

Their maintainers or a major evaluator stopped using them as a frontier measure. They do not count.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
  • Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
  • Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.
  • Select programming languages, design tools, or applications.
  • Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid, is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems.
  • Develop databases that support Web applications and Web sites.
  • Perform Web site tests according to planned schedules, or after any Web site or product revision.
  • Perform or direct Web site updates.
  • Maintain understanding of current Web technologies or programming practices through continuing education, reading, or participation in professional conferences, workshops, or groups.
  • Analyze user needs to determine technical requirements.
  • Respond to user email inquiries, or set up automated systems to send responses.
  • Renew domain name registrations.
Other job titles for this occupation (57)

Technology Applications Engineer · Web Architect · Web Design Specialist · Web Developer · Webmaster · Back End Developer · Back End Engineer · Back End Software Engineer · Back-End Web Developer · Computer Graphic Artist · Computer Graphic Designer · Front End Developer · Front End Engineer · Front End React Developer · Front End Software Engineer · Front End Web Developer · Full Stack Developer · Full Stack Web Developer · HTML Developer (HyperText Markup Language Developer) · Interface Designer · Internet Application Developer · Internet Architect · Internet Developer · Internet Site Designer · Internet Specialist · Intranet Developer · JavaScript Developer · jQuery Developer · Node.js Developer · PHP Developer (Personal Home Page Developer) · PHP Web Developer (Personal Home Page Web Developer) · PHP Website Developer · React.js Developer · Ruby on Rails Developer · Salesforce Developer · Tableau Developer · UI Developer (User Interface Developer) · Web Application Developer · Web Applications Developer · Web Consultant · Web Content Developer · Web Engineer · Web Infrastructure Developer · Web Page Developer · Web Producer · Web Programmer · Web Site Designer · Web Site Developer · Web Site Specialist · Web Software Engineer · Web Specialist · Web Technician · Webmaster Analyst · Website Manager · Websphere Administrator · WordPress Developer · XML Developer (Extensible Markup Language Developer)