Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Key Differences Explained

Today, there are more than one billion websites on the internet, with a new one published approximately every three seconds. Have you ever wondered who is responsible for building, designing, and maintaining the websites you frequent? More than likely, you have a team of web developers and web designers working together to keep your favorite sites looking and functioning at their best.

If you're interested in a career in creating or coding websites, you may want to explore web design or web development as viable paths. By better understanding the differences between web design and web development, you can determine which path best suits your interests.

Understanding the Fields: Web Design vs. Web Development 

While web designers and developers often work closely together (and some of their work may overlap slightly), these are two distinct roles. 

What Is a Web Designer? 

Specifically, a web designer is a professional who focuses on a website's overall appearance and aesthetic. These professionals may handle everything from implementing a color scheme on a website to ensuring the site's navigation is easy to find and utilize. 

What Do Web Developers Do? 

A web developer is more focused on the technical aspects of the site that keep it up and running, such as writing code. There are two different types of web development: front-end and back-end. The main difference is that front-end developers write code that affects how the overall site design is displayed, whereas back-end developers are in charge of things that aren't visible to the naked eye. 

Essential Skills and Tools: Web Designer vs. Web Developer

Web designers and developers have the same knowledge about websites and how they work. However, they must utilize different skills to properly carry out their job responsibilities. 

Web designers may focus more on the creative skills needed to make a website look great. Some examples of skills and tools needed in web design include: 

• Proficiency in design software, such as Adobe Photoshop
• Understanding color theory and its applications
• Knowledge of typography and its use in web design
• Some knowledge of HTML and Javascript

Web developers need to have more specific technical and coding skills. Some examples of skills used in web development roles include:

• Front- and back-end coding
• Responsive design
• Programming languages
• Testing and debugging strategies/tools

Salary Expectations for Web Designers vs. Developers

Many factors can affect the salary of a web designer or web developer, including the professional's experience, formal schooling, and job location. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for web developers and digital designers in 2022 was $80,730 per year. 

Education and Training Requirements for Each Role 

Whether you're considering a career in web design or development, there are some specific steps you'll need to take to gain the necessary education and experience to succeed in these fields. 

Training Paths for Aspiring Web Designers 

While web designers can be self-taught, the field has become increasingly competitive—so having a formal degree in web design or a related field is ideal. Specifically, a bachelor's degree in web design can provide the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience aspiring designers need to succeed in this industry. In addition to formal degree programs, many web designers might pursue internships or freelance work during their studies to build up their portfolios. 

Educational Requirements for Web Developers 

Web development is another field where having at least a bachelor's degree will make finding work much easier. Internships in web development can also be helpful, as can building a professional portfolio throughout your studies. Earning additional certifications and designations in web development (including certificates in specific programming or coding languages) can also help boost your job prospects and diversify your skill set. 

The Job Outlook for Web Designers vs. Web Developers 

As more and more websites continue to be built, there remains a growing need for professionals who know how to code, design, and manage these sites effectively. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the job outlook for web developers and digital designers is expected to grow 16% between 2022 and 2032 alone. That's much faster than the national average for all occupations. 

Choosing Between Web Design and Web Development

Deciding between a career in web design and web development can be difficult, especially when there is some overlap between the two paths. Fortunately, there are some things you can keep in mind to help you choose the right career. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Career Path 

Start by thinking about your interests and goals. Are you more interested in the creative side of building a website, such as selecting color schemes and designing menus? If so, you may be better suited for work as a web designer. On the other hand, if you're more interested in the technical aspect of creating a website (such as coding and programming language), then web development may be more up your alley. 

How to Get Started in Web Design or Development 

Whether you're more interested in a career in web design or web development, one of the best first steps you can take is to enroll in a great degree program that will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed. 

Champlain College Online offers a bachelor's degree in web design and development, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. This program can be completed in as little as 14 terms and is offered online for your convenience. With the skills you acquire from this degree program, you can qualify for any number of jobs in the field, ranging from web designer and graphic designer to web developer and front-end developer. 

Get in touch today to learn more about this or any other program offered at Champlain College Online. You can also complete your free application in a matter of minutes. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do Web Designers Need to Know Coding? 

While web designers are not usually responsible for coding as part of their jobs (typically, a web developer will code the site), it has become increasingly common for designers to know basic HTML and Javascript. While designers certainly aren't required to understand all the coding and programming languages with total proficiency, having at least a basic grasp of them is beneficial if you want to be competitive as a web designer. 

Who Gets Paid More, Web Designer or Developer? 

Salary information for web designers vs. web developers can vary based on factors like experience, level of education, and skill set. However, according to GlassDoor data, the average salary of a web developer is slightly higher than that of a web designer. 

What Is the Difference Between a Web Designer and a Web Developer? 

There are many differences between a web designer and a web developer, even though they are both professionals who work on websites. Specifically, a web designer is in charge of the parts of the website that a user sees and interacts with. They are typically seen as the creative brains behind a website, implementing everything from font/typography choices to color schemes. In contrast, web developers work behind the scenes on the coding and programming that allows the site to function in the first place. Web developers can work on the front- or back-end of a site, making sure that everything functions as it should. 

Are There Any Overlapping Skills Between Web Designers and Web Developers? 

While the work of a web designer differs from that of a web developer in several ways, there are some overlapping skills that these professionals must possess. For example, both must be familiar with basic coding, including HTML, CSS, or Javascript. Likewise, web designers and web developers need to have some experience in user-friendliness and usability testing, as they must work to ensure that the final version of a website is as usable and easy to navigate as possible. 

Which Role Is Responsible for the Visual Design of a Website? 

Generally, web designers are the ones who are responsible for the overall visual design of a website or the way it looks to the front-end user. However, no visual design of a site would be possible without coding and programming from a web developer. So, you could claim that designers and developers have some stake in visual design. 

Which Role Is Responsible for the Functionality and Coding of a Website? 

Web developers are the ones who are responsible for the overall functionality and coding of a website, both on the front- and back-end. They are the professionals who use their programming and coding knowledge to ensure the website is fully functional and usable. 

Can One Person Be Both a Web Designer and a Web Developer? 

Yes, it is common for web designers to also work as web developers—often on the same project. In fact, rather than pursuing a web design or web development degree, many professionals will obtain a degree that covers both fields to optimize their skill set and career prospects. Many businesses may prefer hiring a single web designer and developer rather than hiring two professionals to carry out these roles. 

Is It Worth Learning Web Development and Web Design? 

If you're interested in a career that involves helping clients build websites, then having some education and experience in web development and design is always a good idea (even if you're more interested in one field than the other). Experience with both sides can enhance your career prospects and make you more marketable.