Likhith · August 6, 2025 
Introduction: Why Understanding Designer Salaries Matters in 2025
Design has become a high-demand career across industries in India, making understanding the average designer salary in India crucial for career planning. Ranging from fashion to technology, architecture to digital branding, creative professionals are experiencing unprecedented demand for their expertise.
With the evolution of user-centered products and aesthetic-driven consumer behavior, skilled designers command competitive compensation packages. However, the average designer salary in India varies significantly depending on design field, experience level, geographic location, and industry type.
Whether you’re eyeing a career as a UX designer, interior stylist, or fashion innovator, understanding the average designer salary in India helps set realistic expectations and negotiate better compensation. This comprehensive blog breaks down what you can expect to earn across different design specializations in 2025.
Table of Contents
Average Designer Salary in India – 2025 Overview
| Level | Monthly Salary (₹) | Annual Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹2.4 LPA – ₹4.2 LPA |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | ₹45,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹5.4 LPA – ₹9.6 LPA |
| Senior (5+ yrs) | ₹1.2L – ₹2.5L+ | ₹14 LPA – ₹30 LPA+ |
Note: Salaries vary across metro cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi vs. Tier-II cities.
Highest Paying Design Specialisations in India 2025
| Specialisation | Avg. Salary Range (Annual) | Top Hiring Industries |
|---|---|---|
| UX/UI Designer | ₹6 – ₹18 LPA | IT, SaaS, Fintech, EdTech |
| Product Designer | ₹8 – ₹20+ LPA | Tech Startups, E-commerce |
| Fashion Designer | ₹3 – ₹12 LPA | Apparel, Luxury Brands |
| Interior Designer | ₹3 – ₹9 LPA | Real Estate, Architecture Firms |
| Communication Designer | ₹4 – ₹10 LPA | Advertising, Media, Branding |
| Graphic Designer | ₹2.5 – ₹7 LPA | Design Agencies, FMCG, Startups |
| Animation & Game Designer | ₹4 – ₹15 LPA | Gaming, VFX, Entertainment |
| Industrial/Product Design | ₹5 – ₹16 LPA | Automobile, Consumer Electronics |
Specialisation-Wise Monthly Salaries (2025)
| Role | Starting (₹/Month) | Experienced (₹/Month) |
|---|---|---|
| UX Designer | ₹45,000 | ₹1.5L – ₹2L+ |
| Graphic Designer | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹70,000 – ₹1L |
| Fashion Designer | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1.2L |
| Interior Designer | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹90,000 – ₹1.5L |
| UI Designer | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹1L – ₹2L |
| Game Designer | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹1.2L+ |
Key Factors Affecting Designer Salaries
Education Background: Tier-1 colleges (NID, IITs, MITID) attract better packages.
Portfolio Strength: A high-quality, project-based portfolio has a direct impact.
Location: Salaries in metros are 25–40% higher than Tier-II cities.
Industry Type: Tech firms, luxury brands, and international agencies pay more.
Work Experience: Mid- and senior-level designers often negotiate better pay.
At Career Plan B, we support creative minds like you through:
Personalized career counselling for design domains
Portfolio reviews and mock interviews
College application support for NID, UCEED, MITID, and more
Study material and entrance exam guidance
Career mapping and mentorship in UX, fashion, game, and interior design
Your design journey deserves expert guidance — Career Plan B helps turn your passion into a profession.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
1. What is a good salary for a graphic designer in India?
A good salary for graphic designers ranges between ₹35,000 to ₹60,000/month for those with 2–4 years of experience. Top-level designers at agencies or freelancing for global clients can earn ₹1L+.
2. Can designers earn more than engineers in India?
Yes. In sectors like UX/Product Design within tech companies, experienced designers can earn equal to or more than software engineers—especially with a strong portfolio and international exposure.
3. Which design field is most in demand in 2025?
UX/UI Design, Product Design, and Animation/Game Design are the most in-demand fields due to digital transformation and growing app/gaming industries.
4. Is freelancing better than a full-time job for designers?
Freelancing offers flexibility and sometimes higher earnings, but it requires strong networking, consistent client base, and good self-management skills. Many freelancers report incomes exceeding ₹1L/month.
5. Do NID/IIT design graduates get better salaries?
Yes. Top recruiters visit campuses like NID, IIT-Delhi (Design), and IIT Bombay’s IDC. Starting salaries here can exceed ₹10 LPA, especially for UX/Product designers.
Final Tips to Maximize Your Salary as a Designer
Build a diverse and updated portfolio
Learn relevant software and tools (Figma, Adobe Suite, Rhino, Blender)
Keep up with trending design methodologies
Gain certifications or micro-credentials
Network through LinkedIn, Behance, and internships
