Web Designer Salary (2024 update)

Web design is a highly sought-after and adaptable discipline within the tech industry. Web designers are handsomely rewarded for their efforts, making an average annual total pay of 64,193$ .

Web designer salary by experience level:

• Entry-level: 45,000−71,000 per year. Folks with 0-1 year of experience can expect pay within this range.
• Junior: 48,000−75,000 per year. This range is typical for those with 1-3 years of experience.
• Experienced: 51,000−80,000 per year. Web designers with 4-6 years of experience fall within this salary bracket.
• Senior: 55,000−86,000 per year.

All the web designing salaries mentioned include both the average base salary and total pay in the US.

Freelance and Contract Web Designer Salary

Instead of being directly employed by a company, you have the option to work as a freelance web designer. Freelancing offers the freedom to set your own pay range per project. On average, a freelance web designer’s salary in the US is $50,416 (annual).

Contract web designers, on the other hand, are hired to complete specific projects within a predetermined time frame. Typically, contract workers are employed through staffing firms and work under the direction of the employer. In the US, contract web designers earn an average annual salary of $68,534.

Job Title Variations and Salaries

Web designer job titles can vary based on experience level, industry, and specialization. Here are 11 common alternative job titles for web designers along with their average annual base salaries sourced from Glassdoor in February 2023 :

• Chief Web Designer: $107,521
• Lead Web Designer: $83,507
• Senior Web Designer: $95,557
• Front-end Developer/Engineer: $78,447
• UX (User Experience) Designer: $81,092
• UI (User Interface) Designer: $83,095
• HTML CSS Developer: $69,984
• Full-stack Web Developer: $79,447

What Does a Web Designer Do? 

(Special Article)

Web designers are creative professionals responsible for developing the look and feel of websites. As a designer, you may start by digitally creating the design and then convert it into a functioning website through web development. Collaboration with other designers, copywriters, and marketing specialists may be involved to bring their vision to life.

The role of a web designer can range from pure design work to encompassing the entire website build, including development. You may also be involved in formulating website structure and navigation. The specific responsibilities depend on the client or employer. Common job requirements for web designers include:

• Creating sitemaps and structures based on business needs
• Designing mockups using software like Photoshop or Sketch
• Developing wireframes based on user interface/user experience (UI/UX)
• Optimizing websites for speed and scalability
• Testing websites across different browsers and devices

Web Design Specializations

As a web designer, you have the opportunity to specialize in various areas to create different types of websites. For example, you can focus on designing e-commerce websites or explore a range of options such as blogs, online stores, social media, magazines, and commercial portfolio websites. As you gain experience, specializing in a particular area can open doors to high-profile projects and greater earning potential.

Where do web designers work?

(Special Article: What Does a Web Designer Do?)

Web designers have the flexibility to work in various settings, depending on their preferences and career goals. Here are some common work environments:

• In-House or Contract-Based Web Teams or Agencies: Many web designers find employment in established companies or agencies that have internal web design teams. These organizations may range from small startups to large corporations. Working as part of an in-house team provides opportunities for collaboration, skill development, and exposure to diverse projects.

• Freelancers or Agency Owners: Self-employment is a significant part of the web design field. Many talented designers choose to go freelance and work on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers have the freedom to set their own rates, choose their projects, and enjoy a flexible work schedule. They may collaborate with other freelancers or agencies for larger projects that require specialized skills.

• Consulting Firms: Web designers with a wealth of experience and expertise may choose to work for consulting firms that specialize in digital marketing, user experience (UX), or web design. These firms often work with clients from various industries, offering a wide range of web design services and strategic guidance.

• E-Commerce Brands: As online businesses continue to flourish, e-commerce brands require talented web designers to create visually appealing and user-friendly websites. Web designers who specialize in e-commerce design can find opportunities to work with retail, fashion, technology, and other industries that rely heavily on online sales.

• Newspapers, Magazines, and Media Companies: Traditional print publications have expanded their online presence, creating a demand for skilled web designers. Web designers in this sector have the exciting opportunity to shape the digital experience for readers, incorporating interactive elements, engaging layouts, and intuitive navigation.

• Universities and Colleges: Educational institutions often employ web designers to maintain and update their websites, ensuring that they provide vital information and a seamless user experience for students, faculty, and visitors. Additionally, universities and colleges may have internal design teams involved in branding, marketing campaigns, and campus-wide initiatives.

• Web Design Agencies: Web design agencies specialize in offering comprehensive services to clients, including website design, development, branding, and digital marketing. Working for an agency exposes web designers to a wide range of projects, clients, and industries, allowing them to develop diverse skills and stay updated with the latest trends.

It’s important to note that with technology advancements, remote work has become increasingly common in the web design industry. Many web designers enjoy the freedom of working from their home offices and collaborating with clients and team members across different locations, opening up opportunities to work with clients worldwide.

The Future of Web Design Salary

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, web design remains a crucial aspect of online presence for businesses and individuals alike. The demand for skilled web designers is expected to grow, leading to potential increases in salaries and job opportunities.

Additionally, staying up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies such as responsive design, mobile-first approaches, and user experience optimization can enhance a web designer’s earning potential. Continuing education, certifications, and expanding skillsets in relevant areas like front-end development, UI/UX design, or digital marketing can also contribute to career advancement and higher salaries.

In conclusion, web design offers a rewarding career path with competitive salaries. Whether you choose to work in-house, as a freelancer, or for an agency, the potential for growth and creativity in this field is immense. So, if you have a passion for design, problem-solving, and creating captivating online experiences, web design may just be the perfect fit for you!