Starting and Growing a Career in Web Design

As the internet continues to expand rapidly, so do opportunities in web design and development. By 2029, job growth in these fields is expected to increase by 8%, a rate much faster than the average for other occupations. Whether you’re pursuing a full-time position or freelancing, a career in web design offers diverse employment options, competitive salaries, and the chance to blend technical expertise with creative flair.

What does a career in web design entail?

A career in web design involves more than just creating and coding websites. It includes tasks such as collaborating with clients to understand their needs, incorporating feedback, handling graphic design and image editing, and integrating multimedia elements like audio and video. Web designers need a mix of creative and technical skills, and they often work across various industries, including software companies, IT consultancies, and corporate organizations. Unlike web developers, who focus more on the technical aspects, web designers are typically responsible for the creative vision and design of a website, deciding how to incorporate essential functionalities. However, there is often overlap between the two roles.

Understanding Web Development: Full-Stack, Back-End, and Front-End

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups web developers and digital designers together but distinguishes between them. Web developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites, focusing on technical aspects like performance and capacity. They may specialize in back-end, front-end, or full-stack development, using various programming languages, libraries, and frameworks. On the other hand, web or digital designers are tasked with the look and functionality of websites, creating, testing, and refining layouts, functions, and navigation for optimal usability. Web designers often collaborate closely with front-end engineers to ensure the site’s visual appeal and user experience are aligned.

The Demand for Web Designers in 2024

In today’s increasingly digital world, the need for websites—and by extension, web designers and developers—remains high. With over 17.4 billion websites as of January 2020, the demand for skilled web professionals is expected to keep growing. Web designers who have strong coding skills are particularly in demand and can command higher salaries. Like any profession, there are varying levels of opportunity and compensation, but certain core skills are essential for becoming a successful web designer in 2024.