Web Designer vs UX Designer vs Photo Designer: Choose the Right Career Path for You

If you’re planning a career in the digital design space, understanding the difference between a web designer, photo designer, and UI/UX designer is the first step to a fulfilling career. Each role requires a different mindset, skillset, and creative approach. In this article, we break down their responsibilities, average salaries, and future prospects to help you make an informed career choice.

For aspiring professionals and those looking to upskill, deciphering these differences, particularly the nuances between a Web designer vs UX designer, can illuminate the most rewarding trajectory.

Why Choosing the Right Design Role Matters

If you’re planning a career in the digital design space, understanding the difference between a web designer, photo designer, and UI/UX designer is the first step to a fulfilling career. Each role requires a different mindset, skillset, and creative approach. In this article, we break down their responsibilities, average salaries, and future prospects to help you make an informed career choice.

Decoding the Roles: Web Designer, Photo Designer, and UI/UX Designer

Let's break down the core responsibilities and focus areas of each role:

What Does a Web Designer Do?

A web designer is responsible for the look and feel of websites. They work on layout, visual design, and user interface elements to ensure the site is both functional and attractive. Tools commonly used include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and design platforms like Adobe XD or Figma.

Key Skills:

• HTML and CSS
• Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Sketch
• Basic JavaScript and responsive design

Salary Range in India:

• Entry-level: ₹2.42 Lakhs per year
• Experienced: ₹3.23 to ₹6.12 Lakhs per year
  Senior-level: ₹41,520 to ₹40,000 per month

Also read: Advanced Full Stack Developer Course in Delhi

What Does a Photo Designer Do?

A photo designer, often called a graphic designer or photo editor, creates visual assets using photographs. This includes editing, compositing, and enhancing images for advertisements, websites, social media, and print.

Key Skills:

• Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
• Color correction and photo manipulation
• Branding and visual communication

Salary Range in India:

• Entry-level: ₹1.8 to ₹2.5 Lakhs per year
• Experienced: ₹3.5 to ₹5 Lakhs per year
• Freelancers may charge ₹300 to ₹1,000 per image depending on quality and niche

Ready to Learn with Code with TLS?

Call: 91-8527866980
Email: info@codewithtls.com
Visit: https://www.codewithtls.com/courses

Master the skills that pay well and match your passion. Enroll today!

Don't miss: Android App Development

What Does a UI/UX Designer Do?

UI/UX designers are responsible for enhancing the user experience of digital products. They focus on user research, journey mapping, usability testing, and crafting intuitive interfaces that align with human behavior and business goals.

Key Skills:

• Wireframing and prototyping
• User research and persona creation
• Tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Miro, and InVision

Salary Range in India:

• Entry-level: ₹2.58 Lakhs per year
• Experienced: ₹6.12 to ₹8 Lakhs per year
• Average: ₹6.11 Lakhs per year
• Senior-level: ₹66,666 and above per month

Explore this: Learn Mobile App Development Course

Web Designer vs UX Designer: Key Differences

The distinction between a Web designer vs UX designer is a frequent point of confusion. While both contribute to the creation of digital products, their core focus and methodologies differ significantly.

In essence, a web designer builds the house, making it look good. A UX designer makes sure the house is comfortable, functional, and meets the needs of its inhabitants, even before the blueprints are finalized.

Check out: Data Science Course Duration and Fees 2025

Web Designer vs UX Designer Salary in India: Who Earns More?

In India, the demand for skilled professionals in digital design is robust, but there's a clear distinction in earning potential between these roles. Generally, UX (User Experience) designers generally earn more than web designers. 

This is largely due to the strategic, research-intensive, and problem-solving nature of UX work, which directly impacts a product's success and user retention.

Typical Salary Ranges in India (Annual, as of 2025):

Web Designer Salary in India:

• Entry-level (0-1 year experience): Around ₹2.42 Lakhs per year.
• Experienced (2-5 years experience): Can range from ₹3.23 Lakhs to ₹6.12 Lakhs per year.
• Lead/Senior (5 years experience): Can earn an average of ₹41,520 to ₹40,000 per month, potentially reaching up to ₹10 Lakhs per year.

UX Designer Salary in India:

• Entry-level (0-1 year experience): Around ₹2.58 Lakhs per year.
• Experienced (2-5 years experience): Can range from ₹6.12 Lakhs to ₹8 Lakhs per year.
• Average UX Designer Salary: Approximately ₹6,11,757 per year.
• Senior/Specialized (5 years experience): Can exceed ₹66,666 per month, with top professionals earning significantly more.

Factors Influencing Salary:

• Experience: As in any field, salaries generally increase significantly with more years of relevant experience in both web design and UX design.
• Location: Salaries tend to be notably higher in major metropolitan areas and tech hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad due to higher demand and cost of living.
• Company Size and Industry: Large companies, multinational corporations (MNCs), and specialized industries (e.g., FinTech, SaaS, EdTech) often offer higher compensation and better benefits compared to smaller agencies or startups.
• Skills and Specialization: For UX designers, specialization in areas like user research, interaction design, service design, or even UX writing can lead to higher earning potential. For web designers, proficiency in advanced JavaScript frameworks, SEO knowledge, or full-stack capabilities can boost income.
• Portfolio Quality: A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing real-world projects and problem-solving abilities is a crucial determinant of salary for both roles.

In essence, while both roles are crucial in creating digital products, UX designers are often compensated more due to the strategic, research-intensive, and user-centric nature of their work, which directly influences user satisfaction and business outcomes.

Read next: Full Stack Developer Roadmap 2025

Factors Influencing Salary in Design Roles

• Experience Level: Higher experience usually brings better compensation
• Location: Salaries are higher in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi
• Company Type: Startups, agencies, and large enterprises offer different packages
• Specialization: UX designers with research or mobile UX expertise often earn more

Career Guidance: Which Path Should You Choose?

• Choose Web Design if you love creating beautiful layouts and learning front-end technologies
• Choose Photo Design if you enjoy working with imagery, branding, and print media
• Choose UI/UX Design if you are curious about how users think and want to solve usability problems through data and design

At Code with TLS, we offer specialized programs that help you build your career in web design, photo design, and UX design. Our mentorship-driven approach ensures you gain real-world skills, portfolio projects, and the confidence to crack job interviews or freelance gigs.

Learn more: Web Development Course in Noida

How Code with TLS Can Help You Chart Your Course

At Code with TLS, we understand the intricacies of these roles and the skills required to excel. Our comprehensive digital marketing and design programs are crafted to provide you with the practical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in these specialized fields. Whether you aspire to be a master of visual web design or a strategic UI/UX expert, we equip you with:

• Real-time project exposure: Work on live case studies to build a robust portfolio.
• Industry-relevant tools: Master essential software like Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and more.
• Expert mentorship: Learn from seasoned professionals currently working in leading tech companies and design agencies.
• Focus on practical skills: Beyond theory, we emphasize problem-solving, research methodologies, and effective design implementation.

Don't just observe the digital revolution; become a part of it. Choose the career path that aligns with your passion and equip yourself with the skills that truly matter.

FAQs: Design Careers in India

Q1: Is UX design better than web design?
UX design typically has a higher salary potential and more strategic involvement, but the choice depends on your interest.

Q2: Who earns more, a web designer or a UX designer?
On average, UX designers earn more than web designers due to the research and planning nature of their role.

Q3: Can I learn UX design in 3 months?
Yes, you can grasp the basics in 3 months with the right curriculum and practice. Deeper expertise may take longer.

Q4: क्या UX डिजाइन वेब डिजाइन से बेहतर है?
UX डिज़ाइन अक्सर बेहतर मानी जाती है क्योंकि इसमें रिसर्च और उपयोगकर्ता अनुभव की समझ शामिल होती है।

Q5: कौन ज्यादा कमाता है, वेब डिजाइनर या यूएक्स डिजाइनर?
आमतौर पर UX डिज़ाइनर वेब डिज़ाइनर से ज्यादा कमाते हैं।

Q6: Why are UI/UX designers paid more than web developers?
Because they influence product direction, user satisfaction, and usability—directly impacting conversions and growth.