📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Fashion Designer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Low Demand

Average
$113,998
per year
Median
$106,898
per year
Hourly
$54.81
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$64,653
25th Percentile — Junior$94,473
50th Percentile — Median$106,898
75th Percentile — Senior$161,568
90th Percentile — Top Earners$189,794
💡 Top-earning Fashion Designers in California make up to $189,794 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$103.3k
2021
$105.3k
2022
$107.4k
2023
$109.6k
2024
$111.8k
2025
$114.0k
2026
📈 Fashion Designer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Fashion Designer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $176,697 +55.0% Low
San Diego $168,717 +48.0% Low
San Jose $196,077 +72.0% Low
San Francisco $210,896 +85.0% Low
Fresno $123,118 +8.0% Low
Sacramento $139,078 +22.0% Low
Long Beach $165,297 +45.0% Low
Bakersfield $123,118 +8.0% Low
Anaheim $161,877 +42.0% Low
Santa Ana $159,597 +40.0% Low
Riverside $145,917 +28.0% Low
Stockton $134,518 +18.0% Low
Irvine $176,697 +55.0% Low
San Bernardino $134,518 +18.0% Low
Modesto $127,678 +12.0% Low
Fontana $139,078 +22.0% Low
Moreno Valley $131,098 +15.0% Low
Glendale $168,717 +48.0% Low
Fremont $182,397 +60.0% Low
🔍
Fashion Designer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Fashion Designers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $113,998 per year, California's Fashion Designer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $64,653–$94,473, while experienced Fashion Designers can command $161,568–$189,794.

Looking ahead, the Fashion Designer profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Fashion Designer salary in California is $113,998 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $80,280.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Fashion Designers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Fashion Designer employment.
  • At $113,998/year, California Fashion Designer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $80,280/year.