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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in analyzing information to prepare mock-ups and storyboards, to develop Web site architecture, and to design the appearance, layout and flow of Web sites
Interest in precision working to test and modify Web pages and applications
Interest in consulting with clients to develop and document Web site requirements; and in determining hardware and software requirements; may lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop Web site graphics, content, capacity and interactivity
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 213 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 14, 2024 and Dec 21, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Create and optimize content for Website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software | 160 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Consult with clients to develop and document Website requirements | 157 |
| Tasks: Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the Website | 142 |
| Tasks: Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls | 133 |
| Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years | 123 |
| Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop Website graphics, content, capacity and interactivity | 110 |
| Attention to detail | 99 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 96 |
| Tasks: Research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products | 91 |
| Tasks: Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software | 83 |
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 short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta 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: 2023-2025 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 2016 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 [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.83 | $40.00 | $27.21 | $28.85 |
| Overall | $19.87 | $46.14 | $32.32 | $33.65 |
| Top | $24.00 | $61.54 | $41.88 | $39.31 |
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 | $62,615 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $60,641 |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $59,420 |
| Educational Services | $73,125 |
| Public Administration | $86,968 |
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.
