How Much Do Web Designers Make? A Comprehensive U.S. Salary Breakdown
Is Web Design a Lucrative Career Path?
You’ve probably wondered at some point, “How much do web designers make?” Maybe you’re a student choosing a career, a self-taught coder, or a freelancer curious about rates. Good news—web design can be a highly rewarding career, both creatively and financially.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down how much do web designers make across different experience levels, locations, and types of employment. Whether you’re interested in freelance web designer income or curious about the average pay for website designer roles in the U.S., this article has all the answers.
What Influences How Much Web Designers Make?
Before diving into dollar amounts, let’s consider the key factors that influence web designing income:
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Experience Level
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Location (State/City)
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Employment Type (Freelance vs. Full-time)
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Skill Specialization (UX/UI, Front-end, Graphic Design)
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Industry (Tech, eCommerce, Agencies)
Each factor can dramatically shift the answer to how much does a web designer make in real-world scenarios.
Average Salary: How Much Do Web Designers Make in the U.S.?
So, how much do web designers make on average?
According to recent data from Indeed, Glassdoor, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Senior (5+ yrs) | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Freelance Designers | $25 – $100/hour |
This means that how much can a web designer make annually could range from $45K to over $120K based on experience and location.
Freelance Web Designer Income: How Much Can You Earn?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: freelance web designer income.
Freelancers have a different earning model—no fixed salary, but massive flexibility. Here’s a breakdown:
| Hourly Rate | Experience Level |
|---|---|
| $25 – $40/hr | Beginner |
| $50 – $75/hr | Mid-Level |
| $80 – $150+/hr | Expert/Agency Freelancers |
Multiply that by weekly hours, and you’ll see how much freelance web designer pay can stack up:
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20 hours/week @ $50/hr = $4,000/month → $48,000/year
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35 hours/week @ $85/hr = $11,900/month → $142,800/year
It’s clear that freelance web designer salary can easily outpace traditional roles if you have the skills, client base, and discipline.
Salary by Role: Not All Web Designers Are Equal
When someone asks how much do website designers make, it’s important to clarify the type of designer:
| Role | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| UI Designer | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| UX Designer | $70,000 – $120,000 |
| Front-End Web Designer | $65,000 – $110,000 |
| Graphic Web Designer | $50,000 – $75,000 |
| Web Developer (Hybrid) | $80,000 – $130,000 |
So when asking how much does a web page designer earn, remember that specialization matters—a UX/UI designer usually earns more than a graphic web designer.
Location-Based Pay: Where Do Web Designers Earn the Most?
How much do web designers make often depends on geography.
Here’s a state-by-state breakdown:
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| New York | $80,000 – $115,000 |
| Texas | $70,000 – $95,000 |
| Florida | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| Illinois | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Remote (U.S. Average) | $75,000 – $105,000 |
While the average pay for website designer is highest in tech hubs like SF and NYC, remote work has leveled the playing field in recent years.
How Much Do Web Designers Make Starting Out?
Beginners often ask, “How much does a web designer make with no experience?” Realistically:
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Entry-level jobs start at $40K–$60K/year
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Freelancers may charge $20–$30/hour
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Interns or students might start with $15–$20/hour
Getting experience through portfolio work, internships, or freelancing can quickly increase your web designing income over the first 1–2 years.
Bonus Income Streams: How Web Designers Multiply Their Earnings
Want to know how much does website designer make with side hustles? Here’s where many pros earn extra:
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Template Sales: $100–$10,000/month (depending on niche & quality)
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Courses/Tutorials: Passive income from platforms like Udemy
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Affiliate Revenue: Recommending hosting, tools, plugins
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Maintenance Retainers: Ongoing client support = recurring revenue
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White-label Work: Designing for agencies under contract
The total website design income can skyrocket if you stack multiple revenue streams.
Freelance vs. Full-Time: Pros and Cons
Let’s compare two popular career paths:
| Aspect | Freelance | Full-Time Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Income Potential | High, scalable | Fixed salary, slower growth |
| Stability | Variable | Predictable |
| Benefits | None (you pay out-of-pocket) | Healthcare, retirement, PTO |
| Freedom/Flexibility | Full control | Limited by schedule/employer |
| Skill Development | Broader, client-focused | Specialized, team-focused |
Freelance web designer salary can exceed $100K with the right setup. But full-time roles offer more structure and support, especially early in your career.
Web Design vs. Web Development Pay
If you’re torn between design and development, consider this:
| Field | Avg. U.S. Salary |
|---|---|
| Web Designer | $65,000 – $90,000 |
| Front-End Developer | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Full-Stack Developer | $95,000 – $130,000 |
The line between designer and developer is blurring, and many modern professionals skill up in both for higher website design income.
How Much Do Website Designers Make Per Project?
If you’re freelancing, you might wonder: how much can a web designer make per project?
| Project Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| One-page Portfolio | $500 – $1,200 |
| 5-page Business Site | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| eCommerce Site | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| Ongoing Maintenance | $100 – $500/month |
Multiply that by a few projects a month, and you’ll see how profitable freelance web designer pay can become.
How Can Web Designers Increase Their Income?
Want to raise your web designer salary freelance or full-time? Try this:
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Learn UX/UI strategy
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Get fluent in tools like Figma, Webflow, Elementor
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Add copywriting and SEO skills
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Offer hosting and maintenance plans
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Build a brand and content presence (LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)
The more value you offer, the more you can charge—and the higher your web designing income.
FAQs About Web Designer Pay
1. How much do web designers make on average in the United States?
Web designers in the United States earn an average salary ranging from $55,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on their location, experience level, and skill set. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average is around $79,000/year. However, this varies greatly by state and employer. The answer to “how much do web designers make” can also be influenced by whether the designer works full-time for a company or freelances independently.
2. How much does a web designer make with 1 to 2 years of experience?
An entry-level designer with 1–2 years of experience typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. At this stage, they are likely still building their portfolio, gaining experience with tools like Figma or Adobe XD, and possibly learning front-end development. So if you’re just starting and wondering how much do website designers make, expect moderate pay with room to grow.
3. How much can a web designer make if they work freelance?
The answer to “how much can a web designer make” as a freelancer is wide-ranging. Freelancers might charge $25 to $150+ per hour, and project fees can range from $500 to $10,000+ depending on complexity. On average, freelance web designer income falls between $65,000 and $95,000 per year, but successful freelancers with a strong client base and specialized skills can easily earn six figures.
4. How much does a web page designer earn if they work in an agency?
Web page designers working at digital agencies typically earn around $55,000 to $75,000/year. These positions often include rapid-paced projects, deadlines, and client interactions. Agency work is ideal for those who want to learn quickly and gain exposure. Still, compared to in-house roles, the salary may be slightly lower due to volume-driven work environments.
5. How much do website designers make at big tech companies like Google or Apple?
Web designers employed at major tech companies such as Google, Apple, or Amazon can make significantly more. These companies offer base salaries between $100,000 and $150,000/year, plus bonuses and stock options. For such high-end positions, employers usually look for advanced UX/UI expertise, development skills, and strong portfolios. Therefore, when considering “how much does a web designer make” at the top end—it can easily exceed $200,000/year.
6. What is the average pay for website designer jobs by city?
The average pay for website designer roles varies by city. For example:
- San Francisco, CA: $105,000/year
- New York, NY: $98,000/year
- Austin, TX: $80,000/year
- Chicago, IL: $75,000/year
- Atlanta, GA: $70,000/year
- Omaha, NE: $60,000/year
When asking how much do web designers make, location is a key factor due to cost of living and tech presence.
7. What’s the web designer salary freelance professionals can expect?
The web designer salary freelance workers can expect is highly flexible. Freelancers earn based on the number of projects they take and their hourly or project rates. On average, they make $65,000 to $95,000/year, but some freelancers make over $150,000/year if they work with premium clients and maintain consistent work volume. Factors like reviews, niche specialization, and portfolio quality affect freelance income.
8. How much does a website designer make per hour?
Hourly rates are one of the most common ways web designers bill their services. Here’s the breakdown:
- Beginner: $25 – $50/hour
- Intermediate: $50 – $100/hour
- Expert: $100 – $200+/hour
These rates vary based on location, experience, and demand. If you’re wondering how much does a website designer make per hour freelancing, you could earn more than full-time equivalents depending on how you price your time.
9. What’s the difference in how much a freelance web designer earns vs. an employee?
A freelance website designer salary is often higher on a per-hour basis, but less predictable. Freelancers might earn more by charging premium rates but must cover their own benefits, insurance, and taxes. On the other hand, full-time employees have job security, steady paychecks, and benefits like paid time off and healthcare. While a full-timer may earn $60,000 – $90,000/year, a freelancer may earn $70,000 – $120,000+ if business is strong.
10. How much does a web designer make if they specialize in WordPress or Shopify?
Specializing in platforms like WordPress or Shopify can affect earnings:
- WordPress Web Designer: $50,000 – $70,000/year
- Shopify Web Designer: $60,000 – $90,000/year
These roles often include both design and development skills, increasing income potential. So how much do web designers make who focus on these platforms? Quite a bit if they also offer customization, SEO, and plugin development.
11. What skills influence how much a web designer makes?
Key skills that increase web designing income include:
- UX/UI Design
- Front-End Development (HTML/CSS/JS)
- SEO and Analytics
- Mobile & Responsive Design
- Copywriting and Branding
Designers with hybrid skills often command salaries of $90,000 – $120,000+ annually. Employers value those who can manage entire workflows and results.
12. How much does a freelance website designer make per project?
Freelance project income varies widely:
- Small business website: $1,000 – $3,000
- E-commerce website: $2,500 – $10,000+
- Landing pages or redesigns: $500 – $2,000
If you’re asking how much does a freelance web designer make per project, know that pricing depends on scope, timeline, and complexity.
13. How much does a web page designer earn with additional services like SEO?
When web designers bundle services like SEO, speed optimization, or analytics tracking, they can charge more. A basic site design might cost $1,000, but with add-ons, the price could jump to $3,000 – $5,000+. Combining skills boosts website design income significantly.
14. How much do website designers make in niche markets like healthcare or law?
Designers who specialize in niches like healthcare, legal, or finance often earn 15–25% more than generalists. Niche expertise allows them to charge premium rates and offer industry-specific insights. This helps boost the overall freelance web designer pay and solidifies long-term client relationships.
15. How can I increase my web designing income?
To boost your web designing income, consider the following strategies:
- Learn new skills like animation, React, or mobile design
- Raise your rates periodically
- Improve your portfolio with measurable results
- Offer retainer packages for ongoing work
- Create digital products or courses
Professionals who continuously improve often earn $100,000+ within a few years. So when someone asks how much do web designers make, the potential is nearly limitless if you play your cards right.
Conclusion: So, How Much Do Web Designers Make?
The final answer to how much do web designers make? It depends—but here’s the honest range:
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Entry-level: $40,000–$60,000/year
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Mid-Level: $65,000–$85,000/year
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Senior/Expert: $90,000–$130,000/year
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Freelancers: $25–$150+/hour
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Project Rates: $1,000–$10,000+
Whether you’re starting from scratch or scaling as a freelancer, web design is one of the few careers where creativity meets high earning potential.
📈 Want to build a six-figure design career? Keep learning, stay curious, and deliver results—because when you create value, you control how much do web designers make.
