Earning Potential: Just How Much Can a Web Designer Make?

Those starting out in web development often wonder how much does a web designer make in their job. However, there is no absolute answer. When it comes to full-time positions, salary depends upon experience, education, and the size of the company. Employed designers can make anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 per year. Those who are experienced computer programmers tend to make more. When it comes to freelancing, a lot depends on how well the designer can manage his or her time and find lucrative clients.

Freelance web design may be the best and most lucrative choice for beginners who have talent and gumption but not a lot of impressive educational credentials. Some projects can gain a designer $1,000 or more dollars, and to earn $75,000 a year it takes about 75 of these projects. Offering web hosting, website testing, and web writing up the amount that can be billed even higher. Starting a business has very few upfront costs, and with the right skill set and attitude work can flow in rather quickly. However, a disadvantage is needing to pay your own taxes and to stay on top of marketing and invoicing in order to succeed in this avenue of web design.

Gaining full-time employment as a web designer has a few advantages, such as benefits, stable work hours, and the ability to focus on the actual work of web design rather than invoicing and marketing. However, even a full-time job does not offer job security as the economy has required people in all fields to suddenly be laid off from their jobs. In addition, you may be doing a lot of work for $50,000 or less a year, especially if you did not graduate from a prestigious school or do not know a lot about computer programming.