Median annual wages for salaried fashion designers were $61,160 in May 2008.
The middle 50 percent earned between $42,150 and $87,120. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $32,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,780.
Median annual wages of salaried fashion designers in the largest industries that
employed them in May 2008 were:
| Management of companies and
enterprises |
$72,560 |
| Cut and sew apparel
manufacturing |
66,000 |
| Apparel, piece goods, and
notions merchant wholesalers |
61,600 |
| Specialized design services |
59,560 |
Earnings in fashion design can vary widely based on the employer and years of
experience. Starting salaries in fashion design tend to be very low until
designers are established in this occupation. Salaried fashion designers usually
earn higher and more stable incomes than self-employed or freelance designers.
However, a few of the most successful self-employed fashion designers may earn
many times the salary of the highest paid salaried designers. Self-employed
fashion designers must provide their own benefits and retirement.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
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