As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fashion Designer Entry in the United States is $61,420 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Fashion Designer Entry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Fashion Designer Entry Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,510 | $5,543 | $1,279 | $32 |
| Average | $61,420 | $5,118 | $1,181 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,780 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
A Fashion Designer Entry'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 a Fashion Designer Entry'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designer Entry | 0-2 years | $61,412 |
| Apparel Designer II | 2-4 years | $75,825 |
| Apparel Designer III | 4-7 years | $97,357 |
| Apparel Designer IV | 7+ years | $135,520 |
| Manager of Apparel | 7+ years | $128,669 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Products and Services | 6.87% |
| Photoshop | 2% |
| Illustrator | 1.37% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Fashion Designer Entry's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Adobe | $77,389 | |
| Photoshop | $75,547 | |
| Adobe Creative Suite | $75,547 |
Fashion Designer Entry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,817. While startup companies pay approximate $57,321.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,321 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,632 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,478 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,817 |
Understanding how a Fashion Designer Entry'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 | $66,510 | $5,543 | $1,279 | $32 |
| Average | $61,420 | $5,118 | $1,181 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,780 | $4,648 | $1,073 | $27 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Fashion Designer Entry, 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 $75,900 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a Fashion Designer Entry can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,852 in 2023 to around $62,248 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fashion Designer Entry salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $62,852 |
| 2024 | $62,923 |
| 2025 | $62,248 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Fashion Designer Entry roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
As a junior fashion designer, you can expect to stay in this role for 1-3 years, gaining valuable experience. During this time, your salary will typically range from $55,640 to $68,020, with a median salary around $62,190. This period allows you to develop your skills and prepare for more advanced positions in the fashion industry.
Fashion designers can earn a decent salary. Entry-level positions start around $55,640, with mid-level roles averaging about $62,190. With experience, designers can earn up to $68,020 annually. After several years in the industry, those who advance to senior designer roles can expect salaries to increase significantly, often exceeding $87,000 per year.
The highest-paying job in fashion is a Fashion Designer, who typically earns between $55,640 and $68,020, with a median salary of $62,190. Other lucrative roles include Design Director, Fashion Buyer, Fashion Consultant, Fashion Marketing and PR, Fashion Stylist, and Garment Technologist. These positions offer various opportunities for creativity and financial success in the industry.
The best states for fashion designers in India include Tamil Nadu, with 13 top colleges like NIFT Chennai, and Karnataka, home to 6 renowned institutions such as NIFT Bangalore. Entry-level fashion designers can expect salaries ranging from $55,640 to $68,020, with a median salary of $62,190, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design typically costs between $20,000 to $50,000 per year. After completing the course, entry-level fashion designers can expect salaries ranging from $55,640 to $68,020, with a median salary of about $62,190. Applicants usually need a high school diploma, a design portfolio, and possibly standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT.
Fashion Designers in the USA earn a salary range based on experience and skill level. Entry-level positions start with a minimum salary of $55,640, while the median salary is around $62,190. The highest earners can make up to $68,020 annually. This reflects the diverse opportunities within the fashion industry.
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