Approved comparison

Graphic Designers vs. Web Developers

A structured comparison of two occupations. The data makes differences visible; it does not select a universal winner.

Graphic Designers median wage, 2025

$62,960

Web Developers median wage, 2025

$92,650

Separate signals

What the evidence says

Projected change and relative AI exposure describe different dimensions of work. Read them together without turning either into a personal forecast.

Labor market

Projected employment change, 2025–2035: -1.7% vs. 3.8%
Annual average openings, 2025–2035: 16,000 vs. 5,300

Relative AI exposure

Graphic Designers: Very high
Web Developers: Very high

These are BLS relative categories, not automation probabilities or employment forecasts.

Preparation

What entry may require

These source fields describe typical entry preparation for an occupation, not a guarantee or a complete list of local requirements.

Graphic Designers

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Related work experience: None
Typical on-the-job training: None

Web Developers

Typical entry education: Bachelor's degree
Related work experience: None
Typical on-the-job training: None

Where they overlap

Shared O*NET skill names in these records include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics, Science.

Shared work activities

Getting Information, Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings, Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information, Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People.

Where they differ

Graphic Designers representative tasks

Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.

Web Developers representative tasks

Write supporting code for Web applications or Web sites.
Design, build, or maintain Web sites, using authoring or scripting languages, content creation tools, management tools, and digital media.
Back up files from Web sites to local directories for instant recovery in case of problems.

Questions to consider

Which daily tasks fit the kind of work you want to do?
What education, experience, or licensing gaps need verification?
How do pay and projected change compare in the same source period?
What does relative AI exposure leave unanswered about each role?

Ask JobShift

Ask Dr. Morgan Reed about this evidence

Morgan is the JobShift Atlas analyst powered by AI. Answers draw from the evidence on this page and explain what it can tell you.

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