If you’ve been considering a career in web design, one of the first questions you probably have is: What is the average salary of a web designer? It’s a fair question—and an important one. Understanding what you can expect to earn not only helps you plan your career path but also gives insight into how your skills and experience can grow over time.
In this article, we’ll break down web designer salaries by location, experience level, and industry. We’ll also explore what affects earning potential—and how you can position yourself for a higher income. If you’re wondering what is the average salary of a web designer, you’re in the right place.
What Does a Web Designer Actually Do?
Before diving into numbers, let’s clarify what a web designer’s job entails. Web designers are responsible for creating the layout, visuals, and user interface of a website. Their work often includes:
- Designing web pages and digital assets
- Choosing typography, colors, and imagery
- Ensuring the user experience (UX) is intuitive
- Collaborating with developers to implement designs
While some designers also handle front-end coding, the core focus is visual design and usability. This skill set is in demand across various industries, from tech startups and agencies to corporate enterprises and e-commerce brands.
So, What is the Average Salary of a Web Designer?
The answer depends on where you live, how much experience you have, and what kind of company you work for. Let’s break it down.
United States
In the U.S., what is the average salary of a web designer? According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay is around $82,049 per year, with an average base salary of about $69,440 annually. This includes bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing opportunities.
Indeed offers a slightly lower estimate, reporting an average hourly wage of $27.28, which equates to roughly $56,742 per year for a full-time schedule.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups web designers under web developers and digital designers, reporting a median wage of $84,960 per year.
United Kingdom
Across the pond, what is the average salary of a web designer in the UK?
- Indeed UK reports an average salary of £28,919 per year.
- Talent.com estimates an average of £30,000 annually, with senior roles reaching up to £42,004.
London-based designers often earn more due to the higher cost of living and increased demand in the capital’s tech and creative sectors.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
So, why such a wide range? A few key factors can significantly impact what is the average salary of a web designer, including:
1. Experience Level
- Entry-Level: Designers with less than one year of experience typically earn around $45,000 in the U.S. or £25,000 in the UK.
- Mid-Level: With 3–5 years of experience, you might see a jump to $60,000–$80,000 in the U.S. or £30,000 in the UK.
- Senior-Level: Designers with 5+ years and a strong portfolio can command $90,000+ in the U.S. or £40,000+ in the UK.
2. Location
Your geographic region plays a big role in determining what is the average salary of a web designer. For example, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or London tend to be significantly higher due to competition and cost of living.
3. Industry
Not all industries are created equal. Web designers working in finance, healthcare, or SaaS companies tend to earn more than those in education or non-profits.
4. Company Size
Larger companies often pay more and offer better benefits than startups or small businesses. However, startups may provide equity or flexible remote work perks that balance out lower base salaries.
5. Skill Set
Designers who understand both UX and UI, know how to work with responsive frameworks, or have light coding skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) are often more valuable—and paid accordingly.
Web Designer vs. Web Developer Salaries
It’s worth noting that web designers and web developers are often lumped together, but their roles and salaries differ. Web developers focus more on code and site functionality, while designers focus on visuals and user interaction.
Web developers in the U.S. earn a median of $84,960, and in the UK, about £35,000–£45,000, slightly higher than the average for web designers.
That said, as design and development roles continue to overlap—especially in small teams—having hybrid skills can open the door to higher-paying opportunities.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Web Designer
If you want to boost your earning potential, here are a few proven strategies:
🔹 Specialize
Specializations like UX design, eCommerce UI, mobile-first design, or accessibility can make you a standout candidate.
🔹 Upskill
Learning related skills such as front-end development, animation (e.g., Lottie), or design systems can help you land more advanced roles.
🔹 Build a Strong Portfolio
A killer portfolio is often more important than a degree. Show your design thinking process, real-world results, and versatility.
🔹 Consider Freelance or Remote Work
Freelancers can sometimes earn more depending on the clients they work with. Remote roles also give you access to companies in higher-paying regions.
Final Thoughts: Is Web Design a Lucrative Career?
So, what is the average salary of a web designer? Depending on where you are in your career and what region you’re in, the answer can range anywhere from $45,000 to over $90,000 in the U.S., or £25,000 to over £42,000 in the U.K.
The good news? It’s a field full of opportunity—and one where skills, creativity, and strategy can directly translate into higher pay.
How The Design Mentor Can Help You Learn Web Design
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From learning the fundamentals of visual design and UX/UI to building a portfolio that gets noticed, The Design Mentor gives you the tools, mentorship, and confidence to build a career you love—and earn what you’re worth.
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