In my opinion PHP should not be included in a front-end designers skillset...That is for the back-end developers...

I frequently do job searches to check what's out there and I typically find that front-end developer skillsets include XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP (or some kind of server-side language). Companies usually also want a person to be familliar with a graphics editing program such as Photoshop or Fireworks. SEO skills are also a bonus.

As a web designer for 10 years I have recently found myself at a crossroads.  I have not once spoken to another designer.  A few phone calls asking how i did this or that and what software I used.  To that I just say this....Think 3D...Think vector graphics, new interfaces to grab content. ...then  touch screen, voice commands, head jesters, facial expressions. And multimodal interfaces.  What you should know...Is that you surley know more than the person asking you.  I found that many recruiters ask if I know AS3. Build your portfolio and always always keep up to date.

Www.stevetongson.com

Besides the basics of CSS/HTML and graphics editing software, as a front-end developer you are also going to be forced to deal with mobile site design and development at some point. Solid working knowledge of at least one JavaScript library is also a bonus, along with any UI insight, and obviously the knowledge of browser compatibility.

A front-end developer needs to be able to translate a graphic web design into standards compliant code ("PSD to HTML"). But, there's a whole lot more to know as well and you only learn it through much hard work and years of experience.