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Computer Specialist, Designer, e-commerce Developer, Graphic Artist, Information Technology Specialist, Internet Site Developer, Multimedia Developer / Programmer, Site Designer, User Experience Designer (UX), User Interface Designer (UI), Designer / Developer, World Wide Web Site Designer, Web Master
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Duties vary depending on a company’s needs. In general, web designers work with a wide variety of people to:
In large companies, 2 or more employees may divide duties.
Web designers may work with computer programmers to design and develop business software.
Web designers may work in an office setting or from home. They may work standard weekday hours or mostly evening and weekend hours. That is when fewer users are online, increasing access to servers and systems. They often work overtime to meet project deadlines. Job hazards include eyestrain and injuries related to repeated movement, such as carpel tunnel syndrome.
Tight deadlines and technical problems can cause stress. When 2 or more parties have conflicting ideas about the website design or content, it can add to the stress.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Web designers
2023 OaSIS: 21233.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Web designers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 110 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 18, 2025 and Oct 28, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Design and integrate website related code | 67 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with clients to develop and document Website requirements | 63 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 60 |
| Tasks: Write, modify and test website related code | 60 |
| Tasks: Create and optimize content for Website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software | 59 |
| Tasks: Develop website architecture | 59 |
| Tasks: Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce and other Internet applications | 50 |
| Tasks: Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls | 50 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 48 |
| Tasks: Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions | 48 |
Web designers come from many backgrounds. Some employers prefer applicants to have at least 2 years of related post-secondary education.
Many web designers have moved into this field from others. Some have graduated from post-secondary programs in computer science. They may have acquired writing, graphic design, and management skills through working with graphic artists and marketing managers. They may also have done professional development. This could include reading, personal experimentation, and attending seminars. To learn more about post-secondary programs in computer science, see the Computer Programmer occupational profile.
Other web designers have worked in related fields and learned the necessary computer skills through work experience and professional development. To learn more about related occupations, see the Graphic Designer, Librarian, Marketing Manager, and Technical Writer occupational profiles.
Whatever their background, web designers must constantly upgrade their knowledge in this rapidly changing field.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Information systems professionals investigate, analyze, design, develop, or manage information systems based on computer and related technologies. They do so objectively applying specialized knowledge and professional judgement.
Information Systems Professional is a protected title under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf]. This means that to call yourself an Information Systems Professional or use the I.S.P. designation, you must be a registered member of the Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta (CIPS Alberta).
You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself an Information Systems Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Information Systems Professional.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Web designers may work as employees or on a contract basis. They may work in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Employers may ask job candidates for a web portfolio of current, active websites they have created. This should include site goals, target audience, and results.
Experienced web designers may move into related fields. These might include systems security analyst, information systems quality assurance analyst, computer programmer, or interactive media developer.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Web designers and developers
2016 NOC: 2175
78.8% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes vary a lot depending on qualifications, and whether they work for an agency or as a contractor. Self-employed web designers normally include a percentage in their hourly rate to cover overhead. This can include costly expenses such as keeping up to date with computer hardware and software). When starting out, independent web designers may work on volunteer projects or charge lower rates to gain experience and build a portfolio.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.75 | $49.33 | $29.00 | $24.62 |
| Overall | $16.25 | $49.33 | $31.91 | $34.43 |
| Top | $16.75 | $49.33 | $35.24 | $35.10 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $64,722 |
|---|
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS) of Alberta website: ab.cips.ca
Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) website: www.ictc-ctic.ca
Technology Alberta website: technologyalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
