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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Designer I in North Carolina is $58,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Apparel Designer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Apparel Designer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $63,200 | $5,267 | $1,215 | $30 |
| Average | $58,400 | $4,867 | $1,123 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $1,019 | $25 |
Royce Apparel - Salisbury, NC
Augusta Sportswear Brands - Statesville, NC
Penske Racing South - Mooresville, NC
Cyntergy - TULSA, OK
An Apparel Designer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Apparel Designer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel Designer I | 0-2 years | $58,358 |
| Apparel Designer II | 2-4 years | $72,049 |
| Apparel Designer III | 4-7 years | $92,516 |
| Apparel Designer IV | 7+ years | $128,769 |
| Manager of Apparel | 7+ years | $122,267 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Apparel Designer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Apparel Designer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,657. While startup companies pay approximate $54,645.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,645 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,807 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,426 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,657 |
For Apparel Designer I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Apparel Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apparel Designer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $70,080 | $34.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Apparel Designer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $63,200 | $5,267 | $1,215 | $30 |
| Average | $58,400 | $4,867 | $1,123 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $1,019 | $25 |
For an Apparel Designer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Apparel Designer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,100 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apparel Designer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Cyntergy
TULSA, OK
Cyntergy | TULSA, OK
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER LOCATION | Tulsa, OK REPORTS TO | Director of Architecture TEAM | Architecture POSITION SUMMARY At Cyntergy, you’ll be involved in a... more
10 Days Ago
Floor
TEMPE, AZ
Floor | TEMPE, AZ
Base Pay This role has a minimum base pay from $17.30 per hour with higher starting pay available based on experience. Purpose: Floor & Decor Sr. Designer ... more
2 Days Ago
True Spec Golf
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
True Spec Golf | SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Position: Graphic Designer Department: Marketing Reports To: Director of Marketing Operations Office Location: Scottsdale, AZ (Full Time, On-Site) Job Summ... more
2 Days Ago
Adams Outdoor
CHARLOTTE, NC
Adams Outdoor | CHARLOTTE, NC
JOB SUMMARY: Adams Outdoor Advertising (AOA), the 4th largest and largest private Outdoor Advertising firm in the U.S., is seeking an experienced Graphic D... more
2 Days Ago
THE SHADOW COMPANY
NEW YORK CITY, NY
THE SHADOW COMPANY | NEW YORK CITY, NY
SHADOW is seeking a Senior Designer to join our Creative team. The ideal candidate has 5-8 years of experience working in a creative agency or brand enviro... more
2 Days Ago
FastSigns
EAST PEORIA, IL
FastSigns | EAST PEORIA, IL
Benefits: 401(k) matching Paid time off Opportunity for advancement Do you want a creative outlet balanced with structure and simplicity to make a beautifu... more
2 Days Ago
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