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Web designer

Alternative titles for this job include Digital designer

Web designers use their creative and technical skills to design new websites and improve existing ones.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could study for a higher national diploma or degree in:

  • web design and development
  • multimedia design
  • digital media development
  • interactive computing
  • graphic design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, for example:

  • web design
  • web design and development
  • creative digital media production
  • T Level in Digital Software Development

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a design company, such as:

  • Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Creative Digital Design Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and move into a web design professional role through training and promotion.

Volunteering

You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.

More Information

Career tips

You'll need a portfolio of work that showcases your creative design skills to employers.

You can keep up to date with the latest trends, features and design tools by:

  • using free webinars and online training courses
  • signing up to free online web design channels
  • reading and watching the latest industry blogs for news and tips
  • exploring how to use artificial intelligence tools to enhance your skills

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in web design from techskills.

You can also find out more from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • design skills and knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of media production and communication
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a web designer, you could:

  • speak with clients to find out what they want their site to do
  • create engaging prototypes, using both code and design software
  • make sure websites meet accessibility standards and design principles
  • work closely with marketing teams on targeting content, features and branding
  • analyse website data to identify trends and increase visitor numbers
  • use content management systems (CMS) to manage and maintain sites
  • keep up to date with emerging trends and changing technology

Working environment

You could work in an office, from home or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • become a lead web designer or creative studio manager
  • work on different contracts as a freelance web designer
  • set up your own web design business, employing others
  • work in related areas like app development, e-commerce or social media management

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Content Creator Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: Hanbury street, London

Content Creator Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,704 a year Annually
  • Location: OBSERVATORY SHOPPING CENTRE, SLOUGH
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

NCFE L3 Cert in Web Design (FCFJ)

  • Provider: UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 15 September 2026
  • Location: Bridgwater

Level 3 Creative Media Production & Technology (Digital Design & Web Development)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 30 September 2026
  • Location: Selby
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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