The Truth About Fashion Designer Salary: Breaking Down the Numbers
Aspiring fashion designers may have a glamourous view of the industry, but the reality of a fashion designer’s salary may not be as thrilling as one may think. A fashion designer’s salary depends on a variety of factors, including experience, education, location, and type of employer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the numbers and truths about fashion designer salaries.
The Average Salary of a Fashion Designer
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of a fashion designer in the United States is $73,790 as of May 2020. The lowest 10% of fashion designers earned less than $39,420, while the highest 10% earned more than $149,010. However, the average salary of a fashion designer varies widely depending on the industry, location, and type of employer.
Salary by Industry
Fashion designers work in various industries such as apparel, footwear, accessories, and wholesale. The highest-paying industry for fashion designers is wholesale with an average salary of $94,100, while the lowest-paying industry is apparel at an average salary of $70,950. Footwear designers fall in between with an average salary of $85,810. The type of industry a fashion designer works in can greatly impact their salary.
Salary by Location
The cost of living and demand for fashion designers differ depending on location. New York City is the largest fashion capital in the United States with high competition, which results in the highest fashion designer salaries in the country. The average salary of a fashion designer in New York City is $92,340, followed by Los Angeles at $73,530, and Columbus at $47,450. Although the location can impact the salary range, it’s essential to research the cost of living and demand in each area since job offers can come with benefits to supplement a lower salary.
Salary by Experience and Education
For most jobs, salaries increase with experience and education, and fashion design is no different. Most fashion designers need a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or a related field. Entry-level jobs pay less, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. With five or more years of experience, salaries can increase significantly and reach up to $100,000. Consider career advancement opportunities such as becoming a senior designer or launching an independent label or brand, where designers can earn a considerable income.
Conclusion
Fashion design is a highly competitive field, and fashion designer salaries vary widely depending on location, industry, experience, education, and type of employer. The average salary of a fashion designer in the United States is $73,790 as of May 2020, although this number can differ from factors such as location and industry. Overall, aspiring fashion designers should start with an entry-level job to gain experience and gradually work their way up to achieve job and salary growth within the industry.
