Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Fashion Designers
SOC: 27-1022 O*NET: 27-1022.00
Median Salary
$80,960
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
What does a Fashion Designers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,490
10th percentile
Early Career
$51,940
25th percentile
Median
$80,960
50th percentile
Experienced
$106,470
75th percentile
Top Earners
$146,870
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,490
25th
$51,940
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$80,960
Mean: $91,230
75th
$106,470
90th
$146,870
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $107,380 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $51,940 and $106,470
- •Salary spread is 67.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 21,450 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:32,700
Top Industries
Retail Trade30.3%
Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers27.7%
Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers27%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.1%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)32,700
Current
2035 (Projected)32,800
+0.1%
0
Employment Change
+0.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Fashion Designers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 30 locations
California
6,470 jobs$02.57x
New York
5,760 jobs$98,6404.31x
Texas
1,850 jobs$40,0400.95x
Florida
1,100 jobs$43,0200.80x
Oregon
860 jobs$03.17x
Massachusetts
540 jobs$103,5201.08x
North Carolina
460 jobs$74,9900.68x
Utah
430 jobs$01.80x
Minnesota
420 jobs$42,1101.02x
Colorado
360 jobs$94,1400.91x
Pennsylvania
320 jobs$63,8400.38x
Missouri
200 jobs$00.48x
Arkansas
190 jobs$01.08x
New Jersey
160 jobs$101,6100.27x
Kentucky
120 jobs$00.43x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Design
100%
#3
Originality
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
Fluency of Ideas
92%
#6
Computers and Electronics
86%
#7
Critical Thinking
86%
#8
Written Comprehension
82%
#9
Time Management
80%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
74%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Design
advanced5.0
100%
Originality
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Fluency of Ideas
advanced4.6
92%
Computers and Electronics
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Written Comprehension
intermediate4.1
82%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Design
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Originality
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Fluency of Ideas
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Computers and Electronics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Time Management
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Oral Expression
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Production and Processing
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Advertising and Promotions Managers67%
5 shared skills
Air Traffic Controllers67%
5 shared skills
Athletes and Sports Competitors67%
5 shared skills
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys67%
5 shared skills
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film67%
5 shared skills
Nannies67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Learn on the Job:
- →Coordination
- →Sales and Marketing
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Time Management
- ✓Design
- ✓Computers and Electronics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Design
- ★Computers and Electronics
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Fashion Designers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
SAS
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk Revit
🔥 Hot TechTrimble SketchUp Pro
🔥 Hot TechAdobe InDesign
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Creative Cloud software
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Illustrator
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Photoshop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
SAS
Autodesk Revit
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (10)General Responsibilities (9)
1
Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Communication & Coordination100% perform100%
2
Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development91% perform94%
5
Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Adapt other designers' ideas for the mass market.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on communication & coordination activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Fashion Designers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Fashion Designers professionals typically have a ARE Holland code and highly value achievement
AArtistic
RRealistic
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Fashion Designers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.59
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.41
Achievement/Effort
Very ImportantAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.27
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.26
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.14
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Initiative
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.3
Cooperation
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Innovation
4.1
Dependability
4.1
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Persistence
3.8
Independence
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Fashion Designers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Fashion Designers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Chattahoochee Technical College
Marietta, GA
2.2k program completions/year
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
933 program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
719 program completions/year
Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ
563 program completions/year
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ
558 program completions/year
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA
516 program completions/year
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
487 program completions/year
Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ
474 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
472 program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
470 program completions/year
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA
466 program completions/year
Fullerton College
Fullerton, CA
451 program completions/year