Fashion Designers Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $132,184 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $129,626 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $121,098 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $117,686 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $112,570 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $110,864 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $109,158 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $106,600 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $104,042 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $98,072 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $98,072 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $97,219 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $95,514 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $93,808 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $93,808 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $92,102 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $89,544 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $89,544 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $86,986 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $86,986 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $85,280 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $85,280 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $84,427 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $84,427 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $83,574 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $81,016 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $81,016 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $79,310 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $79,310 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $79,310 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $78,458 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $78,458 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $77,605 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $76,752 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $75,046 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $74,194 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $74,194 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $74,194 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $73,341 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $72,488 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $72,488 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $71,635 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $70,782 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $70,782 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $68,224 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $66,518 | -22.0% | Medium |
A Fashion Designers's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Fashion Designerss typically earn $49,580–$70,780 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $118,480–$138,258 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Fashion Designers role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 3.0% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Creative sector.
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What is the average salary for a Fashion Designers?The average salary for a Fashion Designers in the United States is $85,280 per year, with a median of $80,280.
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What is the starting salary for a Fashion Designers?Entry-level Fashion Designerss typically earn between $49,580 and $70,780 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Fashion Designerss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Fashion Designerss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Fashion Designers make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $85,280, a Fashion Designers earns approximately $41.0 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Fashion Designers a good career in 2026?Yes — the Fashion Designers role has medium demand with 3.0% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.