Fashion Designer Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Fashion Designer do?
Fashion designers create original clothing, accessories, and footwear. They work independently and together in a design team to sketch designs and give instructions on the clothing or accessories designed. They research fashion trends and determine what consumers will like. Fashion Designers also test and select fabrics, colors, patterns, and textures for each design piece.
How much does a Fashion Designer make?
According to Glassdoor, Fashion Designers make a national average of $83,213 or $40.01 an hour (as of March 2022). In general, entry-level fashion designers make around $55,000 annually, with senior-level fashion designers making $128,000 a year. Of course, this wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the fashion industry?
Fashion designers are visual artists. They create and maintain brand identities and set trends. Designers have keen insight into consumer behavior and can anticipate the needs and wants of potential buyers.
What is the job outlook for a Fashion Designer?
Global apparel revenue is forecasted to grow to $2.25 trillion by 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for fashion designers (including Fashion Designers) are expected to maintain steady growth during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Work on your sketching.
- Use your sketches to create a portfolio.
- Download The Ultimate Fashion Career Guide to learn more about career paths.
- Explore the Parsons x WWD Fashion Business Essentials online course.

Learn from:
Jeff Carvalho, Fashion Business Essentials contributor, Founder, Highsnobiety
Related Careers:
Creative Director | Fashion Illustrator | Apparel Designer | Fabric Researcher | Accessories Designer | Garment Technologist | Footwear Designer | Pattern Cutter/Grader | Director of Merchandising & Design | Trend Forecaster | Graphic Designer | Data Analyst | Textile Designer | Textile Colorist