Fast fact:
The number of web designer jobs is more than 145,000, as of 2014, and is expected to by more than 25,000 until 2022.
The innovation of the World Wide Web is a legend in itself. As of today, we cannot possibly imagine surviving without the internet. Give it a second for a mere click, and you have all the information you want, perhaps more than what you may have expected. This information is written by various content writers, and you are able to view this content on websites. A website consists of several links and web pages that contain further information. A plethora of brilliant minds work behind this concept, one of the primary ones being web designers. They are the ones who create and work on enhancing the appearance of a website. Since the advent of the Internet, millions of websites have been launched, and the number is increasing every minute. Various firm, service providers, federal organizations, offices, shopping outlets, schools/colleges, hospitals, companies, etc., own websites and keep them updated periodically. The paragraphs below enlist the job responsibilities of a web designer.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Every company/organization/business has a website as of today; the reason can be attributed to the increasing dependency on the internet for knowledge, advertising, and awareness.
Web designers are required to work closely with clients and discuss issues related to the creation, design, improvisation, betterment, and function of the website. They also need to discuss the target audience and leading competitors in the field.
They have to design a web page that is user-friendly, yet, is attractive enough to appeal to the audience.
Fixing problems encountered in the functioning of the website is one of the most important responsibilities.
They will need to adept at web languages, like HTML, CSS, XML, XHTML, ASP.Net, and PHP to write contents on web pages.
They have to work on improving image presentations and other features on the website digitally.
They have to be involved in website maintenance and usability, and ensure that its brand value improves.
They have to design interior page layouts and have expertise in graphic design software, like PhotoShop and CorelDraw.
They have to collaborate with the development team, SEO managers, and content addition department to ideate, plan, build, design, and program the website. They also have to work closely with the testing team, in order to implement the design.
They have to troubleshoot errors and brainstorm corrective solutions.
They may need to develop a draft site for the client's convenience, and then design the actual website as per the given requirements.
They have periodic discussions with the client regarding the web page layouts.
Website traffic is an important point they have to keep in mind. They have to decide the navigation across the site very cautiously, so as to channel traffic.
They have to stay abreast of the latest technological innovations, online trends, web language elements, and graphical tools.
They have install and maintain security for the website.
They have to rectify faulty codes, perform site maintenance, and configure server software.
Even after site creation, they have to conduct periodic website upgradation and monitor its progress.
They have to register with search engines and establish the website.
They have to ensure that the site is compatible with all web browsers, operating systems, and other platforms.
The internal as well as external links have to be properly placed on the site.
He has to evaluate website performance, perform regular changes in color and grading, install the right software, and upgrade services.
Requirements and Salary
To be a web designer, you need to have a bachelor degree in the field of computer science, equipped with additional certifications, like graphic design, web languages, content management, and multimedia technology.
Besides educational qualifications, you will need observational, multitasking, and creative thinking skills.
In your course, you will learn about programming languages, web design, software technology, coding skills, web page scripting, databases, like MySQL, and basic animation technology as well.
While many companies require college education, an associate's degree in computer technology would do just as well, provided you undergo certificate or diploma programs in related fields.
A web designer earns a very good salary. As of 2015, the median salary for this profession is approximately USD 65,000.
The entry-level pay packet for this field is around USD 35,000, while highest-paid figure is reportedly around USD 120,000.
In the high-bred, cosmopolitan states, like New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, the salary is more than USD 80,000.
States, like Washington, New Hampshire, Arkansas, Maryland, etc., pay between USD 65,000 to USD 75,000.
Hawaii, Idaho, Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, etc., pay between USD 55,000 to USD 65,000.
Salaries vary as per the employment sector as well. However, most companies are reputed to pay very good figures.
Work Environment
This job is associated with the software sector, and is, by nature, very hectic and demanding. However, this depends a lot on the company, the location, the assignment, and the person itself.
In general, web designers are required to meet deadlines and complete work as per the client's requirements, therefore, the job does involve a lot of stress and pressure, like most other jobs.
Your work is, however, very innovative and interesting, therefore you may enjoy coming to your workplace everyday despite the tension.
You might mostly work for regular hours, though you may be expected to work overtime and weekends during deadlines.
If you are quite confident about your skills and have sufficient contacts and experience, you might consider freelancing as well. This allows you to work at your own timing and earn sufficiently more than what you might have made at your job.
The BLS has predicted a job growth rate of more than 20% for this field, in the next decade.
Web designers have great career prospects and extensive job growth. The pace of online business and marketing does not seem to be slowing down at all in the near future, which indicates that these professionals will be in great demand.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/web-designer-job-description.html
web programmer Community Member 
|
|
