Fashion designers
SOC Code: 27-1022Also known as:
Accessories Designer, Apparel Accessories Specialist, Apparel and Accessories Designer, Apparel Designer, Apparel Technical Designer
Median Annual Salary
$80,690
+2.0% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
26K
Current Jobs
What Fashion designers Do
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
💰 Salary
$80,690
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
25,700
Projected Employment (2034)
26,200
Related Careers
Craft artists
$38,480 •
+2.1% growth
Commercial and industrial designers
$79,450 •
+3.2% growth
Graphic designers
$61,300 •
+2.1% growth
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
$40,860 •
-4.5% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Attend fashion shows and review garment magazines and manuals to gather information about fashion trends and consumer preferences.
- Purchase new or used clothing and accessory items as needed to complete designs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Fashion designers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a fashion designers:
Fashion/Apparel Design
3,186 degrees awarded •
121 colleges offer this program
Apparel and Textile Manufacture
313 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Costume Design
64 degrees awarded •
13 colleges offer this program
Fashion and Fabric Consultant
41 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Fashion designers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become fashion designers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | 7 | A |
| 2 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | 7 | A |
| 3 | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York, NY | 719 | B+ |
| 4 | The New School | New York, NY | 290 | B |
| 5 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | 80 | B |
| 6 | Pratt Institute-Main | Brooklyn, NY | 49 | B |
| 7 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | 46 | B |
| 8 | SUNY Oneonta | Oneonta, NY | 43 | B |
| 9 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | 26 | B |
| 10 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 24 | B |
| 11 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | 24 | B |
| 12 | Indiana University-Bloomington | Bloomington, IN | 19 | B |
| 13 | University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 19 | B |
| 14 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | 17 | B |
| 15 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 16 | B |
| 16 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | 12 | B |
| 17 | Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 200 | C+ |
| 18 | Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH | 122 | C+ |
| 19 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | 68 | C+ |
| 20 | Miami Dade College | Miami, FL | 56 | C+ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fashion designers make?
The median annual salary for fashion designers is $80,690.
What education do fashion designers need?
Most fashion designers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Fashion/Apparel Design, Apparel and Textile Manufacture, Costume Design.
Is becoming fashion designers a good career choice?
Fashion designers is projected to see +2.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fashion designers?
Top colleges for aspiring fashion designers include
Cornell University, Washington University in St Louis, Fashion Institute of Technology, The New School, Arizona State University Campus Immersion.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to fashion designers?
Fashion designers may also be known as: Accessories Designer, Apparel Accessories Specialist, Apparel and Accessories Designer, Apparel Designer, Apparel Technical Designer, Athletic Shoe Designer, Clothes Designer, Clothing Designer, Costume Designer, Costumer, Custom Furrier, Dance Costume Designer, Denim Designer, Design Manager, Designer, Dress Designer, Fashion Advisor, Fashion Consultant, Fashion Design Contractor, Fashion Designer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.