Web Designer
Web Designer Career Overview
In today's fast paced digital age, almost every company needs a website and with this comes the need for qualified web designers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the job outlook for web designers is going to continue to grow much faster than most other sectors. Earnings in the field are also quite high, with some professionals bringing in over six figures. While web designers can find work with just an associate's degree, a bachelor's or graduate degree opens the door to many more opportunities, promotions, and the potential for higher earnings.
Web Designer Training & Education
There are many positions that only require web designers to have a two-year associate's degree in web design or a related field such as computer or information science. However, there are many more positions that require candidates to have a bachelor's degree. The most technically complex positions most always require candidates to have an advanced degree. Computer scientists are usually required to obtain PhD's.
An increasing amount of employers are looking for candidates with computer science backgrounds to fill managerial or project leadership positions. For these positions, employers favor applicants with MBAs with a concentration in computer science. Persons with a degree like this can advance to coveted positions high up on the corporate ladder, such as chief technology officer.
Most web designers also have a portfolio of sites they've previously created to show to potential employers during interviews. Relevant work experience is also valued in the field. Pursuing an online web design degree can allow students the time to gain experience and build their portfolio while earning their degree.
Web Design Career & Salary Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics computer and mathematical science occupations have a mean annual wage of $72,190. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have a specific statement about the earnings of web designers, but they do note a reputable study that has this data. In their 2007 Salary Guide, publisher Robert Half International says that web designers earn on average between $47,000 and $71,500. Some related occupations and their earnings are also listed; senior web developer ($71,000 - $102,000), web developer ($54,750 - $81,500) and web administrator ($49,750 - $74,750).
Characteristics of Successful Web Designers
Working as a web designer can be a very fulfilling, lucrative and low stress career. Web designers typically work a regular 40-hour business week in a comfortable office setting. Many web designers are even able to telecommute since their work can be done remotely. Occasionally, a web designer may need to quickly finish a project because of an employer's tight time frame and this can be somewhat stressful.
However, not everyone will make a good web designer. The best web designers are incredibly adept computer programmers and are at the same time very creative. A combination that is not very common. Web designers must also be able to enjoy sitting still and spending long hours in front of a computer.
Article ReferencesBureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm#earnings
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
http://www.acm.org
Software & Information Industry Association
http://www.siia.net
