What is a web designer and how to become one

Q: Web Designer vs. Web Developer

A web designer is a graphic artist who designs the layout, navigation, and visuals of a website, while a web developer is someone who builds and maintains the structure of a website. A web designer tasks all center around the layout and visual elements of a website. They often deal with brand imagery, color palettes, fonts, and other visual aspects. Many will even create a web design style guide to ensure that each website looks consistent. Web designers may also be involved with the research and testing phases of a website.

Q: How to become a web designer without a degree

You become a web designer without a degree by learning through web development boot camps and self-education classes, as well as building your online portfolio. If you are new to web design, you may want to explore free online resources on coding and take some practice assignments to determine if you want to make a career out of it.

Q: Web Developer vs Web Designer

A web developer is a tech professional that builds and maintains the core structure of a website or web application, while a web designer is responsible for the visual look of a website.

Q: What are careers in web designing?

Web design, web development, and graphic designer are careers in web design. Here are some descriptions of each of these careers and others in web designing: Web Designer

Q: What companies hire web designers?

Technology companies, e-commerce companies, and marketing and advertising agencies hire web designers . These industries value the skills of web designers in creating visually appealing, user-friendly, and impactful websites that enhance brand image, customer experience, and online performance. Top companies that hire web designers include:

Q: What degree do you need to be a web designer?

You need a degree in web development to be a web designer. However, a degree is not required, but only encouraged, to obtain a position in the field. Other helpful degrees include ones in software development, graphic design, and UX design.

Q: What should I study to become a web designer?

You should study technical skills, basic design & creativity skills, and soft skills that can make you a more desirable candidate. To become a web designer, you cultivate a variety of creative and technical skills needed to create attractive web pages. Although not necessary, a college degree or certificate program is a great way to learn how to design websites from color and font to the layout.

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Abby Guido

A web designer creates and designs websites. They develop the aesthetics and functionality of a website, ensuring a user-friendly site that meets the client's objectives. Web designers use graphic design software, coding languages, and content management systems. They work with clients to understand their needs and preferences. Additionally, web designers optimize sites for improved search engine results, device compatibility, and accessibility. Overall, web designers create a website that engages users and achieves business goals.

What general advice would you give to a web designer?

Abby Guido

Assistant Professor, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Temple University

We've all heard the buzz about networking, and there is so much buzz because it works. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is both up to date and active. Connect with all of your past professors, classmates, and anyone and everyone you meet in a professional setting. I often tell students to get into the habit of searching for any classroom guests, or guest lecturers, to connect, thank them for their time, and build their network. Share content. Write articles, or reshare those you find interesting.

Every job I have ever received in my career has been through someone else I know. I share this with students to help them see the value in relationships. I always remember the students that took the time to write a handwritten thank-you note. And I think of them when I get an email asking if I know any students are looking for work.

ScoreWeb DesignerUS Average

Salary

5.0

Avg. Salary $63,842

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 37.70%

male 62.30%

Age - 37

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37

Stress level

4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a web designer?

Pros

High demand for web designers
Opportunity to work remotely
Competitive salary and benefits
Flexibility in work schedule
Opportunity to make a positive impact on businesses and users

Cons

Can be repetitive and mundane tasks at times
Sitting for long periods of time can be unhealthy
Can be mentally exhausting
The design industry is highly competitive, which can lead to job instability
Projects can be unpredictable, leading to stress and uncertainty

Key steps to become a web designer

Explore web designer education requirements

Most common web designer degrees

Bachelor's

66.5 %

Associate

18.1 %

Master's

7.0 %

Start to develop specific web designer skills

Skills	Percentages
HTML	6.94%
CSS	6.94%
WordPress	6.86%
Html Css	6.73%
JavaScript	6.46%

Complete relevant web designer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New web designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a web designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real web designer resumes.

Gain additional web designer certifications

Web designer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific web designer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for web designers include Master Certified Web Professional - Designer (CWP) and Certified Web Professional - Web Developer.

More About Certifications

Research web designer duties and responsibilities

Manage a team of 3 web developers in creating high-end websites that focuse on animation and aggressive marketing.
Manage prototype content in wireframes when necessary.
Manage and develop a stream line Intranet site for better communication purposes and quicker access to documents and company information
Self-Initiat training to increase ability to build sites using HTML5, CSS3, secure PHP, and SQL.

Prepare your web designer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your web designer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a web designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable web designer resume templates

Build a professional web designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your web designer resume.

Apply for web designer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a web designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do web designers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Web designer reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Pros

It is something I enjoy! Something I’m good at! Something I could do as hobby and get paid for

Cons

That I don’t get to do it more often

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019

Pros

I generally like what I do because what I do is from my own effort and I like to do something that even others would mind to know how it's done and that's why I usually keep on having more designs

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019

Pros

Making your own website

Cons

Taking time to make it

Web designer FAQs

What is a web designer and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a web designer?

What are the pros and cons of being a web designer?

Web designer career paths

Key steps to become a web designer

Explore web designer education requirements

Most common web designer degrees

Start to develop specific web designer skills

Complete relevant web designer training and internships

Gain additional web designer certifications

Research web designer duties and responsibilities

Prepare your web designer resume

Choose from 10+ customizable web designer resume templates

Apply for web designer jobs

How did you land your first web designer job

Average web designer salary

How do web designers rate their job?

Web designer reviews

Web designer FAQs

Web Designer vs. Web Developer

How to become a web designer without a degree

Web Developer vs Web Designer

What are careers in web designing?

What companies hire web designers?

What degree do you need to be a web designer?

What should I study to become a web designer?

Search for web designer jobs

Web designer jobs by state