Web designer vs. Web developer (4 important points)

In our digital-driven world, websites play a vital role in our daily lives. Users seek websites that are user-friendly, allowing them to easily accomplish tasks, find information, and engage in entertainment. Likewise, site owners desire websites that align with their brand identity and support their business objectives. Ultimately, everyone aims for a seamless and efficient web experience.

Web designers are responsible for creating the overall look and feel of a website. They design captivating images, intuitive menus, and the visual elements behind every click. Additionally, they develop the code necessary to bring the website to life and maintain the software and databases that enable its functionality. While web designers and developers collaborate closely, their tasks diverge. Understanding the roles of each professional allows for better synergy between them.

So, what exactly does each job entail?

Web designers and developers work hand in hand to build and sustain websites, catering to the needs of all stakeholders. However, their job duties vary significantly.

Web Designers: Shape the website’s vision, including the user experience, color palette, graphic design, and sometimes even the content. Their work contributes to an aesthetically pleasing and purpose-driven website. (Read: What Does a Web Designer Do? )

Web developers: Translate the web designer’s vision into code, transforming it into a functional website. They often suggest improvements to optimize performance and leverage emerging technologies. Developers also ensure cross-browser compatibility, and mobile responsiveness, and address security concerns.

Skills and Tools

Web Designers: Utilize layout and design tools like WordPress, Adobe Dreamweaver, and InVision Studio. Their expertise lies in understanding aesthetic principles to create a compelling online presence for their employer or clients.

Web Developers: Work with various software tools, including Angular.JS, Chrome DevTools, and Sass. These tools, developed by browser and operating system companies, aid developers in writing efficient code while prioritizing the end-user experience.

It’s important to note that web developers, despite primarily focusing on coding, consider the user experience as they bring the website to life.

What sets their skill sets apart?

Although there are some overlapping skills, web designers and web developers have distinct focuses. Web designers primarily emphasize the creative aspects, while web developers specialize in implementing and rendering that design vision. Additionally, they often have different areas of specialization. Designers typically specialize in user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) design, whereas developers specialize in different areas of website development, such as front-end, back-end, or full-stack.

These differing skill sets create varying requirements for entry-level training and ongoing professional development, shaping individual career opportunities.

What is the job outlook?

Both web design and web development offer promising employment prospects. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies web developers and digital designers within the same category and projects strong demand for the field. They predict a 13 percent growth in demand for both web designers and developers over the next ten years.

How much do web designers and web developers earn?

In the US, the average annual base salary for a web designer is $63,019. However, salaries can vary widely based on experience and the complexity of projects undertaken. Experienced designers working on large enterprise websites may earn significantly more.

Due to their greater requirement for technical skills, web developers tend to earn higher salaries than web designers. The average salary for a web developer in the US is $82,450.

How to increase your salary

(Special Article For Web Designers: Web Designer’s Salary)

Whether you work as a web designer, web developer, or in another related field, there are several strategies to increase your salary:

• Building new skills

Design and development have distinct disciplines, making it unlikely for designers to become proficient developers and vice versa. However, both can benefit from learning about each other’s work and gaining insight into the organizations they collaborate with. For example, understanding how marketing teams prioritize search engine optimization can help designers and developers create websites that cater to both internal and external needs. Expanding knowledge beyond one’s core expertise can contribute to professional growth.

Some designers and developers aspire to progress into more senior roles or explore different areas within their field. Managing developers requires a unique skill set compared to being a developer, and designing products differs from designing websites. By familiarizing yourself with the skills your colleagues possess, you can identify growth opportunities and explore avenues for acquiring new skills.

Many software and operating system companies offer training programs that can serve as a starting point for expanding your skill set.

Insider tip: “Surround yourself with individuals who challenge and inspire you to evolve. Engage in work that you find fulfilling and mentally stimulating,” advises Mari Batilando, a software engineer at Meta. “Adhere to this mindset, and promotions and compensation will naturally follow.”

• Pursuing certifications or degrees

To enhance their proficiency and streamline their work process, designers and developers have access to a wide range of software tools. However, the first step is gaining proficiency in using these tools effectively. Certification programs can provide a solid foundation and help individuals acquire new skills and techniques. These programs vary in cost, with some being free and others requiring investment. Additionally, they offer different levels of depth and rigor in approaching website development.

Web designers often hold two-year or four-year degrees in computer programming or graphic design, while web developers typically possess at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, both fields require continuous learning on the job to adapt to emerging tools and technologies.

For site developers and designers aspiring to advance into senior roles within their teams, acquiring additional skills such as project management becomes crucial. Demonstrating interest and commitment to business skills alongside a strong web project portfolio can be achieved through relevant classes or experiential learning.

• Negotiating current salary

As you accumulate experience and expand your project portfolio, it’s essential to document the value you bring to your organization. This documentation can be utilized during annual reviews to make a compelling case for a salary increase.

Completing coursework or earning certifications in the various tools and platforms used by site designers and developers can strengthen your negotiation position.