Fashion Designers
O*NET 27-1022.00 · SOC 27-1022
Fashion Designer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $81k a year with +0.1% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 2,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Sketch original clothing designs and create technical flat drawings
- →Select fabrics, trims, and colors for each seasonal collection
- →Oversee sample garment construction and fit on dress forms
- →Attend trade shows to research upcoming fabric and trend offerings
- →Present new collections to buyers or retail merchandising teams
Education & How to Get In
Most Fashion Designer positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Creative, studios, agencies, or remote
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Fashion Designer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Fashion Designer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Fashion Designer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Fashion Designers is projected to grow 0.1% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·47% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Fashion Designer make?
The median Fashion Designer earns $81k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Fashion Designer jobs?
Our model puts Fashion Designer at 21 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 47% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 25% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Fashion Designer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 2,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Fashion Designer?
Most Fashion Designer roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Fashion Designer?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Fashion Designer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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