Headline risk
25%
Moderate RiskFreelance Designer
AI displacement pressure score based on US employment data, wages, and demand signals. Built from 3 related occupations weighted by relevance.
Why this score
75% of tasks overlap with current AI
48% human advantage from judgment & presence
78% demand buffer from the local labour market
These factors interact with each other — the final score is not a simple sum of these bars.
Share of tasks AI can handle today
Work that requires human presence or coordination
How strong local hiring demand is for this role
How complete the underlying data is
Workflow profile
How this role's daily work breaks down across different dimensions.
Workflow dimensions (0 = low, 1 = high)
US employment data
Employment overview
Share of job tasks AI can currently perform
Annual median wage
Projected employment change 2024–2034
Education and training typically needed
Key metrics
Job zone
4The occupation usually needs substantial preparation and experience.
Median wage
USD 98,090USD 64,990 to USD 141,860
Openings
9.1K7.0% projected change
Median age
37.169K employed
What this job involves
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Entry requirements: Moderate preparation
The occupation usually needs substantial preparation and experience.
Wage context
Median annual
USD 98,090
Mean annual
USD 111,450
10th percentile: USD 47,840
25th percentile: USD 64,990
75th percentile: USD 141,860
90th percentile: USD 192,180
Hourly median: USD 47
Employment: 111,400 workers
Demand outlook
Current employment
128.9K
Projected employment
137.9K
Openings: 9.1K
Projected change: 7.0%
Education: Bachelor's degree
Work experience: None
On-the-job training: None
Median wage: USD 98,090
Overall employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Workforce profile
Based on a survey of workers currently in this occupation.
Protects from AI displacement
- Can telework 62.8% of workers
- License required 7.6% of workers
Typical background
- No education requirement 6.3% of workers
- High school diploma 27.2% of workers
- Bachelor's degree 52.3% of workers
- Associate's degree 12.7% of workers
- On-the-job training 40.83% of workers
- Prior work experience 71.6% of workers
Day-to-day work
Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.
Some web developers and digital designers work in the computer systems design and related services industry. Others are self-employed. Still others work in industries including publishing, management consulting, and advertising.
Educational requirements for web developers and digital designers vary, ranging from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
Key tasks
- 1. Balance and adjust gameplay experiences to ensure the critical and commercial success of the product. · AI can do 0%
- 2. Create core game features, including storylines, role-play mechanics, and character biographies for a new video game or game franchise. · AI can do 0%
- 3. Devise missions, challenges, or puzzles to be encountered in game play. · AI can do 0%
- 4. Conduct regular design reviews throughout the game development process. · AI can do 0%
- 5. Solicit, obtain, and integrate feedback from design and technical staff into original game design. · AI can do 0%
- 6. Develop and maintain design level documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and mission outlines. · AI can do 0%
Tools commonly used
Work environment
- E-Mail 5.0/5
- Spend Time Sitting 4.8/5
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled 4.8/5
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team 4.8/5
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams 4.7/5
- Level of Competition 4.3/5
Who does this work
Median age: 37.1
69K employed · Under 25: 7% · 25–54: 80% · 55+: 13%
Data sources: O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Component occupations
Web and digital interface designers
15-1255 · 50% weight
Graphic designer
Support bundle: Moderate preparation
Web and digital interface designers
15-1255 · 30% weight
Multimedia (including games) designer
Support bundle: Moderate preparation
Web and digital interface designers
15-1255 · 20% weight
Multimedia artist and animator
Support bundle: Moderate preparation
How this score works
The score measures how much this role's tasks overlap with current AI capabilities, adjusted for human-only requirements and local job market demand. This is a structural pressure estimate, not a prediction of job losses. Learn how scores work →