As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Associate in the United States is $59,966 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Apparel Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Apparel Associate'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 Associate'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 |
|---|---|
| Apparel A... Level Apparel Associate | $59,597 |
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Associate | $73,573 |
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Associate | $94,479 |
| Fashion D... Level Apparel Associate | $131,492 |
| Manager o... Level Apparel Associate | $124,858 |
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Products and Services | 6.87% |
| Photoshop | 2% |
| Illustrator | 1.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Adobe
|
$75,557 |
26%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$73,758 |
23%
|
|
Adobe Creative Suite
|
$73,758 |
23%
|
|
Illustrator
|
$73,159 |
22%
|
|
Product Development
|
$73,159 |
22%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$72,559 |
21%
|
For Apparel Associate 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, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Apparel Associate positions in Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apparel Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $71,959 | $35.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Apparel Associate'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Apparel Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $60,998 in 2023 to around $60,412 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Apparel Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $60,998 |
| 2024 | $61,067 |
| 2025 | $60,412 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Apparel Associate roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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