If you are looking for a career that integrates both technical and creative skills, working as a Web Designer may be an excellent choice. Before embarking on a new career path, it’s important to understand what the field of web design entails and what to expect working in this type of role. There is no better time to embark on a career change into one of these creative positions, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 13% job growth through 2030, which is faster than the average among all occupations.
This guide will cover the specifics of what a Web Designer does on the job, the type of training needed to get started in the field, and the average salary for this career. Having a solid understanding of the industry and the skills required to excel in this career can make the transition easier.
What Does a Web Designer Do?
A Web Designer is essentially a graphic artist that designs the layout and visual appearance of a website. These professionals combine creative form and technical function fundamentals to develop a user-friendly interface design. In addition to the visual aesthetics, these designers should also have an understanding of how the website works. While some web designers focus on designing websites for desktop browsers, the need for web designers that can create sites for mobile browsers continues to grow.
Web Designers focus on the aesthetics of a website and the functionality of the layout. This includes important elements like font and color. Web Designers also work with clients to assess their overall needs and goals for a project. Depending on the specific role, interacting with clients and various team members can be an important part of a Web Designer’s daily functions.
Web Designer vs. Web Developer
The terms web design and web development are often used interchangeably, but these two positions refer to different areas of the website building process. Web designers focus on the visual appearance and functionality of a website, meaning they need a solid understanding of design principles and technical skills.
Web developers work with web designers to meet the overall project goal for a website but work to transform their designs into the actual website with their knowledge of various coding languages. These developers focus less on soft skills and more on technical skills, like mastering JavaScript, Python, and other coding languages.
What Type of Training Does a Web Designer Need?
Many people believe it is necessary to obtain a four-year degree to work as a web designer, but no formal education requirements are required for this type of role. There are different training options available for those looking to start a career in web design that provides the hands-on experience needed to secure a new position.
One popular option for students is the Web Design Certificate course from Noble Desktop. This immersive course provides all the training needed to become a well-rounded web designer with a portfolio full of hands-on experience. The curriculum for these classes covers topics ranging from coding language like HTML to software like Adobe XD.
Skills Needed for Web Design
Web Design is a career that requires an understanding of both creative and technical skills. The field of web design is broad and covers different areas of specialized work such as typography and coding. While it may be helpful if you are a naturally creative or artistically inclined person, many of the skills needed to work as a graphic designer can be learned through dedicated studying and working to improve technique.
Some of the skills needed to excel as a web designer include:
It’s important to note that not all positions will require coding knowledge, but having an understanding of basic language like CSS/HTML may be helpful for some roles. Taking steps to learn additional areas like JavaScript can also help web designers to stand out amongst other applicants.
Different Web Design Career Paths
There are different career paths for those in web design, depending on their preferred work style and overall experience in the field. Web Designers will also need to consider their proficiency with coding and UX understanding to help determine which role suits them best. It’s common for new Web Designers to start off in an entry-level position, but with experience, it’s possible to secure more advanced roles. Some of the most common career paths for Web Designers include:
- Front End Developer
- Back End Developer
- UX Designer
- JavaScript Developer
- Full Stack Developer
- Design Director
Average Salary of a Web Designer
The salary of a web designer can vary depending on experience level, location, and type of employment. According to Indeed, the average salary for an entry-level web designer is $49,955 per year. This number can vary with different levels of experience in the field, as designers with over five years of experience are noted to make over $60,000 annually.
These figures are for web designers who seek traditional employment and do not include estimates for those working as freelance web designers. The salary for those who work as freelance web designers may vary, as these professionals are able to control their workflow and overall availability.
Software and Continued Education
Regardless of what career path a web designer chooses to take, it’s crucial they remain current in their software skills and practices. If you currently work as a web designer, it can be hard to fit continuing education classes into your schedule. One option for those with limited time classes like the Adobe XD Bootcamp from Noble Desktop. This three-day course covers the fundamentals of Photoshop and is a great choice for those who need to refresh their skills or are just getting started with their career change.
Another great option for both current designers and those new to the field is a live online web design bootcamp. These flexible classes can be taken from the comfort of your own home and provide an immersive curriculum to help you master your career switch to web design. If you are ready to get started, try searching for live online web design bootcamps in your area.