Fashion Designers

SOC code 27-1022 · O*NET-SOC 27-1022.00 · Medium preparation needed

Fashion Designers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$80,960

a year

Hourly

$38.92

per hour

10th$39,490Median$80,96090th$146,870

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$91,230

$43.86 per hour

Middle 50%

$51,940 – $106,470

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$39,490 – $146,870

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

21,450

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $39,490; $18.99/hr
25th percentile: $51,940; $24.97/hr
Median percentile: $80,960; $38.92/hr
75th percentile: $106,470; $51.19/hr
90th percentile: $146,870; $70.61/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

25,700

jobs in 2024

26,200

projected for 2034

About 500 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a fashion designer do?

Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Determine prices for styles.
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.
Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.

How to become a fashion designer

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 51% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree51%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree44%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4%
Some College Courses1%

Common questions

How much does a fashion designer earn?

The national median is $80,960 a year. The full range runs from $39,490 at the 10th percentile to $146,870 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a fashion designer without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is fashion designer in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Learning3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.6/5

Knowledge areas

Design4.4/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Sales and Marketing3.2/5
English Language3.1/5
Fine Arts2.7/5
Administration and Management2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Persuasion.