What is the Salary Range for Entry-Level Fashion Designers?
If you're lucky enough to launch your own clothing or accessory line and establish yourself as a powerhouse designer in the fashion industry you could possibly earn hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions. However, a very small percentage of talented fashion designers achieve that kind of financial success. Read on for information on what you could bring in as an entry-level fashion designer.
<h3 id="section---SalaryOverview">Salary Overview</h3>
<p>Fashion designers utilize their creativity to create the apparel, shoes and accessories that we wear every day. They also design the elite fashion ensembles seen during high-profile runway shows. The salary range for entry-level fashion designers is pretty expansive and depends upon your individual ability, design specialty and employer. Self-employment and freelance opportunities are also available.
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<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as an aspiring fashion designer, you can expect to face keen competition within the field due to the amount of individuals drawn to the industry because of its 'glitz-and-glamour' quality (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). A tough job market often leads to lower salaries; however, successful designers can earn a six-figure income with persistence and dedication. The BLS reported that the average wage for fashion designers of all levels was $83,650 in May 2021.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutFashionDesigners">Important Facts About Fashion Designers</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>3%</td></tr>
<tr><td>Required Education</td><td>Bachelor's degree in fashion related field</td></tr>
<tr><td>On-the-Job Training</td><td>Internships</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td>Graphic designer, buyer, art director</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---SalariesForEntryLevelOpportunities">Salaries for Entry-Level Opportunities</h3>
<p>Completing a degree program in fashion design can provide the foundational knowledge needed to begin your career. Common entry-level job opportunities include positions as design room assistants, pattern makers or assistant designers. According to <i>PayScale.com</i>, as of January 2023 most assistant fashion designers earned an annual income between $37,000 and $63,000, roughly. The same source reported that most fashion designers made roughly $47,000-$105,000 in January 2023.
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<h3 id="section---SalariesByIndustry">Salaries by Industry</h3>
<p>According to the BLS, fashion designers working for apparel, piece goods and notions merchant wholesalers earned an average wage of $83,650 in May 2021. Those working in cut and sew apparel manufacturing earned a higher average wage of $90,540. The company and enterprise management industry paid an average wage of $92,870, while specialized design services paid an average wage of $89,620.
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<h3 id="section---SalariesByLocation">Salaries by Location</h3>
<p>Most fashion designers worked in New York and California in May 2021, and the BLS reported average salaries for these locations of $92,180 and $92,360, respectively. Both of these states were included in the five top-paying states in the country at that time. Other states with high average wages included Washington ($92,400), New Hampshire ($91,440) and Oregon ($87,890). Average pay was $92,480 in the New York City metro area and $91,170 in the Los Angeles, CA metro area as of 2021.
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<h3 id="section---CareerAdvancement">Career Advancement</h3>
<p>With experience under your belt and a demonstrated ability to succeed within the fashion industry, you may advance to supervisory positions, such as chief fashion designer. Most chief fashion designers earned an approximate annual income of between $65,000 and $100,000 in January 2020, according to <i>PayScale.com.</i></p>