Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
Top skills:SpeakingCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTime ManagementSocial PerceptivenessJudgment and Decision Making
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Fashion Designer pay by experience level
Entry level$41,000
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$54,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$84,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$110,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$152,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+2%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
2,300
projected openings per year
Growing slower than average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Fashion Designer salary by industry
Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
5,940 workers
$64,500
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
5,320 workers
$113,000
Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
5,040 workers
$114,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
3,890 workers
$117,000
Management of Companies and Enterprises
3,890 workers
$117,000
Apparel Manufacturing
2,370 workers
$92,500
Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing
2,180 workers
$93,500
Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
1,110 workers
$116,500
Motion Picture and Video Industries
1,110 workers
$116,500
Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries
330 workers
$60,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Fashion Designer make?
The average base salary for a Fashion Designer in the United States is $94,500 per year, or about $45.43 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $53,500 and $110,000 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media roles?
The Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media job family averages $88,500 across 45 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role? WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
Need Fashion Designer pay benchmarked for your organization, or defensible compensation analysis for a dispute or valuation? Grahall builds it from primary sources, backed by an expert who testifies.
