Trend Forecaster Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Trend Forecaster do?
A trend forecaster in fashion predicts the silhouettes, colors, fabrics, textures, materials, prints, graphics, accessories, footwear, and other styles that they expect to appear on the runway and in stores for the upcoming seasons. Short-term trend forecasts provide an overview of what customers are expected to want and purchase within the next year. Long-term trend forecasts attempt to predict broader changes to consumer lifestyles and are commonly known as macro trends.
How much does a Trend Forecaster make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Trend Forecasters make a national average of $64,562 or $31.04 an hour (as of June 2022). In general, entry-level trend forecasters make around $48,056 annually, with senior-level trend forecasters making $122,325 a year. This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the fashion industry?
Trend forecasters conduct extensive research, so they have deep knowledge of the market and consumer behavior. Their work helps designers and labels save money and time by allowing them to focus on fashion that is in demand and likely to sell. It also enables businesses to take advantage of sudden market changes.
What is the job outlook for a Trend Forecaster?
Analysts forecast that global apparel revenue will grow to $2.25 trillion by 2025. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities for market research analysts (including Trend Forecasters) will grow at a rate of 22% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Study seasonal fashion trends.
- Explore the Parsons School of Design x Teen Vogue Fashion Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Fashion Career Guide.
Learn from:
Brandon Maxwell
Designer, Lady Gaga’s Stylist, Fashion Industry Essentials contributor
Related Careers:
Creative Director | Fashion Illustrator | Apparel Designer | Fabric Researcher | Accessories Designer Footwear Designer | Pattern Cutter/Grader | Director of Merchandising & Design | Trend Forecaster | Graphic Designer | Textile Colorist | Data Analyst | Garment Technologist
