[Vladimir Poontang]

If you learn some HTML / CSS or other language, but you don't go that far with it, in other words you develop some competence without being an expert, is it possible to get regular work? What are the options for someone with a basic to intermediate level of competence in web development?

[godfather dust]

I have no idea, but somewhat related:

I once got a job as a photographer. I had only used camera phones etc but I made accurate but misleading statements to get the job (for example "Use of Photo Editing software" meant cropping in paint.)

Lasted about a month.

If I were to guess, low skill level web development is not in demand because there are websites where anyone who can use a web browser can choose a template and put a site together. Also tons of people with decent to advanced skill in the area.

[Jetset]

HTML/CSS alone isn't going to get you anywhere, but SQL might. You can definitely train yourself up on databases and get a job.

[flanders]

I have friends with relatively good jobs as software engineers or specific types of web developers, they all told me the same advice as what I'll write for you - just get a portfolio of projects, big or small, update your Linkedin, link your github account, and start applying to whatever you have around 50% or more of the qualifications for.

Then ask them after the first round of failed interviews "I am strongly invested in this career path, how can I be more competitive for positions like this? What would make me a better candidate?" and maybe half of them will give you an answer. Write that down.

Plenty will probably tell you to not waste their time. That's OK and something to expect.

[roberto]

So long as you can sell your admittedly mediocre skills, there's money in it. Plenty of small town 'web developers' coast through life selling to other local businesses who barely know how to turn a computer on.

[General Stalin]

You could get an entry-level position somewhere doing webpage dev I'd imagine, or you could just make business cards and farm out your basic skills to small mom&pop type businesses that need a basic WordPress site or something setup to get them some internet presence.

[inostranec]

Think about it. Not all people go to car technicians for transmission replacement or engine failures. Most of us go for new tires or oil change. Web development is also like that. You could get some work with only HTML/CSS if only you could find clients(mom&pop stores) to pay for you because with only these skills unless you have CSS grid or flexbox for advanced CSS nobody will give you a job. I would strongly advice to learn some javascript and maybe react to be at least employable.
However looking at the next 10+ years I would go to the deep learning/AI or maybe blockchain stuff. AI will be huge. Literally thousands will become unemployed. It is a goddamn revolution and you either be a part of it or be sweeped off with the rest.

[benopolis]

You can do some basic WordPress work probably, there are plenty of jobs for that if you pick up a little PHP and know how WP works

..but why stop there? Unless you're desperate for money at this very second, focus on improving your skills and you'll get paid a lot more. 5-6 months of picking up a back-end language, or alternatively some more complex front-end JavaScript would 3x what you could get paid right now

[superiorClimber]

You are going to need to get more direct project experience to build up a work portfolio. I've often turned to doing volunteer work for a non-profit organization in order to get those types of projects... dog-rescue shelters, schools, food-pantries for homeless, local youth groups, etc. They always need help, and will let you network with people to develop your next jobs.

As for learning the programming language, find something higher level than HTML / CSS. There are so many website frameworks out in the world that will essentially write the HTML for you, you will quickly discover you can't compete with people who know how to code in these newer languages. First that come to mind are Django and Flask.
PHP and Javascript are also really good languages to learn, and will put you in line to handle much more advanced projects...You will learn HTML / CSS very quickly once you get involved with these other languages anyway.