With a predicted average annual growth rate of 111. 68% and sales expected to top $80 billion over the next four years, the fashion industry is as hot as it has e ever been, per Oberto. However, as the fashion industry continues to grow, so does the number of students who are pursuing degrees in fashion design. While there are certain careers in the industry that will afford you the opportunity to earn a good living, they may not be in abundance. This begs the question, “Is pursuing a degree in fashion design a worthwhile effort? “ Well, the answer to this question relies heavily on the capacity for earnings a degree in fashion design can provide. So the question of the moment is, “How much can you make as a design major? “
The occupation that is most often pursued by those with a design major are fashion designers, the annual salary of a fashion designer is $ 77,450 per year. The top 25% of fashion designers currently make $101,320 annually, while the bottom 25% of fashion designers earn $50,630 per year. As a fashion designer, your pay will depend on your level of experience as well as which firm employs you.
In this article, I will go into further detail about what kind of salary you will be able to with a degree in fashion. I will also highlight the duties required from you as a fashion designer so that you may get a better idea of what will be expected from you as a designer. We will also discuss a few of the top schools in the United States for fashion design, as well as go into further detail regarding what steps you need to take to become a fashion designer. I will also give you an overview of the type of work environment you can expect in this career. Let’s read along to discover what the current job market and future job forecast is like for fashion designers.
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?

As we discussed earlier, the fashion business is booming with no indication of slowing down anytime soon. Everywhere you look, you see people wearing trendy clothing and shoes, and carrying chic accessories. Think about some of the more popular labels that everybody is aware of, whether they are in tune with fashion or not. Labels such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, and Louis Vuitton are known worldwide. Have you ever looked at some of these Brands and wondered who was responsible for their unique look? These brands, as well as many others, employ fashion designers to create the looks that people want to wear. Simply put, fashion designers are responsible for designing clothes, accessories, and footwear.
How Do Fashion Designers Make Clothes?
What Can I Make As a Fashion Designer?
First and foremost, I’m sure that the burning question that is on all of your minds is “How much can I make as a fashion designer. Not only is that the reason you’re reading this now, but it’s also the title of this section. Well, let’s get down to brass tacks, shall we? Understandably, a fashion designer’s pay will depend on the experience that you have in the field as well as who employs you. With that said, the median salary for fashion designers is $77,450 per year, per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the bottom 25% of fashion designers earn $50,630 annually, while the top 25% make $101,320 per year. As you can see, that’s quite a bit of fluctuation in the amount of money you can expect to earn as a fashion designer. I would strongly advise you to set your expectations accordingly, as some of the more established companies in the industry will be able to pay more for your services than upstart establishments.
How Do I Become a Fashion Designer?
Now that we know approximately how much you can make as a fashion designer, our next step is to determine what it takes to become one. According to the website The Best Schools, here are the steps you need to take in order to become a fashion designer:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Visual Arts or General Design.
- Get hands-on experience in the industry.
- Network. Network. Network.
- Take the time to build your portfolio.
- Make sure that you stay up-to-date with fashion.
So, becoming a fashion designer may not sound like a difficult task for you to accomplish. However, there’s something else you should know. The steps you need to take on your way to becoming a fashion designer are just the beginning. There are three things that every aspiring fashion designer should know. First, always keep in mind that your passion, drive, and hard work ethic will be your most valuable tools. Use them. The next thing you should know is that most designers use software now, so don’t worry if you don’t have the best drawing skills. Finally, you should start building your network in the industry before applying to your first job. Keep in mind that who you know is just as important as what you know.
How Fashion Designers Get Customers
What Are the Best Schools For Fashion Design?
Now that you know what steps you should take to become a fashion designer as well as what you will need to know before breaking into the fashion industry, let’s discuss which schools have the best fashion design programs. The top ten schools in the United States for majoring in fashion design include:

- Fashion Institute of Technology – New York, New York
- Pratt Institute – New York, New York
- Kent State University – Kent, Ohio
- The Savannah College of Art and Design – Savannah, Georgia
- Drexel University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Otis College of Art and Design – Los Angeles, California
- Academy of Art University – San Francisco, California
- University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, Ohio
- University of Delaware – Newark, Delaware
- University of North Texas – Denton, Texas
Okay, now you know what schools are included among the best in the country for fashion design. How do you know which school is the best fit for you? There are several factors that can influence your decision on which fashion design school is right for you. Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself when choosing which school you are going to attend:
- Do I want to attend a two-year school or a four-year school?
- How far am I willing to move for school?
- What is the job market like around my school of choice?
- What can I afford to spend on tuition?
- What are my options regarding financial aid?
- Do I want to go to a public university or a private university?
- What is the acceptance rate at my school of choice?
How Can I Increase My Earning Potential?
I know that some of you may be wondering how you can increase your potential earnings as a fashion designer. Well, if you have stayed with me this far, I would like to thank by offering a few suggestions. According to Indeed, one way to increase your salary in fashion design is to become more experienced in current design software like CAD. Another way to increase your earning potential is by building an impressive portfolio. Being experienced in graphic design can also be your ticket to making more money as a fashion designer. Finally, if you are looking for a way in supplement your income, you can always consider doing freelance work or starting a fashion design business of your own on the side.
Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many opportunities to be successful in your chosen career as a fashion designer. On the high end, fashion designers make $101,320 per year while the lower end is around $50,630 annually. Of course, there are a few factors that will influence how much money you can expect to earn. Some of these include the stability of the job market in the fashion industry; whether or not you have made any connections through networking in fashion; the location where you want to work; how much experience you have; who you are employed by, and which university you attended. With that said, the median salary you expect to make as a fashion designer is $77,450 per year.
If those numbers suit you, what are you waiting for? It’s time to launch a career as a fashion designer. However, there are always things that you can do to either supplement your income or increase your potential earnings as a fashion designer. Being computer literate and experienced in designer software can set you up for success, as can a great portfolio. Being experienced in graphic design is always a plus. If all else fails, you can always find freelance work or start your own side business. The fashion industry is competitive, but it also offers you several opportunities to earn a good living, especially as a fashion designer.
We Answer: Is The Clothing Line Business A Thriving Trade?
Related Questions
How many fashion designers are there currently in the fashion industry?
The fashion industry has become quite competitive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 19,310 fashion designers employed in the United States. This is composes approximately 5.3 percent of our national labor force, and shows nothing signs of slowing down in the next decade.
What areas of fashion design employ the highest concentration of people?
There are many areas within fashion design. Some of the areas in fashion design that employ the highest concentration of people include the following:
- Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers
- Management of Companies and Enterprises
- Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing
- Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
- Specialized Design Services
To learn more about how to start your own fashion clothing line check out my startup documents here
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.

Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Fashion Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a designer or boutique owner at a craft fair, farmers market, retail location or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Fashion Business Boss: I want to help fashion business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.