How Much Do Web Designers Make? (Freelance, Hourly, and Salary)
6 min read·Updated June 2026
The short answer
Salaried web designers typically earn $55,000 to $90,000 a year. Freelancers commonly charge $50 to $150+ per hour, and those who price per project and land business clients can earn well beyond a typical salary.
Freelance vs. salary
Salaried roles are stable and capped. Freelance income is higher-ceiling because you keep the full project fee, but it depends on a steady pipeline of clients and confident pricing. Project pricing, not hourly, is what lets strong freelancers pull ahead.
How web designers earn more
- Price per project and per outcome, not per hour.
- Add recurring revenue with maintenance and hosting retainers.
- Specialize (e-commerce, a specific platform, a specific industry).
- Move from marketplaces to direct, repeat business clients.
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