What Does a Web Designer Do?
A web designer creates visually compelling, user-friendly layouts for websites and digital interfaces. Their primary focus is on the look, feel, and usability of web pages, ensuring the design aligns with brand identity and delivers an intuitive experience for users. Using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch, web designers craft everything from homepage layouts to user flows and mobile interfaces.
While web designers typically don’t write backend code, many are familiar with front-end basics such as HTML and CSS. They collaborate closely with developers, marketers, and product teams to ensure that design concepts are technically feasible, accessible, and optimized for performance across devices. Good web designers combine creativity with a strong understanding of UX/UI best practices and web usability standards.
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Web Designer Core Responsibilities
- Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes for web interfaces
- Design responsive layouts optimized for desktop and mobile
- Collaborate with developers to ensure visual fidelity during implementation
- Apply branding guidelines, color theory, typography, and design systems
- Conduct user research and usability testing to validate design decisions
- Optimize designs for speed, accessibility, and user engagement
- Maintain and update website design assets over time
- Stay current with industry design trends and emerging tools
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or Photoshop
- Understanding of UX/UI design principles
- Ability to create responsive layouts and interactive prototypes
- Familiarity with web accessibility standards (WCAG)
- Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS (especially for email or landing page design)
Soft skills
- Creativity and attention to visual detail
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical teams
- Ability to accept and incorporate feedback
- Strong time management and multitasking capabilities
- Empathy for users and focus on intuitive design
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, web design, or related field
- Or completion of a digital design certification or bootcamp
Certifications
- Not required, but beneficial options include:
- Google UX Design Certificate
- Adobe Certified Professional in Web Design
- Nielsen Norman Group UX Certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing in Agile or collaborative team settings
- Familiarity with design systems and component libraries
- Knowledge of motion design or interaction design principles
- Experience with A/B testing tools or conversion optimization platforms
National Average Salary
Web designer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Web Designer is:
$80,992
Sample Web Designer Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a web designer. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Junior Web Designer
Position Overview
A junior web designer supports the creation of user-friendly, visually consistent websites and digital interfaces. Working closely with mid-level and senior designers, this entry-level role focuses on executing visual layouts, updating content, and ensuring designs adhere to brand guidelines. Junior designers gain hands-on experience in responsive design, layout tools, and collaboration with developers.
Responsibilities
- Assist in creating wireframes and page mockups
- Follow existing style guides to maintain brand consistency
- Prepare design assets for web development (icons, images, fonts)
- Make updates to existing designs and perform QA on visuals
- Collaborate with other designers and developers on layout adjustments
- Conduct basic usability testing and incorporate feedback
- Support layout design for mobile and desktop views
- Organize design files and version control in shared systems
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch
- Basic understanding of responsive layout and user interface principles
- Familiarity with web-safe fonts, color theory, and image optimization
- Exposure to HTML and CSS (for layout awareness)
- Ability to follow accessibility and brand guidelines
Soft skills
- Coachable and open to feedback
- Strong attention to design details
- Positive attitude and team-first mindset
- Time management in deadline-driven environments
- Willingness to learn new tools and workflows
Educational requirements
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in web design, graphic design, or related field
- Or completion of a design bootcamp or certificate program
Certifications
- Not required, but helpful certifications include Google UX Certificate or Adobe Certified Professional
Preferred Qualifications
- Personal or academic design portfolio
- Experience using Canva, Illustrator, or Photoshop
- Exposure to email or banner ad design
Example 2: Mid-Level Web Designer
Position Overview
A mid-level web designer designs and delivers user-focused web pages, components, and digital experiences. This role involves taking projects from concept to final mockups, improving UX/UI flows, and collaborating across teams to ensure quality execution. Mid-level designers often help maintain or expand design systems and contribute to conversion or engagement goals.
Responsibilities
- Design responsive page layouts across desktop, tablet, and mobile
- Collaborate with UX teams to iterate on user journeys
- Translate wireframes and concepts into polished visual mockups
- Work with developers to ensure accurate design implementation
- Apply best practices in accessibility, performance, and mobile optimization
- Maintain and expand brand design systems and component libraries
- Present design decisions to stakeholders and accept constructive input
- Contribute to user testing and A/B experimentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in modern design tools (Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch)
- Solid understanding of UX/UI principles and responsive frameworks
- Ability to create and maintain design systems
- Familiarity with front-end development workflows
- Experience working with developers and creative teams
Soft skills
- Strong problem-solving and layout optimization skills
- Clear communication across cross-functional teams
- Organized project and file management
- Confidence presenting creative rationale
- Adaptability in iterative, fast-paced environments
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in web design, UX/UI, or a related field
- Or equivalent real-world experience (2–4 years)
Certifications
Not required, but Google UX Certificate or Nielsen Norman Group coursework is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing for SaaS, eCommerce, or marketing websites
- Familiarity with A/B testing platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO)
- Working knowledge of WCAG accessibility compliance
Example 3: Senior Web Designer
Position Overview
A senior web designer leads the creation of sophisticated, scalable web experiences by combining design strategy, branding, and UX principles. They take ownership of high-impact design initiatives and work closely with cross-functional teams to align visuals with user goals and business outcomes. Senior designers also mentor junior team members and help shape the overall visual direction.
Responsibilities
- Lead large-scale web design projects from ideation to final delivery
- Define and evolve visual language, branding, and design systems
- Collaborate with UX researchers to apply user insights into designs
- Partner with developers to ensure technical feasibility and accuracy
- Provide design leadership and feedback across departments
- Review and approve UI components, style sheets, and prototypes
- Drive consistency, accessibility, and scalability in web design execution
- Mentor junior and mid-level designers on best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Deep understanding of UX architecture, responsive design, and accessibility
- Experience working with front-end devs on design handoffs and QA
- Knowledge of A/B testing, CRO strategies, and design systems
- Ability to produce polished, scalable layouts for enterprise platforms
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and brand alignment awareness
- Leadership and mentorship capabilities
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Excellent presentation and rationale articulation
- Ownership mindset and accountability for design quality
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in design, HCI, or visual communication
- Or 5+ years of relevant professional experience
Certifications
Not required, but a UX certification (e.g., Nielsen Norman, HFI) or advanced coursework is valuable
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Agile environments or design sprints
- Expertise in web accessibility and WCAG compliance
- Portfolio of enterprise or conversion-optimized designs