Web Designer Salary: How Much Do Web Designers Earn?

Are you looking to begin a career in web design? If you have an eye for aesthetics and enjoy working with technology, then a career in this field may be perfect for you!

As a Web Designer, you will create and design websites. This can include everything from the website's layout to the color scheme and images used. You will also need to ensure that the website is easy to navigate and user-friendly. 

However, it's important to understand the earning potential in this field before deciding to pursue a career in web design. This guide will provide you with information on Web Designer salaries to make an informed decision for your future.

What Does a Web Designer Do?

A Web Designer is responsible for the visual design, layout, and production of websites. In most cases, Web Designers work with a team of developers and content creators to create a complete website. 

However, some Web Designers also have coding skills and can create websites from scratch. This can be a great asset, allowing them to have more control over the final product. 

In either case, Web Designers need to understand color schemes, typography, and overall design principles. They should also be aware of the latest trends in web design to create up-to-date and visually appealing websites. 

Web Designers typically create mockups of websites using software like Photoshop or Sketch. These mockups are then used to create the final website. In some cases, Web Designers may also be responsible for creating the code used to build the website. 

However, this is usually only for small websites or personal projects. Most businesses hire developers to handle the coding for their websites. 

What Affects a Web Designer's Salary?

There are numerous factors that can affect how much money you can expect to earn as a Web Designer. Here are a few of the most important ones:

Experience 

As with most professions, your salary as a Web Designer will increase as you gain more experience. Entry-level Web Designers can expect to earn a bit less than those with experience in the field.

Type of Employment 

The type of employer you work for can also affect your salary. For example, designers who work for advertising agencies or large companies will typically earn more than those who are self-employed or working for smaller businesses. 

Location 

Another important factor to consider is location. Web Designers in large cities or metro areas will generally earn more than those in smaller towns. This is because the cost of living is usually higher in larger cities, and employers are willing to pay more to attract top talent. 

Skillset 

The skillset of a Web Designer can also affect their salary. Those with coding skills and the ability to create websites from scratch tend to earn more than those who only have design skills.

Different Web Design Roles and Pay Scales

There are several different roles that Web Designers can fill. The sections below outline some of the most common web design roles and their corresponding salaries:

Web Designer 

Web Designers are responsible for the visual design, layout, and production of websites. These creative professionals must have an eye for aesthetics and be up-to-date on the latest trends in web design. The average salary of an entry-level Web Designer is $49,995, though this can vary with the type of employment.

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for coding and creating websites from scratch. They usually have a strong understanding of web design principles and can create mockups using software like Photoshop or Sketch. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for Web Developers in the United States is $77,200 per year.

UX/UI Designer 

UX/UI Designers focus on creating user-friendly designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. They typically have a strong understanding of web design principles and coding languages. The average UX Designer salary is around $95,042 per year, while UI Designer’s make $84,697.

Front End Developer 

Front End Developers are responsible for coding the front end of websites. They must have a strong understanding of web design principles and be proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The average salary of a Front End Developer is around $93,008, though this can change due to location or experience.

Back End Developer 

Back End Developers are responsible for coding the back end of websites. They must understand web design principles and be proficient in server-side languages such as Node.js. According to Indeed, Back End Developers make a base salary of $95,418 per year.

Full Stack Developer 

Full Stack Developers are responsible for both the front and back end of websites. They must have a strong understanding of web design principles and be proficient in multiple programming languages. The average base salary for Full Stack Developers is around $101,334, though this can vary with cash bonuses or additional experience.

Freelance vs. Traditional Employment: Which Pays More?

There are several different employment options for Web Designers. Some designers choose to work freelance, while others opt for traditional employment. So, which pays more? 

On average, freelance Web Designers earn more than those employed full-time. This is because freelancers can set their rates and charges, and they are not bound by the same salary restrictions as those who are employed full-time. 

Of course, there are some drawbacks to freelance work. Freelancers often have unstable incomes and may not always have consistent work. Additionally, freelancers are not usually eligible for benefits like health insurance or paid vacation days. 

Still, if you're looking to maximize your earnings as a Web Designer, freelancing is considered one of the best paths.

Whether you currently work in the field of web design or want to jump-start your new career, staying up to date with the latest industry trends is crucial for success. 

If you’re ready to start a new career in web design, consider signing up for a live online web design bootcamp. These classes are versatile and allow students to learn from the comfort of their own homes. The curriculum for these courses is the same as traditional classes and provides the same in-depth training. Try searching for live online web design bootcamps in your area to see what is available.