Web Developer vs Web Designer: What's the Difference?
A detailed comparison of web developer and web designer freelancers — key differences, rates, and when to hire each for your project in Canada.
Web developers and web designers both work on websites, but they approach the work from completely different angles. A web designer focuses on the visual design, layout, and user experience of a website — how it looks and feels. A web developer writes the code that makes the website function — how it works. This distinction matters enormously when you're hiring for a web project in Canada, because each professional brings a different skill set and produces different deliverables. Some people can do both, but most specialize. Here's how to understand the difference and make the right hire.
Role Overview
Web Developer
A web developer writes the code that builds and powers websites and web applications. They work with programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies to turn designs into functional, interactive websites. Canadian freelance web developers handle everything from building simple WordPress sites to complex full-stack applications with databases, APIs, and authentication. They ensure websites work correctly across browsers, load quickly, and are secure. Their work is fundamentally technical — they solve problems through code.
Web Designer
A web designer is responsible for the visual design and user experience of websites. They create layouts, choose color schemes, select typography, and design the overall look and feel of a site using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Good web designers understand user behavior, visual hierarchy, and responsive design principles. In Canada, freelance web designers often deliver mockups, style guides, and interactive prototypes that developers then build. Some web designers also know HTML/CSS and can implement their own designs, blurring the line between the two roles.
Key Differences
Rate Comparison
Web developers generally command higher freelance rates than web designers in Canada due to the technical complexity of their work. Mid-level web developers charge $65–$110/hr, with senior developers reaching $175/hr. Web designers at the mid level charge $55–$95/hr, with senior designers earning up to $150/hr. Developers who combine design skills with coding ability (especially in React or WordPress) can command premium rates.
Web Developer Rates (CAD/hr)
Web Designer Rates (CAD/hr)
When to Hire Each
Hire a web developer when you need to build or modify a functioning website. If you already have a design (from a designer or a template) and need someone to code it, set up a CMS, add functionality, or fix technical issues, a developer is what you need.
Hire a web designer when you need the visual design of your website created or redesigned. If you want someone to define how your site should look, create the layout, choose colors and fonts, and design the user experience before any coding begins, hire a designer first. For most projects, you'll need both: a designer to create the vision and a developer to build it.
Sample Freelancers
Web Developer freelancers on Freel
Raghuram Dharanipathy
Data transformational Specialist
Love-ken Olustra
Olustra Loveken | Développeur Full-Stack | Laravel • Express • Vue.js • Firebase
sambatra RAVELONAHINA
Business Development Representative
Web Designer freelancers on Freel
Raghuram Dharanipathy
Data transformational Specialist
sambatra RAVELONAHINA
Business Development Representative
malek ben ayadi
Développeur full stack JavaScript
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a web developer and a web designer?
A web developer writes code to build functional websites. A web designer creates the visual design and user experience. Think of the designer as the architect who draws the blueprints, and the developer as the builder who constructs the house.
Can one person do both web design and web development?
Yes — some professionals do both and are often called 'web designer-developers' or 'unicorns.' However, they're relatively rare. Most people specialize because both fields are deep. For complex projects, having dedicated specialists in each role produces better results.
Should I hire a web designer or web developer for my small business website?
If you're using a template or website builder (Squarespace, Wix), a web designer can customize the design. If you need a custom-built site with specific functionality, hire a web developer. For a fully custom site, hire the designer first for the design, then the developer to build it.
Who earns more in Canada: web developers or web designers?
Web developers typically earn more due to the technical skills required. However, senior web designers with UX expertise and a strong portfolio also command competitive rates. The gap narrows at the senior level, especially for designers with interaction design and prototyping skills.
Do I need both a web designer and a web developer for my project?
For most custom websites, yes. The designer creates the visual layout and user experience, and the developer turns that design into a working website. Some simpler projects (like WordPress sites with premium themes) can be handled by a developer alone using pre-designed templates.
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