As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Designer IV in District of Columbia is $150,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, an Apparel Designer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Apparel Designer IV'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 IV'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 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 |
| Senior Manager of Apparel | 7+ years | $177,484 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Apparel Designer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $166,182. While startup companies pay approximate $140,448.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $140,448 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $148,575 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $160,448 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $166,182 |
For Apparel Designer IV 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, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Apparel Designer positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apparel Designer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $180,120 | $87.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Apparel Designer IV'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 IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Manager of Apparel role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $142,500 - a projected growth of -5% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apparel Designer IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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