Working the Web

The growth of the web over the last couple of decades has brought with it some new job titles. For example, had anyone ever heard of a web master prior to the mid-1990s? It has also redefined some older titles like advertising sales rep. Advertising sales reps used to sell ad space or time only in magazines and newspapers and on radio and television. Over the last two decades they've added Websites to their repertoire. As you can see, web careers aren't just for techies. This growing industry welcomes those who are creative and business-minded as well. If you are interested in a web career, here are some occupations to consider.

Advertising Sales Rep

Advertising sales reps sell advertising space on websites. They need at least a high school diploma but many employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Advertising sales reps earned a median annual salary of $43,360 in 2009.
Learn More About Becoming an Advertising Sales Rep

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are often responsible for the way websites look and are often referred to as web designers. They use visual elements to communicate messages through this medium as well as through others. Many employers prefer to hire graphic designers who have earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design. Graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $43,180 in 2009. Earnings varied for those who worked on a freelance basis, as many graphic designer do.
Learn More About Becoming a Graphic Designer

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers decide how to market websites to the public. They need a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in business with a concentration in marketing. Marketing managers earned a median annual salary of $110,030 in 2009.
Learn More About Becoming a Marketing Manager

Web Developer

Web developers tend to the technical aspects of creating websites. While many employers prefer to hire job candidates with a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, some will consider those with experience and certification only. Web developers earned a median annual salary of $77,010 in 2009.
Learn More About Becoming a Web Developer

Web Master

Web masters are computer specialists who maintain websites. Web masters are also called web administrators. Employers usually require those they hire to have an associate degree or certificate but a bachelor's degree in a computer-related major may be needed for more advanced positions. Web masters earned a median annual salary of $77,010 in 2009.
Learn More About Becoming a Web Master

Writer or Editor

Writers and editors are responsible for producing the written content on websites. Writers create content under the direction of editors who decide what content should be on the site. While writers and editors don't have any formal educational requirements, many employers prefer to hire those who have a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or communications. Many writers work on a freelance basis and are paid by article or project. Some website writers are employed full time and therefore earn salaries. Salaried writers, in general, earned a median annual salary of $53,900 in 2009. Editors earned a median annual salary of $50,800.
Learn More About Becoming a Writer or Editor

^{Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ and
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/ (visited April 1, 2011).}

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Comparing Web Careers
	Minimum Education	License	Median Salary
Advertising Sales Rep	Min.: HS diploma; Pref.: bachelor's	none	$43,360
Graphic Designer	Bachelor's	none	$43,180
Marketing Manager	Bachelor's or Master's	none	$110,030
Web Developer	Bachelor's	none	$77,010
Web Master	Associate or certificate	none	$77,010
Writer and Editor	None required but bachelor's often preferred	none	$53,900 (writer) $50,800 (editor)