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Web Designer

Web designers create public-facing websites as well as intranet sites (sites that are internal to an organization).

Also Known As

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

NOC Codes

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

  • 2175: Web Designers and Developers

2006 NOC-S

  • C075: Web Designers and Developers

2011 NOC

  • 2175: Web designers and developers

2016 NOC

  • 2175: Web designers and developers

2021 NOC

  • 21233: Web designers

2023 OaSIS

  • 21233.00: Web designers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Duties vary depending on a company’s needs. In general, web designers work with a wide variety of people to:

  • Determine website goals
  • Produce mock-ups and functionality flowcharts
  • Design website content that satisfies the employer or end client
  • Use graphics programs or work with graphic artists to create unique graphics for the site
  • Work with marketing experts to ensure marketing material gets maximum exposure
  • Use software or do the programming to convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible formats
  • Perform site and usage studies to make sure the site functions as planned and modify it as needed
  • Test to make sure the website displays properly in various resolutions, browsers, operating systems, devices, and screen displays
  • Update site content on an ongoing basis to keep it relevant and visually interesting
  • Write blocks of code and scripting languages to create interactivity on web pages
  • Update and create social media profiles and pages
  • Custom-design programming

In large companies, 2 or more employees may divide duties.

Web designers may work with computer programmers to design and develop business software.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Web Designers and Developers

2006 NOC: 2175

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

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

METHODICAL

Interest in precision working to test and modify Web pages and applications

DIRECTIVE

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

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Web designers need:

  • Logical thinking
  • The ability to focus on details for long periods of time
  • The ability to organize information effectively
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience and persistence
  • Speaking and writing skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • The ability to work well on a team
  • The ability to explain complex ideas in plain language
  • The ability to convert abstract or high-level concepts into meaningful results
  • Confidence in their work

They should enjoy:

  • Studying and developing information
  • Performing precise tasks
  • Consulting with others
  • A commitment to life-long learning

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Web designers and developers

2016 NOC: 2175

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 203 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 14, 2024 and Dec 05, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Create and optimize content for Website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software
Tasks: Consult with clients to develop and document Website requirements
Tasks: Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the Website
Tasks: Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop Website graphics, content, capacity and interactivity
Attention to detail
Organized
Tasks: Research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products
Tasks: Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

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.

Required Education

The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.

University of Alberta
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Academy of Learning - Calgary Central
Academy of Learning - Calgary NE
Academy of Learning - Edmonton Downtown
Academy of Learning - Edmonton South
Academy of Learning - Edmonton West
Academy of Learning - Medicine Hat
Academy of Learning - Red Deer
Alberta University of the Arts
Canadian Imperial College
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton North
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton South
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton West
InnoTech College (Calgary)
InnoTech College (Edmonton)
Lethbridge Polytechnic
Pixel Blue College
Robertson College - Calgary
Robertson College - Edmonton
Sundance College
Sundance College - Edmonton
University of Alberta

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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 Professional

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.

Legislation

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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Web designers
2021 NOC: 21233
Medium
Demand
2,300
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Web designers and developers
2016 NOC: 2175
2.6%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
78
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Web designers and developers

2016 NOC: 2175
Average Wage
$32.32
Per Hour
Average Salary
$62,615.00
Per Year
Average Hours
36.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 2175 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
35%
35%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
30%
30%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
12%
12%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Communications
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Humanities and Languages
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

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