Web designer
Web designers use their creative and technical skills to design new websites and improve existing ones.
Also known as: Digital designer
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a web designer, you could:
- speak with clients to find out what they want their site to do
- create engaging prototypes, using both code and design software
- make sure websites meet accessibility standards and design principles
- work closely with marketing teams on targeting content, features and branding
- analyse website data to identify trends and increase visitor numbers
- use content management systems (CMS) to manage and maintain sites
- keep up to date with emerging trends and changing technology
Working environment
You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a web designer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could study for a higher national diploma or degree in:
- web design and development
- multimedia design
- digital media development
- interactive computing
- graphic design
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, for example:
- web design
- web design and development
- creative digital media production
- T Level in Digital Software Development
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a design company, such as:
- Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Creative Digital Design Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and move into a web design professional role through training and promotion.
Volunteering
You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- become a lead web designer or creative studio manager
- work on different contracts as a freelance web designer
- set up your own web design business, employing others
- work in related areas like app development, e-commerce or social media management
Career tips
You'll need a portfolio of work that showcases your creative design skills to employers.
You can keep up to date with the latest trends, features and design tools by:
- using free webinars and online training courses
- signing up to free online web design channels
- reading and watching the latest industry blogs for news and tips
- exploring how to use artificial intelligence tools to enhance your skills
Guides for this industry
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