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The differences between web designers and software developers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a web designer, becoming a software developer takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a software developer has an average salary of $87,521, which is higher than the $63,842 average annual salary of a web designer.
The top three skills for a web designer include HTML, CSS and wordpress. The most important skills for a software developer are java, python, and C++.
| Web Designer | Software Developer | |
| Yearly salary | $63,842 | $87,521 |
| Hourly rate | $30.69 | $42.08 |
| Growth rate | 3% | 21% |
| Number of jobs | 50,899 | 294,329 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Average age | 38 | 39 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 4 |
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.
A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.
Web designers and software developers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Web Designer | Software Developer | |
| Average salary | $63,842 | $87,521 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $96,000 | Between $67,000 And $113,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | California |
| Best paying company | NVIDIA | The Citadel |
| Best paying industry | Internet | Finance |
There are a few differences between a web designer and a software developer in terms of educational background:
| Web Designer | Software Developer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 72% |
| Most common major | Graphic Design | Computer Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Harvard University |
Here are the differences between web designers' and software developers' demographics:
| Web Designer | Software Developer | |
| Average age | 38 | 39 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 62.3% Female, 37.7% | Male, 79.3% Female, 20.7% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 4.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% Asian, 29.9% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 8% |