As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Designer III in District of Columbia is $107,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, an Apparel Designer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Apparel Designer III'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 III'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 | $67,993 |
| Apparel Designer II | 2-4 years | $83,945 |
| Apparel Designer III | 4-7 years | $107,790 |
| Apparel Designer IV | 7+ years | $150,029 |
| Manager of Apparel | 7+ years | $142,453 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Apparel Designer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $119,350. While startup companies pay approximate $100,868.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,868 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,705 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $115,232 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $119,350 |
For Apparel Designer III 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 III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $129,360 | $62.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Apparel Designer III'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For an Apparel Designer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Apparel Designer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,100 - a projected growth of 39% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apparel Designer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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