As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Designer in the United States is $79,243 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Apparel Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Apparel Designer'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'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Designer | $62,798 |
| Apparel D... Level Apparel Designer | $77,530 |
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Designer | $99,554 |
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Designer | $138,565 |
| Manager o... Level Apparel Designer | $131,569 |
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 Designers. 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
|
$98,261 |
24%
|
|
Product Development
|
$97,469 |
23%
|
|
Illustrator
|
$95,884 |
21%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$95,091 |
20%
|
|
Adobe
|
$95,091 |
20%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$94,299 |
19%
|
For Apparel Designer 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, Apparel Designer positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apparel Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $87,167 | $42.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Apparel Designer'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, 2026Salaries for an Apparel Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,393 in 2023 to around $74,218 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Apparel Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,393 |
| 2024 | $74,831 |
| 2025 | $74,218 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Apparel Designer roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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