Looking to break into tech?
While researching different job titles in the tech industry, chances are you've come across two similar-looking ones: Web Designer and Web Developer.
Web Designer and Web Developer are sometimes used interchangeably, and while the two roles work closely together to design an end product, they're actually quite different from one another. Here's a breakdown of the responsibilities, qualifications, and salaries of a Web Designer vs. Web Developer:
Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Responsibilities
While both Web Designers and Web Developers work on the creation of a website, the daily tasks associated with each role vary. Web Designers assist in conceptualizing how a website will look for the end user, ensuring that both the user interaction (UI) and user experience (UX) is up to standard.
Web Developers work to build and maintain websites, with a focus on functionality. This often involves working alongside a web designer to understand their vision for the end product.
Web Designer Responsibilities
- Conceptualize the look of a website, including layout and structure
- Select website colours, fonts, and images
- Follow best practices in UI and UX
- Work with web developers to communicate design ideas
Web Developer Responsibilities
- Use programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more to build a website
- Test and troubleshoot technical issues
- Follow best practices in SEO and cross-browser compatibility
- Work with web designers to accommodate or modify their designs
Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Qualifications
Besides an eye for good visual aesthetics, Web Designers should have an understanding of a variety of content management systems, basic coding knowledge, and experience with Adobe Creative Suite. But at the core of every good Web Designer is a good understanding of UX design. This will help to design a website that’s user-friendly and will have users coming back!
Web Developer roles often require a more formal educational background such as degrees or Bootcamp certifications, where they'll learn to build websites using coding languages like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, responsive design, and more.
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Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Average Salary
As of January 2022, the average Web Designer salary on Glassdoor Canada is $54,077, with more specialized designers making upwards of $62,000 yearly.
The average Web Developer makes an average salary of $61,033 according Glassdoor Canada, with senior level developers making up to $84,871 yearly.
Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Job Market & Opportunities
Web Designers and Web Developers are hired at a variety of different organizations, from small tech startups, to international retail chains, and every kind of company in between.
The demand for both roles continues to grow, with employment expected to grow at a higher rate than the average occupation all the way up until 2028. The Government of Canada Job Bank anticipates that 54% of Web Developer and Web Design roles posted in the next few years will be a result of new jobs being created meaning that demand for these skills only continues to grow.
Translation: now is the time to get into both fields!
Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Which Is Better?
This is simply a matter of personal preference. Do you like being creative and thinking outside the box? Then Web Design may be the path for you!
Are you more analytical, like problem solving, and building things from the ground up? You may prefer taking the path to becoming a Web Developer.
Whichever path you choose, both careers offer exciting opportunities to continually grow and learn new skills!
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