Hire the best Web designers

How much does it cost to hire a web designer?

Freelance web designers typically charge between $15 and $75 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and their level of experience. For a basic one-page site with minimal layout and UI needs, rates often range from $15 to $40 per hour. 

Designers working on CMS-based sites, like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, tend to charge $20 to $50 per hour. Full custom site designs that require original layouts, interactive elements, or hand-coded components usually fall between $45 and $75 per hour.

Project costs can vary widely: a simple brochure site might cost a few hundred dollars, while a fully customized e-commerce or brand experience can reach into the low five figures.

What affects the cost of a freelance web designer? 

Rates vary based on experience, project complexity, scope, and specialization:

• Years of experience: Web designers with more experience often command higher rates due to their extensive knowledge and expertise in the field.
• Project complexity and deadline: Complex projects with tight deadlines may require a higher budget to compensate for the increased workload and time pressure.
• Scope of work: The cost of hiring a web designer can vary depending on the extent of the work required, such as the number of pages, features, and revisions needed.
• Specializations: You may pay more for web designers with specializations like e-commerce website development, UX/UI design, responsive web design, SEO optimization, or expertise in specific content management systems.
• Location: Web designers residing in larger cities with higher living costs may charge more for their services to account for their expenses.
• Type of website: The cost of hiring a web designer can be influenced by the type of website required. For example, e-commerce websites with complex features may require more time and effort to design, leading to higher pricing.

What does a web designer do?

Web designers shape how a website looks, feels, and functions for users. They plan layouts, choose colors and typography, and design user-friendly interfaces using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch. Many also create responsive designs that adapt smoothly to phones, tablets, and desktops, often using HTML, CSS, and sometimes JavaScript. If you’re hiring, our web designer job description template can help you define the role clearly.

Depending on the project, a web designer might work solo or collaborate closely with developers to bring the vision to life, whether it’s a marketing site, online store, or blog on platforms like WordPress or Squarespace.

How do I hire a freelance web designer on Upwork?

Start by defining your scope (pages, features, platform, and deadlines). Review portfolios for style and relevant experience, then interview candidates about process, revisions, and deliverables.

1. Write a clear job post
Describe your website goals (e.g., marketing site, portfolio, e-commerce), design style (clean, bold, minimalist), and technical requirements (e.g., responsive design, CMS knowledge, HTML/CSS).

2. Search and review candidates
Use filters to find web designers with relevant experience. Review portfolios to see past work, and check client feedback to gauge reliability and communication. Use tools like PageSpeed Insights to check their live work for performance scores.

3. Interview top picks
Ask about their design process, familiarity with your preferred tools or platforms (like Figma, WordPress, or Shopify), and how they collaborate with developers.

4. Set terms and start
Agree on budget (hourly or fixed), project timeline, and revision process. Clarify ownership for who handles things like content (text and images), DNS, and hosting. For larger projects, use milestones to track progress and manage expectations.

Upwork gives access to thousands of vetted web designers with a 4.8/5 average rating. You benefit from escrow payment protection, clear freelancer ratings, and easy collaboration tools, ensuring secure, quality-focused engagement.