UI UX VS Graphic Design: Salary in India
Introduction to UI UX, and Graphic Design Careers
In today’s digital-first world, creative careers are no longer limited to art studios and advertising agencies. They sit at the heart of every app, website, and digital product we use daily. Among these creative careers, UI UX design and graphic design stand out as two of the most popular options in India.
Students, fresh graduates, and even working professionals often struggle to decide between them—especially when salary becomes a deciding factor.
While both careers involve creativity, their earning potential, growth trajectories, and industry demand differ significantly.
This article takes a deep dive into UI UX VS Graphic Design Salary in India, explaining not just the numbers but the reasons behind them so that you can make a confident career decision.
What Is UI Design?
UI (User Interface) design focuses on the visual appearance of a digital product. Buttons, colours, typography, layouts—a UI designer crafts everything you see on an app or website. Think of UI as the skin of a digital product.
What Is UX Design?
UX (User Experience) design is about how a product feels. Is it easy to use? Is the journey smooth? UX designers research user behaviour and design experiences that solve real problems.
UI Design Explained in Detail
UI (User Interface) design Deals with the visual layer of a digital product. This includes layouts, colour schemes, buttons, typography, icons, spacing, and overall aesthetics.
A UI designer ensures that the interface looks modern, consistent, and aligned with the brand identity.
In India, UI designers often work on mobile apps, websites, dashboards, and SaaS platforms. Their goal is Simple: make the product visually clear and attractive so users feel comfortable interacting with it.
UX Design Explained in Detail
UX (User Experience) design goes much Deeper than visuals. It focuses on how users feel when they use a product. UX designers research user behaviour, understand pain points, and design journeys that solve real problems.
For example, if users abandon an app during checkout, a UX designer identifies why and improves the flow.
This problem-solving aspect makes UX design extremely valuable—and highly paid—in India.
Daily Responsibilities of a UI UX Designer
- Conducting user research and surveys
- Creating user personas and journey maps
- Designing wireframes and prototypes
- Testing designs with real users
- Collaborating with developers and product managers
UI UX designers are not just designers—they are strategic thinkers, which directly impacts their salary.
What Is Graphic Design?
Graphic design is all about visual communication. From logos and posters to social media creatives and branding materials, graphic designers create visuals that communicate messages clearly and creatively.
Graphic Design Explained in Detail
Graphic designers create visuals that communicate Ideas clearly and creatively. These visuals can be digital or print-based.
From logos and posters to Instagram posts and advertisements, graphic designers shape how a brand Looks and feels.
In India, graphic designers are in demand across marketing agencies, media houses, start-ups, and corporate branding teams.
Daily Responsibilities of a Graphic Designer
- Designing logos and brand identities
- Creating social media creatives and ads
- Designing brochures, banners, and posters
- Working on marketing and promotional material
- Coordinating with marketing and content teams
Graphic design is more creative-driven and less Research-heavy compared to UI UX.
UI UX vs Graphic Design: Core Differences
Skill Set Comparison
UI UX designers require a mix of:
- Analytical thinking
- User research skills
- Design thinking
- Interaction design
Graphic designers mainly need:
- Strong creativity
- Visual sense
- Typography and colour theory
- Branding knowledge
Because UI UX combines creativity with strategy, companies value it more financially.
Tools and Technologies Used
UI UX tools:
Graphic design tools:
UI UX tools are closely linked to product development, which increases pay scales.
Industry Demand in India
India’s tech boom has created massive demand for UI UX designers, especially in IT, SaaS, fintech, and start-ups.
Graphic designers are needed everywhere, but the supply is much higher, which affects salaries.
UI UX Designer Salary in India
Entry-Level UI UX Salary
Fresh UI UX designers with basic skills and a good portfolio earn around ₹4 LPA to ₹7 LPA.
This is significantly higher than many other creative roles, even at the Starting level.
Mid-Level UI UX Salary
With 3–5 years of experience, salaries increase from ₹8 LPA to ₹15 LPA.
Designers at this level handle complex projects and influence product decisions.
Senior-Level UI UX Salary
Senior UI UX professionals and leads earn ₹18 LPA to ₹30+ LPA.
In top product-based companies, salaries can go even higher.
Graphic Designer Salary in India
Entry-Level Graphic Designer Salary
Freshers typically earn ₹2 LPA to ₹4 LPA.
The lower entry salary is due to high competition and lower specialisation.
Mid-Level Graphic Designer Salary
With experience, salaries rise to ₹5 LPA to ₹8 LPA, especially for designers skilled in branding and digital marketing.
Senior-Level Graphic Designer Salary
Senior designers and creative heads earn ₹10 LPA to ₹15 LPA, depending on company size and reputation.
UI UX vs Graphic Design Salary Comparison in India
On average:
- UI UX Designers: ₹8–15 LPA
- Graphic Designers: ₹4–8 LPA
UI UX designers clearly earn 40–60% more than graphic designers in India.
Factors Affecting Salary in India
Experience and Expertise
More experience means better pay, especially when combined with niche skills like UX research or design systems.
Location and City-Based Salaries
Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Mumbai offer higher salaries due to strong tech ecosystems.
Company Type and Industry
Product-based and international companies pay significantly more than small agencies.
Freelancing and Remote Work Income
UI UX freelancers earn ₹1,000–₹3,000 per hour, while graphic designers earn ₹500–₹1,500 per hour.
UI UX projects are longer and more strategic, resulting in higher pay-outs.
Career Growth and Long-Term Opportunities
UI UX designers can grow into product designers, UX leads, or design managers.
Graphic designers can become art directors or creative heads, but growth is slower.
Conclusion
When comparing UI UX vs Graphic Design salary in India, UI UX clearly stands ahead. Higher income, better growth, and increasing demand make it a smarter long-term career choice.
However, the right choice ultimately depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals.
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