Career change as a web developer
With your experience you can switch to 8 jobs in Germany: 6 with on-the-job training and 2 with training or a course.
In the job search you can sort by what matters to you, save jobs and see where they lead.
Career change paths
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Frontend developer
Also: Software developer
With on-the-job training
As a frontend or software developer, you build web interfaces and applications in a developer team, often with modern frameworks.
- What you bring:
- You know HTML, CSS and JavaScript and already build interactive websites.
- How to get there:
- Software companies and agencies hire web developers with a good portfolio. If you lack knowledge of frameworks, testing or version control, courses of a few weeks help. A vocational qualification such as IT specialist in application development (Fachinformatiker für Anwendungsentwicklung) is helpful, but not mandatory.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible€5,986gross per monthMedian salary
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Digital accessibility auditor
Also: UX designer
With on-the-job training
As an accessibility auditor, you test websites and apps with assistive tools such as screen readers; as a UX designer, you improve usability and user flows.
- What you bring:
- You know how websites are built and how users move around on them.
- How to get there:
- Agencies, testing bodies and companies train web developers in standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and in testing methods. Courses on this take a few days to weeks. Since 28 June 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz) has applied among other things to e-commerce services for consumers, such as online shops.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible€4,893gross per monthMedian salary
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Online marketing specialist
Also: Performance marketing manager
With on-the-job training
As an online marketing specialist, you plan campaigns, improve visibility and inquiries and analyze visitor data.
- What you bring:
- You know search engine optimization, web analytics and the technical basics of websites.
- How to get there:
- Companies and agencies value technical web knowledge in marketing and train you in advertising platforms and analysis tools. You can earn vendor certificates in online courses. Expect a stronger focus on metrics and sales targets.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible€5,385gross per monthMedian salary
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IT project manager
Also: IT product manager
With on-the-job trainingPromotion
As an IT project or product manager, you manage web projects and digital products, plan requirements and deadlines and lead a team.
- What you bring:
- You know web projects from concept to launch and know where things get stuck between clients, design and development.
- How to get there:
- Agencies and companies often turn experienced web developers into project managers, and you can earn certificates in project management or Scrum in courses of a few days. You then program less and spend more time in conversations.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an officeHome office possible€7,647gross per monthMedian salary
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IT consultant
Also: Consultant for shop and content management systems
With on-the-job training
As an IT consultant, you advise companies on the selection and rollout of web and shop software, gather requirements and support the implementation.
- What you bring:
- You know content management systems, shop systems and interfaces from many projects.
- How to get there:
- Consulting firms and system integrators train web developers in consulting methods and their products, often with vendor certificates. Expect project work at the client's site.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an officeHome office possible€5,568gross per monthMedian salary
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ICT trainer
Also: Digital skills trainer
With on-the-job training
As an IT trainer, you train employees, people in retraining (Umschulung) or learners in web development, content management or digital tools.
- What you bring:
- You know web technologies, content management and online tools and can pass on knowledge in a practical way.
- How to get there:
- Training providers and companies use experienced developers as trainers. A trainer or teaching course of a few weeks and the trainer aptitude certificate (Ausbildereignung) help. You can start as a freelance instructor alongside your development work.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically light€5,449gross per monthMedian salary
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Computer science teacher
Also: IT teacher at secondary level
With a degree
At a secondary school, you teach computer science and a second subject, and you introduce young people to programming and media literacy.
- What you bring:
- You can program and build web applications and understand how digital media work.
- How to get there:
- Depending on the federal state, an alternative route into teaching computer science (Seiteneinstieg) is possible with a university degree in computer science or a related subject. This is followed by a preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) alongside work, usually 18 to 24 months. Without a suitable university degree, this path is generally closed.*Regulated by law (State law: teacher education acts and alternative-route regulations of the German states).
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically light€5,466gross per monthMedian salary
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Penetration tester
Also: IT security consultant
With further training
As a penetration tester or IT security consultant, you check websites and applications for security gaps and advise developers on how to close them.
- What you bring:
- You know web applications, forms, logins and interfaces from the inside, so you also know their typical weaknesses.
- How to get there:
- To get started, you need in-depth knowledge of networks and attack techniques, which you build over several months through further training and hands-on certificates. Security service providers often hire for junior positions first.*
* No guarantee of accuracy.
Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an officeHome office possible€5,295gross per monthMedian salary
Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
Which jobs can I do as a web developer without vocational training or retraining?
Without a new qualification, often with on-the-job training: Frontend developer, Digital accessibility auditor, Online marketing specialist, IT project manager, IT consultant and ICT trainer.
Which retraining or further training suits me as a web developer?
With vocational training, retraining, further training or a course: Computer science teacher and Penetration tester.
What promotion options do I have as a web developer?
Promotions include, for example: IT project manager.
Which of these jobs pay the most?
According to official statistics, the highest median full-time salaries are: IT project manager (€7,647 gross per month), Frontend developer (€5,986 gross per month) and IT consultant (€5,568 gross per month). Half of employees earn more, half earn less; when you start it is often lower. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), April 2025. No guarantee of accuracy.
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