With the rise of luxury retail and e-commerce, the Indian fashion designer industry has grown significantly in the last decade. The celebrity endorsements and rigorous fashion shoots, along with the flourish of homegrown brands, have led to a sparkling financial prospect for aspiring fashion designers.
The fashion industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving market that offers vast opportunities for creative young designers. However, before you start shaping and filling your admission forms, let’s have a look at the fashion designer salary in 2025. In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into the scope of fashion design and the average salary you can earn in this field.
Table of Contents
Fashion Designer Salary in India in 2025
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Specialisation
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Experience
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Skill Type
Salary of a Fashion Designer as Location-Based
Factors Affecting the Fashion Designing Salaries in India
Conclusion
FAQS
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Specialisation
There is a wide range of specialisations and job roles in the fashion designer market. Each role warrants different skills and salary packages. Here is a list of the average fashion designer salary based on specialisations:
| Specialisation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Technical Designer | 5,00,000 – 6,00,000 |
| Apparel Associate | 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
| Assistant Designer | 2,50,000 – 3,00,000 |
| Fashion Designer | 2,50,000 – 7,00,000 |
| Fashion Illustrator | 2,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Costume Designer | 3,60,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Stylist | 3,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Experience
Your work experience will determine how your salary negotiations will go. You will gain skills and knowledge through the years, which will help you grab better salary packages in the future:
| Experience Level | Salary Annual (INR) |
| Fresher (0-2 Years) | 2 – 3.6 LPA |
| Mid-Level (2-5 Years) | 5 – 10 LPA |
| Senior-Level (7+ Years) | 12 – 20 LPA |
| Top-Tier Designers | 20 LPA + |
Also Know About: Diploma in Fashion Designing after 10th
Salary of a Fashion Designer as per Skill Type
Your expert skills can help you gain an edge in the industry. This is why it is crucial to keep learning new skills and technical knowledge to increase the salary of fashion designer per month. The following is a list of some key technical skills and the average salary based on them:
| Skill | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Digital Design | 6,00,000 – 7,00,000 |
| Adobe Illustrator | 4,00,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Graphic Design | 3,50,000 – 5,00,000 |
| Technical Garment Knowledge | 3,50,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Product Development | 3,50,000 – 4,50,000 |
| Market Research | 3,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
Salary of a Fashion Designer as Location-Based
Another factor crucial to determining the fashion apparel design salary is the firm’s location. Large international design studios in metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai may come with a higher package than a tier-2 or 3 city. Here’s how the average salary breakdown based on the location looks:
| City | Annual Salary (INR) |
| Mumbai | 3,60,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Delhi | 3,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
| Bengaluru | 3,00,000 – 6,00,000 |
| Chennai | 2,50,000 – 6,00,000 |
| Jaipur | 2,50,000 – 4,50,000 |
| Kolkata | 2,50,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Pune | 2,50,000 – 4,50,000 |
Scope of Fashion Designing in India
The change in consumer preferences and the development of a strong fashion scene have improved the fashion design salary per month and built a base for new aspiring talents to flourish.
From designing clothing to styling accessories, there is room for a variety of skills and interests in the fashion market. Aspiring individuals can move around different industries, including e-commerce platforms and film studios, for some interesting and high-paying jobs.
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Bridal And Festive Wear
India is a land of vibrant and elaborate weddings and festive celebrations. Our rich history as a cultural land and clothing makes these celebrations a vast opportunity for fashion designers. Designing the bridal and festive wear allows you to carve a niche for yourself.
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Rise of E-Commerce
The boom of e-commerce has made fashion design popular and a household name. Designers can reach a wide audience through digital platforms and can sell their designs online.
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Textile and Apparel Industry
From designing new apparel to keeping an eye on quality control, the textile industry is one of the largest employers in India. There is room for technical knowledge as well as creative flourish in this scene.
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Fashion Education
There is a rapid increase in the number of students willing to learn the craft of fashion design. Experienced designers with technical knowledge can inspire the upcoming generation and earn a good paycheck through international and local workshops.
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Entrepreneurship
Prefer starting something of your own? Fashion businesses are the trend of 2025 that will continue long into the future. If you have the skill and belief in your fashion knowledge, a fashion studio is the best opportunity for you.
Factors Affecting the Fashion Designing Salaries in India
The fashion design salary per month can vary based on a range of factors. What are these factors? Let’s unravel them one by one:
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Experience
Just like any other profession, your years of experience in the industry are your ultimate assets. Entry-level freshers earn a lot less than an experienced professional. It is ideal to gain hands-on experience during your internships and fresher jobs.
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Location
With higher living costs and better infrastructure, metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai offer higher salaries.
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Education
Your educational qualifications and certificates give you a head start in the industry. They reflect your discipline and your technical knowledge about the industry. A degree from a prestigious institute will increase your salary package too.
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Specialisation
Finding a niche and mastering it is the key to long-term success in fashion design. Examples like bridal wear and costume designing earn you exclusivity and a higher salary in the industry. You get paid for your expertise and in-depth knowledge of the niche.
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The Employer and Freelancing
Renowned media or fashion houses will bring in better salary packages and everyday perks. You can start from smaller or budget houses to gain your foothold in the industry. Similarly, freelancing also opens the route to building your career on your own terms. Plus, it offers you a chance to attract global clients. However, freelancing may come with fluctuating income and work opportunities.
The fashion design industry in India is fiercely competitive, but with dedication, knowledge, and unmatched creativity, you can carve your path through it. Freshers in the scene can earn around 2 to 3.6 LPA, while the mid-level professionals govern the 5 to 10 LPA range. Once the designer works out their niche and builds experience, they can grab as high as 12-20 LPA in the scene.
Read About: Fashion Designers in the World
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the fashion industry in India in 2025, it’s essential to keep in mind that this vibrant world of fashion is an open canvas, eagerly awaiting your creative touch. A course or Diploma in fashion design will help you begin your journey with the right knowledge and attitude. Whether you’re taking your first steps into this exciting realm or seeking to elevate your existing career, the opportunities for growth and artistic expression are limitless.
FAQS
Do fashion designers get paid well?
Yes. Fashion designers get paid well after they have gained experience in the field. Freshers start with a humble salary, but over the years, professionals can gain large salary packages.
What is the income of a fashion designer?
The average income of a professional fashion designer falls between 3.5 LPA and 7 LPA. The salary packages of different roles and job positions may vary based on a range of factors.
Can a fashion designer earn 1 crore per month?
Yes. It is possible to earn 1 crore per month as a fashion designer. However, it requires extreme specialisation, long-term experience, and an international network.
Can a 15-year-old be a fashion designer?
Yes, a 15-year-old can be a fashion designer by pursuing certifications and building their portfolio. Plus, fashion design is a creative job that has no age limit. With a rapid digital scene, you can showcase your designs and knowledge to the world and start your fashion designer journey.
Is fashion design a high-paying job?
Just like any other job, fashion design offers a higher salary after some experience and skill development. Once you carve out your niche, you can earn a high-paying salary soon.
What is the starting salary of a fashion designer in India?
The average starting salary of a fashion designer in India is around INR 15,000 to 25,000. The exact amount may vary based on factors such as location, education, and your skills.
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