Hi guys, currently studying web design and really looking forward to the future... one questions I Have always wanted to ask is what is life actually like as a web designer/developer

 

Like how much money does a typical web designer/developer end up earning in the field with say 5 years experience? Do you think that it is a more than comfortable amount? I know there a loads of contributing factors to the amount you earn but would you say as a typical web developer you have 'made it' into a successful job/life sort of thing?

 

Sorry if it is a bit personal just one thing I was always curious about... thanks:D

Depends on abilities and networking skills. If you've got flair but don't market yourself, you won't get far unless you're a) connected lucky. Web devs/designers are among the happiest professions - everyone wants a piece of the pie and sit on the internet all day in their pants.

 

It is a realistic job but incredibly competitive so you need to stand out. Salaries vary depending on your clientele. Some individuals/companies aren't willing to invest where others are a bit more clued up and want the whole package. A comfortable amount depends on your expenditure.

 

 

would you say as a typical web developer you have 'made it' into a successful job/life sort of thing?

 

I don't believe in complacency - when you've achieved your goal, move on to the next, but I'd like to think I'm in a 'happy place'.

 

Good luck.

 

Like how much money does a typical web designer/developer end up earning in the field with say 5 years experience?

 

Depends where you are, what your skill set is, the type of clients you work with, and what type of work you actually do. If you work for a company/agency then you'll have a regular salary consumate to your location (London salaries are typically higher), jobs start at abour 15k ish and go upwards, if you're freelance you may earn next to nothing or quite a lot!

 

 

Do you think that it is a more than comfortable amount?

 

Depends what your priorities are, if you like spending money willy nilly no salary will ever be enough.

 

 

I know there a loads of contributing factors to the amount you earn but would you say as a typical web developer you have 'made it' into a successful job/life sort of thing?

 

If you're happy doing what you do then there is some job satisfaction, it can get tedious and boring though so always set your sights on better things.

Ahh okay... 15k seems a little low... hopefully thats a minumum as don't really want to be getting a degree to get a job with that sort of wage, im aiming for that 40k+ job ya see aha high hopes . Thanks for replying by the way... oh well I could imagine it being quite boring once you know the ins and outs of everything and nothings new... I guess everythings like that.

 

Always thought about freelancing... may attempt it when I have a bit more experience under my belt aha

 

I know at the minute there are two types of employers I can look at getting a job with... an agency or just a company requiring a web developer... which would you say would be most 'interesting'? I am assuming working for a non-agency company would be updating/changing the website.. promotions and stuff and then an agency would be quite literally making websites for clients... Is that right or have i got a wrong understnading lol?

He said jobs start at 15k.. I hate to break it to you, but the entry level wage for a website designer with no experience is not £40k.

 

Also you're saying website designer/developer, which one? Artist and programmer are not the same jobs! Unless you just mean front-end developer (which is still more than just design), the term "web developer" generally means a lot of programming.

I think that wage amount should be clarified if it is in pounds or dollars. I realize this is a UK based forum, but who knows. 15K here in Canada is below minimum wage, but 15k pounds here in Canada would be equivalent to 24.4K, not too shabby for entry level position.

I've been doing it for about 11 years or so now, a mistake I made early on was to undervalue myself. It's tempting to take on work because it's work, even if the price seems a little low. The end result of that is I'm now in a position where I'm constantly busy but I'm not earning as much as I'd want after this long.

 

I think if you learn to say no to clients early on you'll get more money quicker. It helps to have some good contacts before going freelance though.

 

Another point though, if you work for a company as a developer or designer, you can expect 15k - 40k, maybe a bit more if they're nice. If you work for yourself, you could earn anything from zero to 500k (or more). Being freelance isn't as safe but its far more rewarding.

 

Ahh okay... 15k seems a little low... hopefully thats a minumum as don't really want to be getting a degree to get a job with that sort of wage, im aiming for that 40k+ job ya see aha high hopes. Thanks for replying by the way... oh well I could imagine it being quite boring once you know the ins and outs of everything and nothings new... I guess everythings like that.

 

Yes that 15k is GBPounds!

 

Whether or not you have a degree doesn't have the clout it once had so you can no longer expect to walk into a highly paid job from the start. If you work hard and serve your time there's no reason why you can't progress up a career ladder over time.

 

I know at the minute there are two types of employers I can look at getting a job with... an agency or just a company requiring a web developer... which would you say would be most 'interesting'? I am assuming working for a non-agency company would be updating/changing the website.. promotions and stuff and then an agency would be quite literally making websites for clients... Is that right or have i got a wrong understnading lol?

 

 

What's interesting for you may not be for someone else so it's hard to say. In the current economical climate simply having a job is probably more important! I'm assuming you'll be new to the full time job market so it's a case of getting your first job and see how it goes, if it doesn't work out then you'll have to start looking for another one - that's how it is for everyone