As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fashion Designer Intermediate in the United States is $75,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Fashion Designer Intermediate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Fashion Designer Intermediate'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 Intermediate'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 | $61,410 |
| Fashion Designer Intermediate | 2-4 years | $75,817 |
| Apparel Designer III | 4-7 years | $97,354 |
| Apparel Designer IV | 7+ years | $135,503 |
| Manager of Apparel | 7+ years | $128,661 |
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 Fashion Designer Intermediates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Products and Services | 6.91% |
| Photoshop | 1.9% |
| Interior Design | 1.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cold Calling
|
$94,017 |
24%
|
|
Product Development
|
$93,259 |
23%
|
|
Illustrator
|
$91,742 |
21%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$90,984 |
20%
|
|
Adobe
|
$90,984 |
20%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$90,226 |
19%
|
Fashion Designer Intermediate salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $83,944. While startup companies pay approximate $70,944.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,944 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $75,050 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $81,047 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $83,944 |
For Fashion Designer Intermediate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Fashion Designer Intermediate positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Fashion Designer Intermediate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $83,402 | $40.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Fashion Designer Intermediate'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 a Fashion Designer Intermediate, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Apparel Designer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,400 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for a Fashion Designer Intermediate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $72,749 in 2023 to around $72,578 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fashion Designer Intermediate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $72,749 |
| 2024 | $73,177 |
| 2025 | $72,578 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Fashion Designer Intermediate roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Junior Fashion Designers in the US typically earn between $65,520 and $81,260 annually. The average salary is around $74,480. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, with entry-level positions starting at the minimum salary and more experienced designers earning towards the maximum.
The starting income of a fashion designer is approximately $65,520 per year. The average salary is around $74,480, with the potential to earn up to $81,260 annually.
It's a common misconception that creative jobs pay less than other professions. In reality, skilled fashion designers earn competitive salaries, with a range from $65,520 to $81,260. This demonstrates that talented designers are compensated well for their expertise, challenging the notion that they are underpaid.
A Mid-Level Fashion Designer typically has 3-5 years of experience, whether in an agency, freelance, or in-house. They collaborate with Junior and Senior designers to complete projects. In terms of salary, Mid-Level Fashion Designers can expect to earn around $74,480, with a range from $65,520 to $81,260, depending on their skills and the company.
Fashion design can be a rewarding career in the USA, with salaries ranging from $65,520 to $81,260, depending on experience and expertise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth in fashion design jobs from 2020 to 2030, indicating a steady demand for talent. This global interest offers numerous opportunities for success in the industry.
The salary of fashion designers varies significantly. For intermediate-level fashion designers, the minimum salary is approximately $65,520, the mid-range salary is around $74,480, and the maximum salary can reach up to $81,260. This reflects a competitive earning potential in the fashion industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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