Average Salary Web designers

For many, web design seems like a dream career – you’re working in a meticulous, technical environment, but also able to stretch your creative muscles. You’ve heard of the term “starving artist” though, right? Does this unfortunately phrase also extend to web designers? Let’s take a look at the average salary you can expect to earn if you work in this industry.

Base Salary for Web Designers

According to Payscale.com, web designers make between $28, 000 and $62, 000 annually. Why such a large range? Well, web design is a field with a broad range of skills and career choices, so your specific salary will depend on the route you choose. For example, as an entry-level web designer with no formal education, you can expect to be on the low end of this scale. On the other hand, if you have a bachelor’s degree and specialized skills that are not as common in the web design world, you’ll command a higher salary. You also have the option of working as a freelance web designer, and as a business owner, the sky is the limit when it comes to how much you’ll earn. Some of the top web designers and design consultants even make six-figure salaries.

Other Factors that Affect Salary

A number of factors affect salary, so if you want to earn more money as a web designer, there are a number of things to consider. First, if you work at a larger corporation, you can often earn more money. Companies with national brands typically have salaried web designers or even web design teams. At web design companies where you work with multiple clients, earning potential is usually lower. Location could also play a role in the salary you’re offered. In some areas, especially in more urban areas, you’ll generally earn more money, though keep in mind that the cost of living in this areas is also higher. Because web design can often be one virtually, living in a more rural area, where cost of living is lower, might make more sense for you.

Other Benefits

In addition to your base salary, most web design employers offer other benefits to their employees. On average, web designers earn $1000 to $3000 in bonuses annually, and if you’re a salaried worker, you’ll also likely receive a benefits package that include health insurance, paid vacation, and other perks.