Fashion Designers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for fashion designers in the United States was $80,960 ($38.92 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 25th | $51,940 | $24.97 |
| Median | $80,960 | $38.92 |
| 75th | $106,470 | $51.19 |
| 90th | $146,870 | $70.61 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 27-1022
- Total U.S. employment: 21,450
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The mean wage of $91,230 sits 12.7% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Fashion Designers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $45,720 | $21.98 | -43.5% | 0 |
| Arkansas | — | — | — | 190 |
| California | — | — | — | 6,470 |
| Colorado | $94,140 | $45.26 | +16.3% | 360 |
| Connecticut | $81,510 | $39.19 | +0.7% | 50 |
| Florida | $43,020 | $20.68 | -46.9% | 1,100 |
| Georgia | $78,340 | $37.66 | -3.2% | 120 |
| Hawaii | $47,990 | $23.07 | -40.7% | 0 |
| Indiana | $40,740 | $19.59 | -49.7% | 120 |
| Kansas | $59,150 | $28.44 | -26.9% | 40 |
| Kentucky | — | — | — | 120 |
| Maine | $49,530 | $23.81 | -38.8% | 30 |
| Maryland | — | — | — | 120 |
| Massachusetts | $103,520 | $49.77 | +27.9% | 540 |
| Michigan | $63,430 | $30.50 | -21.7% | 40 |
| Minnesota | $42,110 | $20.25 | -48.0% | 420 |
| Missouri | — | — | — | 200 |
| New Hampshire | $100,160 | $48.16 | +23.7% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $101,610 | $48.85 | +25.5% | 160 |
| New York | $98,640 | $47.42 | +21.8% | 5,760 |
| North Carolina | $74,990 | $36.05 | -7.4% | 460 |
| Ohio | $82,050 | $39.45 | +1.3% | 90 |
| Oregon | — | — | — | 860 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,840 | $30.69 | -21.1% | 320 |
| Texas | $40,040 | $19.25 | -50.5% | 1,850 |
| Utah | — | — | — | 430 |
| Vermont | $79,610 | $38.27 | -1.7% | 60 |
| Virginia | $94,120 | $45.25 | +16.3% | 100 |
| Washington | $82,030 | $39.44 | +1.3% | 0 |
| Wisconsin | $57,030 | $27.42 | -29.6% | 120 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Customer Service Representatives — $44,770/yr
- Office Clerks, General — $45,010/yr
- Waiters and Waitresses — $35,230/yr
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners — $36,840/yr
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — $58,640/yr
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive — $47,540/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for fashion designers?
The median annual wage for fashion designers is $80,960 ($38.92 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays fashion designers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many fashion designers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 21,450 fashion designers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do fashion designers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $38.92. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.