What Does a Web Designer Do? (And How to Become One)

Key takeaways

Web designers create visually engaging websites, determining how the site looks, feels, and functions. 

• As a web designer, you’ll develop the site’s navigation, design mockups, register domain names, organize design files and digital assets, and collaborate on site updates or redesigns.

• A successful web design career requires a mix of workplace skills, such as communication and collaboration, and technical skills, such as visual design and user experience (UX) design.

• You can earn a degree in computer science, a master’s degree in web design, or enroll in a web design certificate program to prepare for a career in web design.

Learn more about what it takes to become a successful web designer. If you’re ready to start building the expertise you need to land a web design role, consider enrolling in the University of Michigan's Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding Specialization. In as little as two months, you'll have the opportunity to learn how to create interactive web pages using industry-standard tools and languages like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. Upon completion, you’ll earn a shareable certificate for your resume.

What is web design?

Web design is the process of creating the visual layout and interactive experience of a website, combining aesthetics with usability to ensure it looks great and works smoothly across all devices. It involves elements like layout, colors, typography, images, and navigation, all designed to deliver a clear, engaging, and accessible experience for users.

What does a web designer do?

A website designer plays a hands-on role in shaping how a site looks, feels, and functions. Their responsibilities often include:

• Designing and laying out websites: Creating visually engaging page designs that align with the brand and purpose of the site

• Planning site navigation: Structuring menus and pathways to ensure users can find what they need quickly and easily

• Creating sample pages and mockups: Building design drafts that map out layout, content placement, and visual flow before development begins

• Registering domain names and managing hosting details: Handling some of the technical logistics needed to get a website live

• Organizing design files and digital assets: Keeping fonts, images, and design elements clearly labeled and accessible

• Collaborating on site updates or full redesigns: Working with teams to refresh the site’s look, improve functionality, or update content

• Coordinating with writers, developers, and other creatives: Ensuring that visual design elements align with messaging and technical needs for a seamless final product

What is responsive web design?

Responsive web design is a method of building websites that automatically adjust to fit different screen sizes, from desktops to smartphones. It uses flexible layouts, scalable images, and media queries to ensure content looks and functions well on any device. This approach improves user experience, supports SEO, and simplifies maintenance by eliminating the need for separate mobile and desktop versions.

How much do web designers make?

The median annual total pay for a web designer in the US is $85,000 [1]. This figure includes base pay of $50,000 to $92,000 per year and additional pay ranging from $14,000 to $26,000 annually. Additional pay insights may include commissions, profit-sharing, and bonuses.

Is web design a good career?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web designer jobs are expected to grow by 7 percent between 2024 and 2034, faster than the national average [2]. The growth in the field is due in part to the increase in e-commerce and the drive to build mobile-friendly websites and applications as more people embrace using their mobile phones or devices to access the web.

What skills are needed to become a web designer?

If you’re interested in becoming a website designer, building the right mix of workplace and technical skills can set you on the path to success. Here are key skills to focus on:

Workplace skills

Workplace skills in web design refer to the interpersonal and organizational abilities that help designers collaborate with clients, team members, and stakeholders. These skills enable designers to communicate design ideas clearly, manage multiple projects effectively, and work well within a team, ensuring the design process runs smoothly and meets deadlines.

• Communication

  • Understand client needs and ask the right questions about goals and audience.

  • Clearly present your ideas and design decisions.

  • Keep stakeholders informed, explain issues as they arise, and manage expectations around timelines.

• Time management

  • Balance multiple projects, especially in freelance or agency settings.

  • Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines consistently.

• Collaboration

  • Work effectively with writers, developers, designers, and IT teams.

  • Be open to feedback and able to adapt your work based on input from others.

Technical skills

Technical skills in web design involve the practical knowledge needed to create and optimize websites. This includes proficiency with design software to craft visuals and layouts, an understanding of user experience principles to design intuitive interfaces, and basic coding knowledge to make small adjustments to websites, all of which contribute to creating functional and visually appealing sites.

• Visual design

  • Apply principles like balance, contrast, typography, and color theory to create cohesive, attractive designs.

  • Use design tools to craft layouts, icons, and other graphical elements.

• UX (user experience) design

  • Design intuitive, user-friendly layouts that create a positive experience.

  • Research target audiences and analyze user behavior to inform design decisions.

  • Align site functionality with business goals and user expectations.

Read more: UX Design Books, Blogs, and Podcasts: A Resource List

• Knowledge of design programs

  • Be proficient in tools like Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Illustrator.

  • Use these programs to design visual elements, create mockups, and edit images as part of the web design process.

• Some coding knowledge

  • Understand the basics of HTML and CSS to make minor adjustments and enhancements.

  • Use coding knowledge to tweak templates, modify fonts, or fine-tune layout elements without relying entirely on a developer.

Programming languages for web designers

While web designers focus primarily on the visual and user experience aspects of a website, knowing some basic programming languages can be a big advantage. Understanding certain languages allows designers to make small tweaks and work more closely with developers. Here are some essential programming languages for web designers:

• HTML: Short for hypertext markup language, HTML is what you'll use to build the structure of a webpage. With this tool, you can learn how to perform these functions and more:

  • Insert headings, lists, tables, spreadsheets, and photos into web page copy

  • Add hypertext links so users can move quickly to another web page

  • Design forms for user interactions like ordering products or making reservations

  • Incorporate applications like video clips and sound clips into web page copy

• CSS: As HTML provides structure to your web page, cascading style sheets (CSS) is the computer language that gives it style. With this tool, you can change fonts, adjust color, modify backgrounds, and more.

• JavaScript: JavaScript (JS) is a scripting language used with HTML and CSS to make web pages more interactive. With JavaScript, you can generate and control elements of web pages like photo slideshows, interactive forms, and animated graphics. 

• Python/Django: Python is a simple, versatile, and very efficient programming language. You can use Python to create web applications and games, conduct statistical calculations, and more. If you're looking to build a complex, scalable website like Netflix or Spotify, you might use Django, a popular website-building framework written in Python.

Do you need a degree to land a job as a website designer?

Many website designers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, a four-year degree isn’t the only path to this creative career; obtaining certifications is another option. Take a closer look at both degree programs and certifications. 

Degree programs 

If you're interested in getting a bachelor's degree in web design, the journey will likely take four or more years if you attend classes full-time. You can get a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Arts, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. A Bachelor of Science (BS) focuses more on the technical side of web design, such as operating systems and web programming languages. Examples of classes you might take for this degree include:

• Basic and advanced database structures

• Programming languages and platforms

• Web scripting

• Web publishing 

• Human-computer interface design

• Visual frameworks

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) highlights the creative aspects of web design. If you're leaning in this direction, you'll likely get a degree in a field like digital design or visual communication with an emphasis on web design. Examples of classes you might take for this degree include:

• Graphic design tools

• Basic and advanced web design

• Image manipulation

• Motion graphics

• Animation

• Typography

Master's degree

To obtain a master's degree in web design, plan to put in two to three years of work beyond a bachelor's degree for an extra 30 to 40 credits. While pursuing a master's degree, you can gain more advanced web design and development knowledge. You'll likely create a website as part of your capstone project. When you graduate, you could be prepared for jobs like:

• Senior web designer

• Applications developer

• UX designer

• Multimedia specialist

• SEO specialist 

Web design certificate programs and courses 

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree is only one option. You can also explore certification programs or take courses to build your web design skills. Some employers may prefer candidates with relevant, up-to-date industry certificates. 

• Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate: Learn from industry leaders at Microsoft in this series of courses that cover foundational UX concepts. Build job-ready skills like wireframing, prototyping, user research, and accessibility as you complete projects for your design portfolio. 

• UI/UX Design Specialization: This series of courses from the California Institute of the Arts offers practical, skill-based instruction to help students understand the UI/UX development process, website architecture, site maps, wireframing, and best practices to create a delightful online experience for the end user.

Web designer portfolio

With the right skills honed and the right educational background, securing a website designer job includes building an impressive online portfolio. To help, check out this list of tips to curate the best possible examples:

• Quality over quantity: A portfolio should contain your best work, but it’s important to be selective. It’s better to showcase fewer, higher-quality sites than many sites that don't showcase your best work. 

• Highlight the kind of work you want to do: Is there a particular industry that you’d like to serve? Do you want to focus on creating online stores as opposed to single-page sites for small businesses? Your portfolio should include the kind of work you want to do and showcase examples that you’re passionate about creating. 

• Provide context: Your portfolio is a visual representation of your best work, but it is also an opportunity to provide context about your impact and projects. Consider providing a quick three-to-four-sentence description that explains the site’s purpose, its challenges, and why it’s in your portfolio.

• Update it regularly: It’s a good idea to set aside scheduled time once a quarter to update your portfolio. Even if you are not adding new work, you might have additional context to add or edits to make based on your ongoing learning and goals. It's a lot easier to update when things are fresh in your mind versus months or years later. 

Building your portfolio

Building a portfolio takes time. If you need to fill the gaps in your portfolio, consider enrolling in a Guided Project in web design on Coursera. You can browse relevant options in the list below:

• Design and Develop a Website using Figma and CSS

• Build a website using Wix Artificial Design Intelligence

• Develop a Company Website with Wix

• Use WordPress to Create a Blog for Your Business

Where do web designers work?

As a web developer, you’re likely to work in a team of development professionals reporting to a project manager. Depending on the size of the project, this could be a small team covering many different roles or a larger team with specialized roles. You can also choose to work on independent and freelance projects. 

Web designer job search resources

When you're ready to apply for jobs in web design, the following resources can help you make empowered career decisions and get the most out of your journey.

• Web Designer Salary: Your Guide

• Job Search Guide: Resources for Your Next Career Move

• 11 Interviewing Skills to Benefit Your Career

• How to Make a Resume: Resume Writing Guide 

Explore tools that connect learning with career progress

Subscribe to Career Chat on LinkedIn to get timely updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Then, check out these free resources to learn more about a career in web design and development:

• Build your knowledge: Web Development Career Paths: Explore Roles & Specializations

• Read an insider story: How This Self-Taught Web Developer Went Straight to a Master's Degree 

• Watch on YouTube: Web Design Roadmap: From Beginner to Portfolio

Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses. 

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