One of the most important parts of any career is the benefits that are available, and many times can be the difference between a good job and a lifelong career. This is no different for web designers like myself and should be a crucial part of what draws you towards a particular company. For most professions, salary is, for the most part, pretty even no matter where you get hired. Demographics and experience have a major role in defining salary, but what can separate a good place to wok and an elite one is the benefits each offer. Understanding what to look for in benefits when choosing a career will give you the edge you need in finding a web designers dream job.
A typical web designer can expect a salary between $30,000 and $60,000, which is a pretty wide gap, but this has more to do with skill and experience, so for any one particular designer this part of the employee benefits should be similar no matter what company you work for. Other employee benefits that a web designer may get the opportunity to enjoy are significant cash bonuses. These are usually based off of a companies performance and meeting deadlines on a particular job that has been assigned to you, the web designer. These bonuses usually average between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the size of the project and the time that is required to complete the project. In most major companies you can and should expect a decent employee benefits package. This would include health insurance, which too many professionals are one of the most needed benefits given the cost of health care. Another part of the employee benefits package should include paid vacation which can vary, but typically will be 1 to 3 weeks at the start of employment. After this, the employee benefits may include retirement plans, holiday bonuses, paid sick days, and other less common benefits.
Employee benefits are many times just as important as a nice salary, since great benefits can make your salary go further and help to enhance your appreciation toward the company you decided to work for. The one thing to keep in mind is that if you choose to become a freelance web designer then many or all of these employee benefits may no longer be available. You will however, receive lesser thought of benefits like choosing your own hours, declining or accepting certain projects, and being your own boss. Employee benefits should be carefully reviewed before accepting any job offer, and with the right benefits you may enter a career that makes life much easier.
