As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Fashion Designer in the United States is $63,254 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Fashion Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Fashion 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 a Fashion 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 Fashion Designer | $62,865 |
| Fashion D... Level Fashion Designer | $77,614 |
| Fashion D... Level Fashion Designer | $99,661 |
| Fashion D... Level Fashion Designer | $138,714 |
| Manager o... Level Fashion Designer | $131,710 |
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 Designers. 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
|
$79,700 |
26%
|
|
Photoshop
|
$77,803 |
23%
|
|
Adobe Creative Suite
|
$77,803 |
23%
|
|
Illustrator
|
$77,170 |
22%
|
|
Product Development
|
$77,170 |
22%
|
|
AutoCAD
|
$76,537 |
21%
|
For Fashion Designer 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, Fashion Designer positions in Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Fashion Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $75,905 | $36.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Fashion 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 a Fashion Designer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,341 in 2023 to around $63,723 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Fashion Designer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,341 |
| 2024 | $64,415 |
| 2025 | $63,723 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Fashion Designer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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