Job Forecast and Industry Outlook
Web Design is a large and growing industry that combines the
fields of graphic design, computer progamming, multimedia, and
writing. California, in particular, is experiencing a rapid growth
in this industry area. While the need is expanding, there is a
shortage of qualified people to fill these jobs. On any given
day, you can visit a web-based employment board such as http://www.dice.com
and find thousands of available positions with entry level salaries
from $32,000 - $65,000. As more and more consumers obtain broadband
internet connections (DSL, cable, satellite), the demand for rich
media will only increase.
California Labor Market Information
The State of California provides labor market information on
many occupations in the state. Although they don't specifically
track web design statistics by itself, we can derive trends by
looking at other categories. They indicate in a very dated report
(1996) that web
design is difficult to maintain accurate labor market information
for because many (perhaps most) web designers are self-employed.
California is only able to collect data on employees.
Occupational Guides
In one group of reports, California published jobs trends and
predictions for the years 1998–2008. Among the many occupations
profiled were
- Commercial Art
- Desktop Publishing
- Computer Programming
- Technical Writing
Within each of these four categories are web design jobs. In
fact, the web design industry is completely represented within
these groups. So by looking at the trends for each of them, we
can get an idea of the job market for web design. California reports
the following trends and predictions. (The links are to California's
occupational guides for each)
- Commercial
Artists
34% growth between 1998–2008
12,900 new jobs in 10 years
Includes graphic designers, illustrators, animators, multimedia
designers, web designers
- Desktop
Publishing Specialists
96% growth between 1998 and 2008.
2,900 new jobs in 10 years
Includes graphic and web designers, but assumes less education
and experience than a commercial artist
- Computer
Programmers
16% growth between 1998 – 2008
12,100 new jobs in 10 years.
Includes web programmers
- Technical
Writer
34% growth between 1998 – 2008
2,500 new jobs in 10 years
Includes web writers and web designers
Summary
With the exception of Computer Programming, all of the other
categories that include the field of web design are growing at
a faster rate than average in California. And even though growth
is slower in the programming field, the sheer number of new jobs
(12,100) in the next 10 years still provides much opportunity.
There is a strong need for web designers, programmers, animators,
and writers, and the need is going to increase. Bear in mind also,
that the above statistics and predictions only apply to employed
web designers. There are many, many more opportunities for freelance
designers.
World Organization of Webmasters Indicates Need
On August 21, 2002, the World Organization
for Webmasters (WOW) published an article entitled "New
Study Optimistic for the Future of Web Professionals."
In spite of the recent turbulence of the dot com industry, the
Information Technology Association reports a positive economic
outlook and an increased demand for web professionals. Among the
statistics are the following:
- Companies surveyed are optimistic about future hiring over
the next 12 months
- Largest demand for Web professionals seen in larger non-IT
companies
- 80% of all IT workers are employed by small companies
- 92% of IT workers are employed by non-IT companies
- Outsourcing continues to grow in popularity among non-IT companies
- Most desirable specific Technical Skills for Web Professionals
include: C ++, SQL, Java XML, Perl, HTML and SQL Server, TCP/IP
and Visual Basic
- Overall, certification has grown in significance for each
job category
- Money remains the primary retention tool according to hiring
managers
- Applicants with mid level skills sets are most desired (more
pronounced among IT companies than non IT)
- Large shortage expected of qualified candidates (600,000)
for 2002
- Management and employability or "soft" (not just
technical) skills play an important role
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