The demand for web designers is continuously increasing in today's digital world. As businesses and individuals strive to establish a solid online presence, the role of web designers has become more crucial than ever. 

Web designers are responsible for designing and creating visually appealing, user-friendly, and responsive websites across different devices. 

They also work closely with web developers, UX designers, and other professionals to ensure that websites meet the needs of their clients or customers.

If you're considering a career in web design, you may wonder about the salary expectations for this field. 

This guide will explore the current and projected salaries for web designers in 2023 and factors that can impact your earning potential.

Web Designer Salary in 2023: An Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the median annual salary for web developers and digital designers in the United States is $77,200. However, salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and industry.

Experience

Web designers with more knowledge and specialised skills can expect to earn higher salaries. Senior web designers, for example, typically make more than entry-level designers. Additionally, web designers specialising in user experience (UX), mobile, or e-commerce design may have higher salaries.

Location

Location can also have a significant impact on designers' salaries. Generally, areas with a higher cost of living, such as major cities or tech hubs, tend to offer higher wages. For example, according to BLS data, web designers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, metropolitan area had a median salary of $108,410. In contrast, those in the Sioux Falls, SD, metro area had a median salary of $60,790.

Industry 

Industry can also influence web designers' salaries. Some industries may offer higher salaries due to the specialised skills and knowledge required for web design in that field. For example, according to BLS data, web designers in the finance and insurance industry had a median annual salary of $84,000. In contrast, those in the educational services industry had a median yearly salary of $60,210.

Projected Web Designer Salaries for 2023

While it's impossible to predict the exact salaries for web designers in 2023, there are some indications of how salaries may change over time. 

According to the BLS, the employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for websites and mobile applications that are user-friendly and accessible on a variety of devices.

As demand for web designers continues to grow, salaries will also increase. A report from Glassdoor suggests that the median base salary for web designers in the United States increased by 2.2% from 2019 to 2020. 

While this may not seem like a significant increase, it indicates that salaries for web designers are rising.

Factors that Can Impact Your Web Designer Salary: Several factors can impact your earning potential as a web designer. Some of these factors include

Experience: Web designers with more experience, particularly those with five or more years of experience, can generally command higher salaries.

• Location: Salaries for web designers can vary widely depending on location. Areas with a higher cost of living, such as major cities or tech hubs, tend to offer higher salaries.
• Industry: Web designers who work in industries such as finance or healthcare may earn higher salaries due to the specialised knowledge and skills required for web design in these fields.
• Specialization: Web designers who specialise in UX design, mobile design, or e-commerce design may also command higher salaries due to the demand for their specialised skills.
• Education and Certifications: While a degree is not always required for web design, having a degree in graphic design, web design, or a related field can help you stand out and earn a higher salary. Additionally, obtaining certifications in UX design or front-end development can increase your earning potential.
• Freelance vs In-House: Whether you work as a freelancer or in-house can also impact your salary. Freelancers may have more flexibility and potentially higher earning potential but face more competition and inconsistent workloads.

Web Designer Salary Table

We've created a table based on data from the BLS and other sources to provide a more detailed overview of web designer salaries. 

You should note that these salaries are estimates and can vary depending on the abovementioned factors.

Job Title	Median Annual Salary	Projected Job Growth (2020-2030)
Web Designer	$77,200	8%
Senior Web Designer	$96,000	8%
UX Designer	$96,000	8%
Mobile Designer	$87,000	8%
E-commerce Designer	$87,000	8%
Front-End Developer	$81,000	8%

As you can see, web designers who specialise in UX design, mobile design, or e-commerce design can earn higher salaries than those who focus on general web design. Additionally, senior web designers who have more experience can expect to earn higher salaries.

Web design is a field with solid job prospects and potential for career growth. As the demand for websites and mobile applications increases, web designers will likely see their salaries rise. 

By focusing on specialised skills, obtaining certifications, and gaining experience, web designers can improve their earning potential and establish successful careers in this exciting field.

FAQs

What is the job outlook for web designers in 2023?

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job outlook for web designers in 2023 is positive, with a projected job growth rate of 8% from 2020-2030.

How much do web designers typically earn?

Web designers can make different salaries depending on experience, location, specialisation, education, etc. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for web designers in 2021 was $77,200.

Do web designers need a degree to get hired?

While a degree is not always required for web design, having a degree in graphic design, web design, or a related field can help you stand out and earn a higher salary. Additionally, obtaining certifications in UX design or front-end development can increase your earning potential.

What skills do web designers need to be successful?

Successful web designers typically have technical skills, such as proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and creative skills, such as graphic design and user experience design. They also need strong communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Can web designers work remotely?

Yes, many web designers work remotely as freelancers or for companies that offer remote work options. However, some companies may require in-house designers depending on their specific needs.

How can web designers increase their earning potential?

Web designers can increase their earning potential by specialising in areas such as UX design, mobile design, or e-commerce design, obtaining certifications in relevant areas, gaining experience, and building a solid portfolio of work. They can negotiate their salaries or consider freelance work to earn higher rates.