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The differences between web architects and web designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a web architect, becoming a web designer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a web architect has an average salary of $112,335, which is higher than the $63,842 average annual salary of a web designer.
The top three skills for a web architect include user interface, websphere and java. The most important skills for a web designer are HTML, CSS, and wordpress.
| Web Architect | Web Designer | |
| Yearly salary | $112,335 | $63,842 |
| Hourly rate | $54.01 | $30.69 |
| Growth rate | 13% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 233,882 | 50,899 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Average age | 37 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
A web architect specializes in designing and developing web applications and solutions. Among their duties include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, conceptualizing plans and framework, generating codes and other materials, creating test structures to eliminate bugs, maintaining extensive records, and establishing security measures and policies. They may also provide technical support and guidance to staff during the projects. Moreover, a web architect typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
A web designer is a creative professional responsible for creating and redesigning the content and layout of websites. Web designers are required to meet clients and users to discuss the needs and goals of their clients. To create graphics, colors, and fonts, web designers usually use HTML coding to alter the website's layout. Web designers must build their portfolio by taking on unique projects for themselves and the people they know.
Web architects and web designers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Architect | Web Designer | |
| Average salary | $112,335 | $63,842 |
| Salary range | Between $85,000 And $147,000 | Between $42,000 And $96,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Idaho | Washington |
| Best paying company | Apple | NVIDIA |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Internet |
There are a few differences between a web architect and a web designer in terms of educational background:
| Web Architect | Web Designer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Bachelor's Degree, 67% |
| Most common major | Computer Science | Graphic Design |
| Most common college | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between web architects' and web designers' demographics:
| Web Architect | Web Designer | |
| Average age | 37 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.9% Female, 11.1% | Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.5% Unknown, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 12.1% Asian, 16.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 10.4% White, 70.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 13% |