Are you thinking of starting a career as a web designer? If so, you naturally want to know something about web designer salary expectations. This is an area where it's hard to generalize, as it depends on many factors. We will look at some of these in this article, and you will hopefully have a better idea of what you can expect.
In general, the average salaries for web designers, depending on skill and experience of course, tends to be between $35,000 and $60,000 per year. This requires a degree of familiarity with computer skills such as HTML, SQL and PHP, as well as applications like Photoshop, Flash and Macromedia Development Packages.
One thing you have to consider if you want to be a web designer is if you want to work for someone else or be a freelancer. There are advantages to both. Obviously a career has the plus of a secure position (as secure as things can be in uncertain economic times, that is!).
When it comes to a web designer job, a lot will depend on your location. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, like New York or San Francisco, for example, you will be able to earn more than in a rural area. In fact, if you live in a less developed area (and don't want to relocate), you may want to consider the freelance route, which has the advantage of not being dependent on geography.
Experience is probably the biggest factor of all when it comes to determining your salary. Having a degree in a related field also helps, especially when starting out. However, if you can show a prospective employer that you know what you're doing, you have a good change of getting a job regardless of your actual work experience. However, like any profession, you have to expect to pay your dues and start out at the lower end of the salary spectrum. As I mentioned, that is around $35,000, but this will be higher in some places and lower in others.
When you consider a web designer salary, you also have to consider cost of living. For example, the Silicon Valley region of California will pay a higher than average salary, but it also has an extremely high cost of living. You have to compare what it will cost you to live somewhere in relation to what you will be paid.
The type of organization you work for will also be a factor in determining your web designer salary. Right now, hospitals pay the highest average salary to web designers, followed by the federal government (U.S.), while non-profit organizations and schools pay quite a bit less. Self-employed or freelance web designers tend to earn less than those who are employed (data from www.payscale.com).
Money is certainly an important consideration, but it's not the only one. When you consider the salary possibilities of being a web designer, you have to weigh the statistics against what kind of job you will enjoy most and where you prefer to live.
The International Academy of Design & Technology offers online degrees in Web Design. Choose from an associate's or bachelor's program in Web Design and help transform your design talent into the skills employers want. Learn more about IADT | Request free info
Art Institutes campuses are in numerous locations in the U.S. and Canada. Many programs are offered in more than one location. Online and part-time classes may be perfect for you if you have a full-time job or family responsibilities and want to move into web design as a career.
