Fashion Designers
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Median pay: $80,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 2,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
• Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
• Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
• Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
• Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
• Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
• Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
• Collaborate with other designers to coordinate special products and designs.
What's the median pay for Fashion Designers?
The median pay for Fashion Designers is $80,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Fashion Designers?
Employment for Fashion Designers is projected to change +2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Fashion Designers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Fashion Designers?
About 2,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.