As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Apparel Designer in the United States is $78,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Associate Apparel Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Associate 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 Associate 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Associate Apparel Designer | $74,017 |
| Intermediate Level Associate Apparel Designer | $74,274 |
| Senior Level Associate Apparel Designer | $77,405 |
| Specialist Level Associate Apparel Designer | $80,581 |
| Expert Level Associate Apparel Designer | $80,808 |
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 Associate 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
|
$97,389 |
24%
|
|
Product Development
|
$96,603 |
23%
|
|
Illustrator
|
$95,032 |
21%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$94,247 |
20%
|
|
Adobe
|
$94,247 |
20%
|
|
Conceptual Design
|
$93,462 |
19%
|
Understanding how an Associate 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate Apparel Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $73,782 in 2023 to around $73,608 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate Apparel Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $73,782 |
| 2024 | $74,217 |
| 2025 | $73,608 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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