Job Description

Fashion designers design clothing and accessories, creating original clothes according to market demands. Most fashion designers, however, work for apparel manufacturers, creating designs of men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions for the mass market. People in the fashion industry work for magazines, television shows, public relations firms and salons. Because style and fashion trends change quickly, fashion designers must work hard to stay in tune and change with the market.

Median Annual Salary

$62,000

The middle 50 percent earned between $42,150 and $87,120.

Educational Requirements

Education in the field often requires a two- or four-year degree, including some training in textiles, fabrics, and ornamentation, as well as fashion. Fashion Design students should expect to study creative design and drawing, pattern-making and sewing, management, and commercial realism, to name just a few.

Job Outlook

Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow by 1 percent between 2008 and 2018. Some new jobs will arise from an increasing population demanding more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Demand is increasing for stylish clothing that is affordable, especially among middle-income consumers which will increase the need for fashion designers among apparel wholesalers. Employment of fashion designers in this industry will not decline as fast as other occupations because firms are more likely to keep design work in house.