Looking for a cheap web designer in Melbourne? You're not alone and the process is not that difficult. However, many of my clients have wondered that if these designers are offering services at a cheap rate, how much are they earning then?

In Melbourne, the average salary for a web designer is approximately AU$75,265 per year.

Source: Seek

The pay of a web designer also depends upon their experience, skill set and the type of projects they work on.

To continue reading about earnings of website designers in Melbourne, you can read this guide I’ve created. Why? It will even help you hire one on a budget. How? Let’s find out!

Defining "Cheap" in the Context of Web Design Services

When I speak with clients looking for cheap web designers in Melbourne, most are not expecting luxury branding or complex ecommerce systems. They’re often startups or small businesses just needing a clean, functional presence to build trust and get enquiries.

In my experience, a cheap web designer usually charges between $300 and $1,000 depending on the platform and features. The lower end often includes basic templates and minimal revisions. Anything under $300 usually involves offshore freelancers or students starting out.

But price doesn’t always reflect skill. Some of the best value I’ve seen has come from new designers charging lower rates to build their portfolio. Others may have lower overheads or simply focus on fast-turnaround projects with limited scope.

If you're hiring, cheap doesn’t mean poor quality but it does mean you need to be clear about your goals. If you're stepping into the industry, this is also the typical starting point in terms of web designer earnings while building experience.

Understanding Web Designer Salaries in Melbourne: Are Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne Able to Earn Well?

From what I’ve seen, not all cheap web designers in Melbourne struggle financially. Some manage to earn well by streamlining their process and choosing the right types of projects. Others stay stuck earning below average due to low pricing and inconsistent workflow.

Average Salary Ranges for Web Designers

The average website designer salary in Melbourne ranges between $65,000 and $85,000 per year. Most cheap web designers in Melbourne don’t hit that level unless they’ve built a steady client base. Here's a breakdown:

• Web designer pay rate: $30 to $45 per hour (freelance)

• Web page designer salary: $55,000 to $70,000 (in-house junior)

• Web designer earnings for experienced professionals: $90,000+

Factors Influencing Web Designer Income

From my experience, the income of a web designer in Melbourne depends on more than just pricing. Some key factors include:

• Speed of project delivery

• Skill level in platforms like WordPress or Shopify

• Communication and client management

• Ability to upsell maintenance or SEO services

• Specialisation in industries like real estate or construction

Even a cheap web designer can increase their website designer pay by improving just one or two of these areas.

Comparison Between Entry-Level and Experienced Designers

There’s a clear divide between those starting out and seasoned designers:

• Entry-level web designer income: around $35,000 to $50,000 per year

• Experienced designer salary: $80,000 to $120,000+ with strong portfolios

• Website designer wage in agencies often includes super and performance bonuses

• Freelancers can surpass agency income with high-output or niche pricing

The gap isn’t just about time in the field. It’s about how you position your services in the website design Melbourne market.

Impact of Specialisations on Earnings of Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne

Not all cheap web designers in Melbourne offer the same type of work. Some focus on quick brochure-style pages while others dive into complex eCommerce setups or UX-heavy builds. From what I’ve seen, the more focused the skill, the higher the income ceiling.

UI/UX Design and Its Effect on Pay Rates

Designers who understand user experience often charge more even if their websites look simple. Clients value structure that leads to action. That’s why web designer salary tends to be higher for those offering UI/UX services.

• UI/UX projects range from $1,500 to $5,000

• Pay rate jumps by $20 to $40/hour over basic web design

• Most demand comes from startups and app-based businesses

This shift in value directly improves web designer pay even if the designer still targets budget-conscious clients.

Front-End vs. Back-End Web Design Salaries

From what I’ve seen, front-end designers working on visual layouts tend to have more control over their pricing. But back-end developers who build systems or integrations can charge premium rates.

• Salary for web designer focused on front-end: $65,000 to $80,000

• Back-end roles or full-stack can reach $110,000+

• Hybrid skills lead to higher-value project fees

Even a cheap website designer in Melbourne with basic front-end skills can grow income quickly by learning how to manage content systems or implement booking tools.

The Role of eCommerce and Mobile Design in Income Levels

Specialising in eCommerce or mobile-first websites shifts both the type of client and the fee range. I’ve seen cheap web designers in Melbourne double their website designer pay just by focusing on Shopify or WooCommerce builds.

• eCommerce packages: $1,500 to $4,000+

• Mobile-first projects often involve performance tuning

• Clients in retail or health industries tend to pay more

These skills also make it easier to upsell ongoing support which boosts web designer income without chasing new jobs constantly.

Geographical Variations in Pay of Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne

Even within Melbourne, the salary of a “cheap” (entry-level or lower-cost) web designer can vary significantly by location. Local demand, cost of living, and the presence of tech or design industries in different areas all influence pay rates.

Broadly, national data puts the average web designer around $1,441 per week (about $75k per year) and Melbourne’s overall average is in that ballpark. However, there are noticeable differences among Melbourne suburbs, and pay in Melbourne itself differs from other major cities.

Salary Differences Among Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne Suburbs

Melbourne’s metropolitan area spans diverse suburbs, and available data suggests web designer incomes do fluctuate across these locales. Reports from Indeed show a wide range of average salaries in various Melbourne suburbs. I have jotted down these salary figures with the help of Indeed

• St Kilda (inner south) – around $91,000 average annual salary (one of the highest reported in the area)

• Tullamarine (outer north) – around $72,000 average per year (mid-range among reported suburbs)

• North Melbourne (inner north) – around $51,000 average annually (one of the lowest reported averages)

These figures are based on relatively small sample sizes (only a few reported salaries for each suburb)

Comparison with Other Major Australian Cities

When I compare web designer salaries across Australia, there’s a clear trend. Sydney leads, followed by Perth and Melbourne, with Brisbane typically lower. Here’s what I’ve found:

Sydney

• Average: around $95,000 per year

• Higher demand and more corporate clients

• Highest cost of living in Australia

Melbourne

• Average: about $75,000 annually

• Strong creative sector and balanced cost of living

• Slightly lower salaries than Sydney but more affordable overall

Perth

• Average: approx. $84,000 per year

• Smaller market but higher rates in sectors like mining or finance

• Fewer local designers can increase earning potential

Brisbane

• Average: about $74,000 annually

• Lower cost of living and slightly lower demand

• Entry-level designers often start around $50,000 to $55,000

If you're a cheap web designer in Melbourne, your income might fall short of Sydney's top rates, but your operating costs and competition are lower. For businesses, Melbourne remains a value-rich location to find experienced designers at a more competitive rate.

Case Studies: Earnings of Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne

Over the past few years, I’ve worked with or mentored many cheap web designers in Melbourne. While some barely made a return, others built solid monthly income through speed, efficiency and clever pricing. Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Real-Life Examples of Budget Web Design Projects

I recently spoke with a freelance cheap web designer based in Footscray who charged $450 for a basic five-page build using Elementor. The turnaround was four days, and they handled three similar projects per week. That adds up to about $5,400 a month.

Another Melbourne web designer I know charged just $300 for single-page scroll websites. Though that seems low, they were doing five per week, relying on repeat business and templated builds. They kept costs minimal and earned about $6,000 per month with no extra team or overheads.

These aren’t high-end jobs, but they work for clients wanting fast delivery and a clean design and they help these designers build volume-based web designer income.

Analysis of Pricing Strategies and Profit Margins

From what I’ve seen, the most successful cheap web designers in Melbourne use smart pricing, not just low pricing. Some of the approaches include:

• Flat rate packages: $400–$800 for basic builds

• Limited revisions to keep projects moving

• Add-ons like SEO setup or monthly edits at $50–$100 extra

• Using platforms like Canva or Elementor to speed up delivery

One designer I mentored had a clear structure: $500 flat fee, two-week turnaround, no calls. It suited trades and small businesses. Her web designer pay reached $7,200 monthly within six months. Even with smaller fees, cheap web design can still produce a solid website designer wage if structured correctly. Margin comes from speed and managing scope, not cutting corners.

FAQs on Cheap Web Designers in Melbourne

Can cheap web designers in Melbourne still deliver professional results?

Yes, absolutely. I’ve seen many cheap web designers in Melbourne produce clean, functional websites that look great and convert well. The key is knowing what you need. If your project doesn’t require advanced coding or custom integrations, you can get strong results at a lower price especially from designers who use tools like Elementor or pre-built themes efficiently.

How do I avoid being overcharged when hiring a web designer?

Always ask what’s included. Some designers advertise low prices but charge extra for revisions, contact forms or mobile responsiveness. I recommend asking for examples of past work and a clear breakdown of what’s covered in their pricing. That’s how I help clients avoid nasty surprises and keep their project within budget.

Is it better to go for a local Melbourne web designer or outsource overseas?

I’ve seen both options work but communication plays a big role. A local website designer in Melbourne is easier to reach and understands Australian business needs better. If you value fast response, clear expectations and long-term support, local usually wins even if the upfront cost is slightly higher than offshore alternatives.

Final Thoughts

If you're comparing cheap web designers in Melbourne and wondering where the value lies, you're not alone. Choosing someone affordable doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. It means knowing what’s realistic for your budget and goals.

When it comes to hiring the best web designers at the best rate, I recommend PrintVideoWeb. They work with businesses across Melbourne to deliver affordable website design services that are clear, fast and built to convert. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your online presence, they can help you get online without overpaying. Reach out if you’re ready to get something that works.