AUTHOR

PUBLISHED ON

19 Jul 2024

A Complete Guide to UI UX Designer Salaries in India in 2025

AUTHOR

PUBLISHED ON

19 Jul 2024

Curious about how much you could earn as a UX/UI designer in India? We’ve got all the information you need in this comprehensive salary guide

With India’s emergence as a hub for technology, innovation, and design over the last decade, demand for skilled UX/UI designers has soared. Organizations in the country are increasingly prioritizing user-centered design to optimize the user experience, harnessing the skills of talented UX/UI designers to shape digital products, experiences, and services to help them retain customers and boost revenue.

In this complete guide to UX/UI designer salaries in India, we’ll be delving into the factors that impact UX/UI designer salaries across India, global UX/UI designer salaries, the highest-paying industries for UX/UI designers, and adjacent roles in the field. Finally, we’ll be providing a step-by-step guide to landing your first job in the field with actionable tips and advice so that you can start your career transition today.

Contents:

What does a UX/UI designer do?
UX/UI design job market and demand in India
What can you expect to earn as a UX/UI designer in India?
UX/UI designer salaries around the world, from junior to senior
Industries with the highest UX/UI designer salaries
Related roles within the UX/UI design space
Factors that can impact a UX/UI designer’s salary
How to land a job in UX/UI design
How to handle your UX/UI designer salary negotiation
FAQs
Conclusion

What does a UI UX designer do?

While the terms UX design and UI design are often used interchangeably, or referred to under the umbrella of “UX/UI design” the two fields, although similar, are distinct from one another.

While a UX designer focuses on understanding and enhancing the overall experience a user has with a product or service by conducting user research and analyzing user behavior to make informed design decisions related to navigation, ease of use, and functionality, a UI designer is concerned with the visual aspects of a product's interface, such as the implementation of effective color schemes, icons, typography, and layout.

The term “UX/UI designer” simply refers to an individual who has both of these distinct skill sets and can take on the responsibilities from the visual design side and the user experience side simultaneously. They are also expected to collaborate closely with developers, product managers, and other company stakeholders to implement and refine designs throughout different stages of the design process.

UI UX design job market and demand in India

Let’s take a look at how in-demand UX/UI designers in India and the general state of the job market.

Job market and demand

For those considering a career in UX/UI design, the job market in India is robust and continuing to expand thanks to a fast-growing tech sector and the growing link between user-centered design and business success. In a range of sectors, from e-commerce to financial services, companies are seeking UX/UI designers to improve the experience of users, in doing so creating numerous job opportunities for those with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.

While tech startups brought UX and UI design to the mainstream, established corporations are now just as likely to seek talented usability and design specialists thanks to the increasing emphasis on creating positive user experiences to stay competitive. These days, both startups and corporations offer remote and hybrid working options, while freelance opportunities abound for UX/UI designers who wish to work on a project-by-project basis for different clients, further broadening opportunities for designers across the country.

What can you expect to earn as a UI UX designer in India?

As you might expect, your earnings as a UX/UI designer will vary significantly depending on your experience in the field, your location within India, and the company hiring you. However, as a general rule, graduates or designers with less than a year’s experience can expect to earn between ₹2 to ₹5 Lakhs per year when starting entry-level positions in India.

UX/UI designers with between 2 and 5 years of experience and starting mid-level positions can typically earn between ₹6 to ₹8 Lakhs per annum.

Finally, experienced designers with more than 5 years’ experience who are applying for senior-level positions can earn upwards of ₹10 Lakhs per annum, while more specialized senior positions such as that of the information architect, can expect to earn even more–between ₹15 and ₹23 Lakhs per annum in major cities.

UI UX designer salaries around the world, from junior to senior

What can you expect to earn as a UX/UI designer in different countries around the world and at different levels of seniority? Check out our table to find out.

Country	Entry-level UX/UI designer	Mid-level UX/UI designer	Senior UX/UI designer
Brazil	R$109.439	R$154.919	R$193.782
Canada	$76,696	$95,604	$121,853
China	¥233,984	¥330,259	¥414,312
France	€35,000	€50,000	€70,000
Germany	€47,000	€56,000	€66,000
India	₹ 2.0 Lakhs	₹ 6.5 Lakhs	₹10 Lakhs
South Africa	R205k	R293k	R472k
United Kingdom	£37,410	£45,000	£65,000
United States	$85,087	$107,349	$146,250

Sources: SalaryExpert.com, ca.Talent.com, SheCodes.io, Joberty.com, Shiksha.com, Payscale.com, uk.Talent.com, Glassdoor.co.in, Talent.com

Industries with the highest UI UX designer salaries

Let’s dive into the details of the major industries that pay UX/UI designers the most.

i. Technology and software

Salaries for UX/UI designers in the technology and software sector are among the highest for the profession. This is due to the designer’s highly-valued ability to enhance user interaction with complex systems. While leading tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and IBM offer competitive employee packages and career opportunities for skilled UX/UI designers, there are numerous opportunities to be had at smaller startups or mid-sized tech companies too. In these smaller organizations, UX/UI designers usually have more freedom to innovate and more autonomy regarding design decisions than if they work for large tech corporations.

ii. E-commerce

With the rapid growth of online shopping, e-commerce companies place increasing emphasis on UX and UI design, recognizing the role these design fields play in driving sales and retaining customers. For this reason, not only are UX/UI designers in great demand in the e-commerce sector, they can also expect to earn high salaries.

Leading businesses in the sector such as Flipkart, Amazon, and Nykaa offer competitive salaries and numerous employee benefits to attract the best UX/UI designers in the field. Those with experience and skills in optimizing for mobile experiences are particularly valued here, as users increasingly turn to their smartphones and tablets to browse products and make purchases.

iii. Gaming and entertainment

Due to the immersive and personalized experiences users have come to expect from the gaming and entertainment industry, salaries in the field for UX/UI designers have skyrocketed. UX/UI professionals in this sector need to have a deep understanding of user behavior and core skills in interaction design, as these talents ensure users stay engaged with the game or entertainment system and are not tempted away by competitors.

Due to the popularity of games and interactive experiences, the gaming and entertainment sector generates substantial revenue. Although this influences the salaries designers receive, it's the complexity and creativity required in this industry to create compelling experiences that contribute most significantly to the high rate of compensation.

iv. Finance

From online banking to fintech companies, the finance industry relies heavily on seamless user experiences that promote customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Top employees in the sector include HDFC Bank, Paytm, and Razorpay, all of which offer competitive salaries and perks to attract the industry’s most knowledgeable UX/UI designers.

Pay is high in the sector due to the need for user-friendly yet highly secure interfaces, applications, and websites that build user trust and help them feel secure using the latest technology to manage their finances. As an industry, innovation is a priority. This enables UX/UI designers to make their mark designing intuitive and secure experiences while advancing their own careers and earnings.

Experience designer creating low-fidelity wireframes

Which other roles are closely connected to UX/UI designers? Here’s a short rundown.

i. Product designer

A product designer is a professional who is concerned with the overall look and functionality of a digital product, combining skills in UX, UI, and industrial design. The role involves close collaboration with engineering, marketing, and sales teams in order to craft products and experiences that effectively meet user needs and preferences while supporting the goals of the business.

ii. Interaction designer

Specializing in the design of compelling digital interfaces that consist of thoughtful behaviors and responses, interaction designers are specialists in the structure, construction, and manipulation of interactive systems that support effortless user experiences. Using wireframes and prototypes, interaction designers regularly test, refine, and optimize digital interactions. They are also responsible for creating detailed design specifications to guide the development team during implementation.

iii. UX researcher

The role of the UX researcher is to collect, analyze, and report on large quantities of user data to inform the overall design process. Different methods of data collection include surveys, usability testing, and interviews, with insights from these processes used to guide crucial design decisions. The UX researcher is expected to work closely with the entire design team, continuously evaluating user feedback to make design recommendations that the design team can integrate into the final product.

iv. Visual designer

Visual designers are focused on the aesthetics of a product, ensuring that all visual elements align with the brand’s identity and the overall user experience. These professionals have significant experience in areas such as color theory, typography, and layout and how these design elements can enhance usability.

Factors that can impact a UI UX designer’s salary

What might make a difference to the salary you get offered by a potential employer? Your experience, the location, and your education. Let’s find out more.

i. Experience

The amount of experience you bring with you when you start a UX/UI designer position will significantly impact the salary you can expect to be offered. If you’re new to the field and don’t yet have much hands-on experience under your belt, consider taking on personal UX/UI design projects such as the creation of a professional portfolio website or the redesign of a famous brand’s mobile app to show employers what you’re capable of and your passion for continuous learning. Variety here is key. The more varied your skills and abilities, the more experienced you will come across during the job application and interview process, which will ultimately impact the salary you are offered.

ii. Location

Location is another factor that will affect the salary you’ll earn as a UX/UI designer. If you’re applying for positions in your local area, research what the current market rate is for UX/UI designers near you. Websites such as Glassdoor can give you important data on salaries which can be a useful benchmark when it comes to negotiating your salary or simply knowing what to expect from a potential employer. If you’re looking into positions in a different area or even abroad, you’ll need to look closely at the cost of living in that region and see if you can afford your current lifestyle (or a better one) one with the salary each role is offering.

iii. Education

Your portfolio is the main thing that employers want to see when it comes to proving your experience and abilities in the field of UX/UI design. However, specific qualifications and training in the field will help to support your job application, as these demonstrate your industry-specific knowledge, any specializations, and your skill level–all of which can impact the salary you’ll be offered. Additionally, providing evidence of your training and education shows your commitment to your chosen career and your desire to build on your skills which are both highly attractive qualities in potential job candidates.

Designers analysing different wireframes for an application

How to land a job in UI UX design

If you’re hoping to land a job in UX/UI design, take a look at our guide below. We’ve got tips and best practices for training, portfolio creation and more to support your career move into the field.

i. Research the field

Your first step to landing a job in the field of UX/UI design is to perform some research into this industry and career choice. Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there to help you in your journey of discovery. From blogs and podcasts, to videos and books, there are numerous beginner and introductory resources that will assist you in finding out about roles in the field, expectations from employers, necessary skills, and industry trends. Check out the following links to learn more about the field of UX and UI design.

Blogs

Podcasts

Videos

Books

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People

The Design of Everyday Things

The User Experience Team of One: A Research and Design Survival Guide

Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products

ii. Take a course

With some research under your belt, it’s a good time to consider taking a UX/UI design course. You’ll find that many courses are separated into either UX design or UI design, but some do combine both ideologies, or include a smaller UI design component under a more general UX design umbrella. When researching UX/UI design courses, it’s important to consider what you’re hoping to get out of it. To establish this, ask yourself the following questions before starting your search:

Do you want to launch a new career?
Do you want to upskill or change roles within UX/UI design?
What is your budget?
How much time can you commit to studying?
Do you want to study in person or remotely?
Are you hoping for career support?
Will you need a mentor or personal tutor?
Are you hoping to create a portfolio of work during the course?
Which specialties do you want to learn about?

With these questions answered, you’ll find you are better able to filter your search results based on your specific criteria and find courses that truly fit your requirements.

iii. Create a portfolio

While many UX/UI design courses dedicate time to helping students create a professional UX/UI design portfolio, this course component is not guaranteed by every school or teaching facility. If the course you have chosen doesn’t include portfolio-creation support, you’ll have to create a portfolio in your own time, as employees will want to see how you work and your unique approach to design challenges.

For guidance on how to create your own portfolio, check out our article: How to Create a Standout UI UX Design Portfolio. This post covers everything you need to include to impress employees and recruiters, as well as formatting options, examples, and industry best practices. You might also wish to consider using a portfolio website builder such as: Squarespace, Foleon, UXfolio, Notion, Webflow, Wix, and Wordpress.

iv. Get some experience

It’s time to get some real-world experience as a UX/UI designer. There are numerous ways you can do this.

First, consider designing your own professional portfolio website, using your UX/UI design skills to engage users as they navigate and interact with each page.
Next up, volunteer your skills with an organization that might not have the budget for a professional UX/UI designer, such as a local school, family business, or charity. Work with them to design or redesign the UX and UI elements of a website or app, or to solve a particular design problem they are having. Even if a company does not need a whole design or redesign, you can offer to conduct specific processes such as wireframing or user research that still offer significant value.
When you’re feeling confident in your UX/UI skills and how to apply them, you can then advertise yourself for freelance gigs on sites such as Fiverr or Upwork. Be careful not to oversell your expertise or experience and stick to small, achievable tasks that will help you build up more valuable experience.

v. Apply for your first positions

Finally, you’re ready to start applying for your first positions as a professional UX/UI designer. Be sure that your work experience has been added to your portfolio and your CV is up to date before sending any applications off and include any relevant certification or training in your application package. Ask a friend to read through your cover letters for spelling or grammar errors, and in the content try to focus on why you are applying for the particular position being advertised.

If you secure an interview for a position, it’s a good idea to practice your interview technique with a friend or family member so that you know what you’d like to say in response to particular questions on the day. Try to select the projects that you are most proud of in your portfolio and walk your audience through your approach to solving the problem, any challenges you faced, and the outcome. A great example of the same would be this UX UI Design Project by AND learner Vikas Sen.

Here’s our list of UX/UI designer (and general) job boards for you to take a look at.

How to handle your UI UX designer salary negotiation

Negotiating your salary can be daunting, irrespective of the industry you work in. This is even more true when you are new to the field. We’ve put together some top tips for negotiating your UX/UI designer salary so that you feel confident and come out with a positive result.

1. Research market rates

a. Learn what the going rate is for UX/UI designers in your area. This will give you an idea of what you might expect to be offered.

2. Highlight your skills and experience

b. Outline what you have already achieved in the field as well as any transferable skills or relevant experience from other positions.

3. Request a specific amount

a. Research shows that the more specific your salary request, the more successful you are likely to be. This is because it will show you know your market worth and have done your research.

Interface designers deciding the app structure with card sorting

FAQs

We’ve answered some of your most commonly asked questions about UX/UI designer salaries.

i. Is UI/UX design a good career in India?

UX/UI design is indeed a promising industry in which to build a career in India. This is down to the rapid growth of the tech industry combined with the growing acknowledgment of the benefits and value of user-centered design. With the flexibility of remote and hybrid work options, as well as opportunities to work freelance in the role, this is an attractive career choice for those with the right skills and training.

ii. Is UX design a high-paying job?

With growth in the demand for UX design skills across multiple industries, experienced UX designers can expect to earn very competitive salaries. In India, salaries for UX designers are high, with experienced designers earning between ₹8 to ₹10 Lakhs per year, and senior UX design positions such as information architect or design lead demanding even more.

iii. Does UI/UX design have a future?

Due to increasing demand, emerging technologies, and more focus on user-centered design, UI/UX design certainly has a promising future. With more services and transactions moving online, well-designed digital experiences are more sought-after than ever before. UI/UX design is essential to ensuring these human-computer interactions are enjoyable, seamless, and successful for users across the globe.

Conclusion

And, we’re done! We hope you’ve enjoyed our deep dive into the UX/UI design market both globally and in India, as well as our run through the top-paying industries, adjacent roles, and key factors that can impact your salary. With our hands-on advice, we hope you’re better informed of your value as a UX designer and feel confident negotiating the salary that’s right for your skills and experience. Finally, using our guide to landing your first UX/UI designer position, you have everything you need to take your first steps on your journey into the field.

If you’d like to find out more about UX/UI design, check out AND Academy’s blog, for more design resources and insights.

Next Steps

We hope this guide to UX UI designer salaries in India could provide the guidance you were looking for. In case of further queries, here are some additional resources you can refer to:

Watch this session by Shiva Viswanathan, Design Head of Ogilvy Pennywise, and Naman Singh, Product Experience Designer at RED.
Talk to a course advisor to discuss how you can transform your career with one of our courses.
Pursue our UX UI Design courses - all courses are taught through live, interactive classes by industry experts, and some even offer a Job Guarantee.
Take advantage of our scholarship and funding options to overcome any financial hurdle on the path of your career transformation.