Fashion designers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$80,690
~$39/hr · ~$6,724/mo
US Jobs
26K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Fashion design is increasingly digital, utilizing CAD and graphics software for sketching, trend analysis, and virtual modeling—all areas where generative AI is rapidly advancing. While the physical aspects of selecting fabrics, creating prototypes, and overseeing production provide a buffer, the core creative and analytical tasks are highly susceptible to AI-driven automation and productivity gains.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NHBEST VALUE | $100,170 | Above avg (110.4) | $90,739 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $100,230 | Above avg (113.7) | $88,132 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,730 | Above avg (109.5) | $87,390 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $81,770 | Below avg (95.0) | $86,098 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $96,620 | Above avg (112.6) | $85,774 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $78,950 | Below avg (94.7) | $83,363 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $85,680 | Above avg (105.8) | $81,007 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $79,750 | Average (100.5) | $79,368 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $73,630 | Below avg (92.9) | $79,267 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $76,100 | Average (97.3) | $78,193 |
| Rochester, NY | $75,120 | Average (98.4) | $76,350 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $75,000 | Average (102.4) | $73,269 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $77,020 | Above avg (107.0) | $71,974 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $78,560 | Above avg (112.7) | $69,688 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $61,470 | Below avg (93.2) | $65,953 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+2% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$39/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,724/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)