Web Designer Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for becoming a Web Designer

Job Description

A Web site designer is responsible for creating Web pages. This includes all:
  • icons
  • images
  • navigational tools
  • other features.
 
A Web page designer must deliver the contents to the user in a form that is aesthetically pleasing but also easy to use. This requires a great deal of communication with project managers, programmers, marketing specialists and a multitude of other individuals who understand the intricacies of the resulting Web pages.
 
To begin designing Web site, a concept is developed and a plan is made to determine the basics of the Web page. Creating different models allows possibilities to be compared and judged. Finally, executing the plan and testing it brings the Web site to fruition. If a Web site has relevant content, good usability, consistent appearance and great visibility, it should be a success.
 
Here are some components of a successful Web site design:
  • compatibility and accessibility to audience
  • clear purpose in which its goal is the focus
  • defined target audience.
  • excellent planning and execution
  • informative, relevant content, presented in an efficient, useful way.
 

Salary Guide

The average Web designer salary is between $48,000 and $52,000, and increases with work experience. The average salary for a Web designer with one year’s experience is $35,000. Someone with five to nine years’ experience can make about $47,000. After 20 years the average annual income increases to $60,000.

Education and Training

To be a successful Web site designer one needs to have the visual sense of an artist and the intellect of a computer scientist. But being familiar with all of the latest hardware and software is crucial.
 
Work experience is more important than a degree. Some positions, however, require a degree in graphic arts with certain course requirements.
 
Since this is a newer field and a major in Web design may not be an option, certain courses are suggested. These include:
  • communications
  • computer science
  • graphic design.
 
Skills such as knowledge of HTML, JavaScript and Photoshop are important in Web design. Art and business courses can be helpful.

Prior Work Experience

While prior work experience is not always necessary to obtain a Web designer job, it can prove very helpful during decisions about hiring and pay scale. Many employers favor experience over education. If you don't have previous experience as a Web designer, experience in relevant fields may help. Here are just a few jobs which will provide some of the experience you need to become a Web designer:
  • artist
  • designer
  • illustrator
  • computer scientist.
 

Career Advancement

It is predicted that there will be very fast job growth for Web designer jobs until at least 2016. Web designers who keep up with technology and continue their education are in demand. Taking courses to become more experienced in new software can only improve chances of advancement. Web designers may advance to management positions in web design firms, or choose to start their own Web designing businesses.

Related Associations & Groups

There are many associations and groups related to web design. These include:
  • American Association of Webmasters
  • International Webmaster’s Association
  • Web Design and Developers Association.
 
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