Fashion Designer Salary Information

While the fashion design industry's household names probably earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, this might be a little out of reach for the average fashion designer. An entry-level fashion designer salary is far from the million dollar mark, but overall, this is a well-paying career with potential for growth.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. fashion designers earned an average annual salary of $74,410 in 2009. The range for fashion designer salaries is quite wide, from $32,320 for the lowest 10 percent to $130,900 for the top 10 percent. With experience, and as you move into more senior positions, you can expect your pay to increase.

A fashion design career takes perseverance and dedication. While your entry-level income might not give you instant financial gratification, fashion designer salaries have potential for growth. If you love fashion, putting in your time can pay off big in the long run.

There are a number of factors that influence your fashion designer salary. Name recognition and experience level are two of the big ones, but there are a few more things that may also contribute to building up your bank account.

Consider the following reasons your fashion designer salary may not be all you could wish for:

Job title/description – If your job title includes the words "manager" or "senior," chances are you will be paid at a higher rate that if you are working in an entry-level job. While time may be the only thing standing between you and one of these advanced positions, it never hurts to spend time developing your skills and showing your employer the dedication needed to move up the job ladder.

Education level – Some employers may take your education level into account when determining your pay grade. After all, if they don't have to provide extensive training, your employer will likely feel more confident that you deserve a larger salary.

Geographic location – You may love your hometown, but the truth of the matter is that fashion is a very geography-centered industry. There are not only more opportunities for entry-level fashion jobs in cities like New York and L.A., but your fashion designer salary is likely to be higher in these locations than in a smaller city or town.

Getting the career training you need is a good first step toward earning a fashion designer salary. Find fashion design schools in our directory, and request information from schools near you.