What's the average cost for a web designer?

What's the average cost for a web designer?

web design Intermediate 4 min read
Photo of Jonah Foster

Average Cost for a Web Designer

What’s the average cost for a web designer? The average cost for a web designer ranges widely based on project scope, expertise, and platform. Typically, small brochure sites run $500 to $2,000, mid-range business sites cost $1,000 to $5,000, and large or customized e-commerce sites exceed $10,000. Hourly rates span from $30 to $150 per hour.

You might also wonder how these numbers break down and what factors drive the final price. Read on for pricing models, real scenarios, tables, and tips for budgeting.

Cost Breakdown by Pricing Model

1. Hourly Rates

  • Entry-level designers: $20–$50 per hour
  • Mid-level freelancers: $50–$100 per hour
  • Experts and agencies: $100–$200+ per hour

2. Project-Based Pricing

Pricing ModelTypical RangeBest For
Simple brochure site$500–$2,000Landing pages, portfolios
Standard business site$1,000–$5,000Core pages, basic CMS
Custom corporate site$5,000–$10,000+Advanced layouts, integrations
E-commerce or enterprise$10,000–$25,000+Shopping carts, membership areas

3. Monthly Retainers

  • Ongoing design and maintenance: $500–$2,000+ per month

4. In-House Designers

  • Salaries: $50,000–$90,000 annually ($4,000–$7,500 monthly)
  • Ideal for companies with continuous design needs

What Affects Web Design Costs?

  • Complexity: Number of pages, custom features, animations
  • Customization: Unique branding, illustrations, user experience
  • Experience level: Specialized UX/UI or platform experts charge more
  • Additional services: SEO, copywriting, maintenance, marketing
  • Platform choice: Custom code vs. CMS (WordPress, Shopify)
  • Agency vs. Freelance: Agencies offer full packages at premium rates

This raises an important question: How do you choose the right fit for your budget and goals? Consider your timeline, desired features, and future scalability.

Real-World Examples

  • Freelancer builds a 5-page template site for $800
  • Agency delivers a custom business website for $6,000
  • Mid-level e-commerce with payment gateway integration: $8,000–$15,000

Key Things to Remember

  • Clarify scope and deliverables upfront
  • Gather multiple quotes before committing
  • Ask for portfolio samples and client references
  • Budget for ongoing maintenance and updates
  • Explore DIY builders for low-cost, basic sites

Next Steps for Your Project

  1. Write a detailed brief outlining pages and features
  2. Reach out to 2–3 designers or agencies
  3. Compare proposals for price, timeline, and scope
  4. Set milestones and payment schedules
  5. Plan for a maintenance or retainer package