Did you know that the demand for product designers in India is skyrocketing? Companies across industries are recognising the importance of user-centred design, and as a result, the need for skilled product designers is on the rise. Before embarking on a career in product design, it's crucial to understand the salary potential and career growth opportunities that lie ahead.
In this comprehensive guide to product designer salaries, we will delve into the intricacies of this profession, explore the salary ranges at different levels, and shed light on the various factors that influence these figures.
Who is a Product Designer?
Product designers play a crucial role in creating user-friendly and visually appealing products across various industries. They are responsible for conceptualising, designing, and refining the overall look and feel of a product. Whether it's designing a mobile app interface or developing a new consumer product, their expertise lies in understanding user needs, conducting market research, and translating those insights into innovative designs.
As businesses invest more in design teams and prioritise product experience, the demand for skilled designers has increased, resulting in higher salaries.
Salary Structure of Product Designers
The salary range for product designers can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, experience level, and specialisation. On average, entry-level product designers can expect to earn between ₹4-6 lakhs per annum. As they gain experience and expertise, mid-level designers can earn anywhere from ₹6-10 lakhs per annum.
Senior product designers with several years of experience can command salaries ranging from ₹12-20 lakhs per annum or even higher in certain industries or companies. It is important to note that these figures are just approximate ranges and can vary based on individual circumstances.
To better understand the salary potential in different locations and industries across India, refer to the table below:
Impact of Skills on the Salary of Product Designers
When it comes to product design, various skills can have a significant impact on your salary potential. Skills such as prototyping, user research, and interaction design are highly sought-after in the industry and can lead to higher earning potential.
Additionally, specialising in specific areas of product design, such as UI/UX design or industrial design, can also contribute to increased salary prospects.
To give you an idea of average salaries based on different product design skills and specialisations in product design, here are some examples:
- Product Designer with prototyping skills: ₹6-8 lakhs per annum
- UX Designer with user research expertise: ₹8-10 lakhs per annum
- Interaction Designer with strong UI/UX skills: ₹10-12 lakhs per annum
- Industrial Designer with specialisation in consumer products: ₹12-15 lakhs per annum
Job Roles and Salaries in Product Design
Now let's explore some popular job roles within the field of product management along with their average salaries:
- Product Manager: ₹10-15 lakhs per annum
- Senior Product Manager: ₹15-20 lakhs per annum
- Product Owner: ₹8-12 lakhs per annum
- UX Researcher: ₹8-12 lakhs per annum
- Design Strategist: ₹12-18 lakhs per annum
Career Growth for Product Designers
Product designers are in high demand across various industries due to the increasing focus on user experience and product innovation.
- E-commerce: Product designers create intuitive interfaces that enhance the online shopping experience.
- Consumer electronics: Product designers create aesthetically pleasing designs while ensuring functionality and usability.
- Automotives: Product designers envision innovative interior layouts, intuitive control panels, and seamless integration of technology.
- Healthcare: Product designers contribute to creating solutions that enhance patient outcomes and streamline processes.
Education and Certification Options for Product Designers
While a formal degree in industrial/product design is not always mandatory for a career in product design, it certainly enhances your prospects. A degree programme provides you with a strong foundation in design principles, industry knowledge, and technical skills that are highly valued by employers.
In India, there are several undergraduate programmes available for aspiring product designers. Some notable ones include:
- Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Industrial Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Product Design
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Product Design Engineering
These programmes offer comprehensive curricula that cover various aspects of product design and provide hands-on experience through internships or industry collaborations.
For those looking to enhance their career prospects and potentially earn higher salaries, pursuing a master's degree can be beneficial. Here are some postgraduate programmes in India:
- Master of Design (M.Des) in Industrial Design
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Product Design
- Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Product Design Engineering
A master's degree not only deepens your understanding of design principles but also allows for specialisation and research opportunities.
Upskilling Programmes and Certification Courses
To stay competitive in the product design field and broaden your skill set, upskilling is crucial. There are several popular certification courses that can augment your existing skills:
- UX/UI Design Certification: Focuses on user-centred design principles, prototyping techniques, and UI/UX fundamentals.
Expected Salary Increase: ₹2-4 lakhs per annum after course completion. - Interaction Design Certification: Delves into advanced interaction design concepts, usability testing methodologies, and visual storytelling techniques.
Expected Salary Increase: ₹3-5 lakhs per annum after course completion. - Product Management Certification: Covers areas such as market research, product strategy, and agile project management.
Expected Salary Increase: ₹4-6 lakhs per annum after course completion.
Be Part of a Thriving Industry
As technology continues to advance, companies are recognising the importance of user-centric design and investing more in product development.
The Indian government has also been promoting initiatives like "Make in India" and "Digital India," which have further boosted the growth of the product design industry. These initiatives aim to encourage manufacturing and digital innovation in the country, driving the need for talented product designers who can create innovative solutions.
So, whether you're a recent graduate or a young professional looking to build a career as a product designer, WIZR is here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to our experts and explore several opportunities tailored specifically to your career goals.
FAQs
1. Which diplomas can I pursue for product design?
You can pursue diplomas in Product design, Industrial design, UX/UI design, or related fields to gain specialised knowledge and skills.
2. Can I apply for product designer jobs abroad with Indian certification?
Yes, Indian certifications are recognised globally. However, it may be beneficial to research the specific requirements of the country you wish to work in.
3. Where can I find job opportunities as a product designer?
You can find job opportunities as a product designer on various job portals. Networking events and professional platforms specific to the design industry can also be helpful.
4. Who earns more: product designers or product managers?
Product managers generally earn higher salaries due to their additional responsibilities in overseeing the development and strategy of products.
5. Which online platform can help me with financing for upskilling programmes?
WIZR is an online platform that provides financing options for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programmes.
