High Salary Jobs in the Fashion Industry Success Stories (2024)

Wondering if your dreams of making $100K+ salary in the fashion industry are even somewhat rooted in reality? We’ve rounded up a half dozen six-figure salaries in fashion roles to get you inspired. Yes, armed with hard work, a good education, real world experience, and a leadership role, you could be on your way. Ready to be inspired? Here are the details:

Buyer - $124K

Shop for the latest trends. As a fashion merchandise buyer, you’ll work closely with Planners and Allocators, Store Managers, and staff to select the merchandise sold in stores. Stay on the cutting edge of current and future trends by shopping the market and traveling to trade shows all over the world. BCBG, Forever 21, Coach, Marc Jacobs, Nine West, Buckle, and Burlington Coat Factory, are just some of the hundreds of companies where FIDM Grads build careers in fashion merchandising.

Design Director - $178K

Provide a creative vision. Lead a Design Team in developing designs that match your creative vision. Design Directors have strong merchandising knowledge and an ability to communicate with the Sales Team, along with essential technical skills and fabric sourcing knowledge. Forever 21, Calvin Klein, Target, and Old Navy, are just some of the hundreds of companies that hire FIDMFashion Design ProgramGraduates.

Creative Director - $180K

Lead the team. Formulate overarching concepts for a collection and the fashion label as a whole. Creative Directors—the highest creative position in a fashion house—establish the designs that will be created and know what appeals to the target market. FIDMFashion DesignGrads such as Karen Kane and Pamella Protzel of Ella Moss/Splendid are Creative Directors and Founders of their own brands (so they likely earn more than an average salary).

Senior Designer - $104K

Inspire a team of designers. Work in a fast-paced and always-changing environment. Senior Designers have a mastery of design skills, and act as a designer and manager. Day-to-day responsibilities include creating new designs, evaluating prototypes, researching product trends, and attending product development meetings. Gap Inc., Quiksilver, Monique Lhuillier (pictured above), GUESS, and Volcom are just some of the hundreds of companies that hire FIDMFashion Design ProgramGraduates.

VP of Publicity - $146K

Get the word out. Help forward a brand’s objectives and positioning in the marketplace. Vice Presidents of Publicity strategize press-related initiatives, oversee pitches to editors, cultivate and maintain key relationships, and direct the PR team and overall strategy. Forever 21, Macy’s, Barneys New York, and PacSun are just some of the hundreds of companies that hire FIDMVisual Communications ProgramGraduates.

Marketing Director - $130K

Oversee the big picture. Monitor consumer reactions to marketing campaigns and products, and supervise branding and advertising efforts. Marketing Directors lead a team of employees to publicize and increase awareness of apparel brands, boutiques, and retail chains. Graduates of FIDM’sMerchandise & Marketing Programhave worked at companies such as Fabletics, Zappos, Farfetch, Petco, and Sears.

Ready for more? Spend the day with your future at our Open House.

On Saturday, August 11, tour thecampus of your choice; hear from our all-star celebrity alumni panel; meet with students, grads, and Admissions Advisors; and have all your questions answered.Get the details.

Sources:

Career Contessa

FashionSchools.org

Fashionista.com

Categories:Fashion Design Merchandising & Marketing Visual Communication

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High Salary Jobs in the Fashion Industry 
       
       
       Success Stories (2024)

FAQs

Which fashion company pays highest salary? ›

According to our most recent salary estimates, Ralph Lauren and VF are the highest paying companies for fashion designers.

Can you make good money in the fashion industry? ›

Sure, director and c-level fashion jobs can pay a hefty salary upwards of $150k+ in the US. But the chances you'll get there are slim. Don't mean to be a dream crusher, just being realistic that there are few jobs at the top and a kajillion people fighting for them. Plus, they're demanding AF.

What are the highest paying jobs in Vogue? ›

Highest Paying Jobs At Vogue

The higher paying positions at Vogue include owner/operator, head of marketing, art director, and digital producer. A worker with the title owner/operator salary at Vogue can earn an average yearly salary of $171,539.

What jobs can I do if I love fashion? ›

Job options
  1. Fashion designer.
  2. Retail buyer.
  3. Retail manager.
  4. Retail merchandiser.
  5. Stylist.
  6. Textile designer.
  7. Visual merchandiser.

Is a career in fashion worth it? ›

Our analysis has shown that a fashion degree can lead to a lucrative career and can absolutely be worth the price, even when it's quite expensive. Even if you have to take out loans of $100,000 or more, it can still be worth it in the long run. The key is to make sure you choose the right fashion career.

What industry gives good salary? ›

Which job has the highest salary in India? Jobs with the highest salaries in India are medical professionals, data scientists, machine learning experts, blockchain developers, full-stack software developers, investment bankers and product managers.

How much is the salary in Zara? ›

How much does Zara pay? The average Zara salary ranges from approximately £18,791 per year for a Cashier to £43,258 per year for a General Manager. The average Zara hourly pay ranges from approximately £9 per hour for a Customer Service to £11 per hour for a Sale Assistant.

What is the best fashion company to work for? ›

The 20 Best Apparel & Fashion Companies to Work For As Rated by the Women Who Work There (January 2023)
  • Tommy Hilfiger. 3.5 stars. ...
  • Warby Parker. 3.5 stars. ...
  • Stitch Fix. 3.4 stars. ...
  • Converse. 3.4 stars. ...
  • TOMS. 3.4 stars. ...
  • thredUP.com. 3.4 stars. ...
  • The RealReal. 3.4 stars. ...
  • Levi Strauss & Co. 3.4 stars.

Is it hard to break into the fashion industry? ›

Breaking into the fashion industry isn't easy but with hard work and lots of networking it can happen.

How do I get a successful career in fashion? ›

Below look into top 10 important factors for becoming a successful fashion designer:
  1. Highly Creative & Artistic.
  2. Strong Drawing Skills.
  3. Good Eye for Detail.
  4. Understanding Texture, Color, and Fabric.
  5. Strong Visualization Skills.
  6. Excellent Communication & Interpersonal Skills.
  7. A Good Sense for Business.
  8. A Competitive Spirit.

What 3 fields have the highest paid salaries? ›

Below are the 30 highest-paying jobs in the US, along with the estimated number of people employed in each occupation as of May 2021.
  • General dentists.
  • Computer and information systems managers. ...
  • Architectural and engineering managers. ...
  • Podiatrists. ...
  • Natural sciences managers. ...
  • Financial managers. ...
  • Marketing managers. ...
Dec 31, 2022

What is the easiest job that pays the most? ›

Easy, good, paying jobs include pet care, dog walking, home sitting, technical writing, patient care, delivery driving, massage therapy, and political science jobs. Most of these jobs only need the skill set and perhaps a post-secondary qualification.

What are the top 5 paid jobs? ›

Here are the highest paying jobs of 2023:
  • Anesthesiologist: $208,000.
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: $208,000.
  • Obstetrician and Gynecologist: $208,000.
  • Surgeon: $208,000.
  • Orthodontist: $208,000.
  • Physician: $208,000.
  • Psychiatrist: $208,000.

What is the best field in fashion? ›

Top 10 Careers in the Fashion Industry
  • Garment Technologist. ...
  • Fashion Designers. ...
  • Retail Buyer. ...
  • Fashion Illustrator. ...
  • Merchandisers. ...
  • Fashion Stylist. ...
  • Textile designers. ...
  • Personal Stylist.
Nov 13, 2012

Do fashion majors make a lot of money? ›

Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fashion designers average $37.24 an hour or $77,450 a year in earnings. In other words, half of the fashion designers employed in the industry make less than this figure, and half make more.

What should you not do in fashion? ›

Don't…
  • Force yourself to wear something for somebody else.
  • Dress like a teenager.
  • Mix two seasons in one outfit.
  • Wear really casual shorts or beach sandals on dress-down Fridays.
  • Don't wear jumper so long that they make you look short.
  • Don't wear acid-washed jeans.
  • Don't over accessorize.
Feb 25, 2018

Is being a fashion designer a stable job? ›

“It's amazing,” he says. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.5% employment growth for fashion designers between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 600 jobs should open up. Fashion designers come up with concepts for clothing, accessories and footwear, and they create patterns based on those ideas.

How many years does it take to become a fashion designer? ›

How Many Years Does It Take to Be a Fashion Designer? About four years. Most fashion designers hold a bachelor's degree. During a fashion design program, students study textiles, fashion history, and fashion merchandising.

Which country is best for fashion study? ›

Best countries to study fashion design
  1. The United Kingdom. If you're serious about studying fashion at some of the best design schools in the world, then the first stop is London – the heart of the fashion world! ...
  2. The United States. ...
  3. France. ...
  4. Italy. ...
  5. South Africa.

How to make 300k a year? ›

If you want to earn a high salary, look at some of the jobs that pay $300,000 a year to the top earners.
  1. Radiologist. ...
  2. Chief executive officer (CEO) ...
  3. Chief financial officer (CFO) ...
  4. Principal software architect. ...
  5. Obstetrics and gynecology physician. ...
  6. Emergency medicine physician. ...
  7. Psychiatrist. ...
  8. Physician.
Jan 22, 2021

What is the happiest high paying job? ›

The careers where workers feel happiest with their pay, along with the share of people who feel well-compensated, include:
  • Product management: 62%
  • Engineering: 60%
  • Real estate: 59%
  • Program and project management: 58%
  • Consulting: 57%
  • Human resources: 56%
  • Finance: 56%
  • Purchasing: 55%
Sep 23, 2022

What industries make 100K a year? ›

Jobs that pay $100K a year typically require a bachelor's degree or higher.
...
Jobs that Pay 100K With 1 Year of Training
  • Commercial Pilots. ...
  • Web Developers and Digital Designers. ...
  • Computer Programmer. ...
  • Special Effects Animator or Artist. ...
  • Detective or Criminal Investigator. ...
  • Editor. ...
  • Sound Engineering Technician. ...
  • Sales Representative.
Aug 11, 2022

Does Gucci pay well? ›

The average Gucci salary ranges from approximately $30,000 per year for Hi-lo Driver to $175,359 per year for Regional Director. Average Gucci hourly pay ranges from approximately $13.42 per hour for Personal Assistant to $28.00 per hour for Business Analyst.

How much do H&M pay their workers? ›

How much does H&M pay? The average H&M salary ranges from approximately £19,000 per year for a Sales Associate to £19,500 per year for a Customer Service. The average H&M hourly pay ranges from approximately £8 per hour for a Part Time Sales Associate to £9 per hour for a Sales Assistant.

How much do I get paid at Gucci? ›

How much does a Sales Associate make at Gucci in the United States? Average Gucci Sales Associate hourly pay in the United States is approximately $13.51, which is 10% above the national average.

Who is the king of fashion industry? ›

Designer Paul Poiret (1879 – 1944) led the fashion world in the first decade of the 20th century. This extract from his 1931 autobiography, 'King of Fashion', tells of his meteoric rise to fame, designing dresses for the esteemed Parisian couturier, House of Worth.

What are the four levels of the fashion industry? ›

The fashion industry consists of four levels: the production of raw materials, principally fibres and textiles but also leather and fur; the production of fashion goods by designers, manufacturers, contractors, and others; retail sales; and various forms of advertising and promotion.

What is the best career for people who love fashion? ›

The 20 best jobs for fashion lovers
  1. FASHION STYLIST. ...
  2. SALES ASSISTANT. ...
  3. FASHION JOURNALIST / WRITER. ...
  4. PERSONAL ASSISTANT. ...
  5. GARMENT TECHNOLOGIST. ...
  6. VISUAL MERCHANDISER. ...
  7. MODEL. ...
  8. GRAPHIC DESIGNER.

How do you become a rich stylist? ›

How to become a celebrity stylist
  1. Earn the necessary education. ...
  2. Pursue an internship. ...
  3. Build your portfolio. ...
  4. Stay updated on fashion trends. ...
  5. Get industry experience through freelance work. ...
  6. Network with other fashion industry professionals.
Mar 15, 2021

How do you stand out in the fashion industry? ›

How To Make Your Fashion Brand Stand Out?
  1. Clearly define target customers. ...
  2. Allow shopping on multiple channels. ...
  3. Create an omnichannel shopping experience. ...
  4. Have a consistent brand image. ...
  5. Pay attention to social responsibility. ...
  6. Practice your core values. ...
  7. Tell your brand story. ...
  8. Don't lose focus on product quality.

How toxic is the fashion industry? ›

The fashion industry is the second largest polluter of water globally, produces more carbon emissions than all international flights and maritime shipping combined, and harms worker health with toxic chemicals.

Why do fast fashion workers get paid so little? ›

There is a large low-skilled labour supply in these markets, but fewer formal work opportunities, which means that workers have less bargaining power relative to factories regarding wages.

What skills would you need to succeed in fashion industry? ›

5 Skills Every Aspiring Fashion Designer Needs
  • Creativity. A highly developed artistic eye is a must for a career in fashion design. ...
  • Thirst for knowledge. By nature, trends are always evolving. ...
  • Aptitude for sewing. ...
  • Business sense. ...
  • Drive.

What are the key skills for success in the fashion industry? ›

To become a fashion designer, you need skills like creativity and proactivity, interpersonal skills, eagerness to succeed, good sewing skills, communication skills, business skills, leadership skills, and adaptability to dynamic trends.

What is the #1 happiest job? ›

The 10 Happiest and Most Satisfying Jobs
  • Dental Hygienist.
  • Physical Therapist.
  • Radiation Therapist.
  • Optometrist.
  • Human Resources Manager.

What jobs pay a lot of money without college? ›

What Is the Highest-Paying Job Without a Degree?
  • Commercial Pilots: $121,430.
  • Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: $94,560.
  • First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $91,090.
  • Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers: $85,950.
  • Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: $84,990.

How to make 150K a year without a degree? ›

The best way to earn $150K without a degree is by enrolling in a coding bootcamp, taking online courses, or networking. To change your career path and earn a high salary you must acquire and master the necessary skills.

What is a low stress job that pays well? ›

Summary. Low stress jobs that pay well include web developer, dental hygienist, and optometrist. These jobs typically require a bachelor's degree, specialty certifications, a master's degree, or even a Ph. D.

What unskilled job pays the most? ›

High-paying unskilled jobs
  1. Server. National average salary: $12.01 per hour. ...
  2. Janitor. National average salary: $12.09 per hour. ...
  3. Transport driver. National average salary: $12.52 per hour. ...
  4. Stocking associate. National average salary: $12.60 per hour. ...
  5. Care associate. ...
  6. Food production worker. ...
  7. Security guard. ...
  8. Farm worker.
Jan 29, 2021

What is the most respected job? ›

Doctors, scientists, and farmers are the most respected jobs. Reality TV stars and politicians attracted the least respect. The top factors that make a job respectable are caring for others, trustworthiness, and being essential to society.

Which industry pays the most? ›

The highest paying industries are desirable to most job seekers and those looking to change their career paths.
...
  • Finance. The finance industry consists of firms that provide financial services to retail or commercial customers. ...
  • Marketing. ...
  • Health Care. ...
  • Energy. ...
  • Information Technology. ...
  • Engineering. ...
  • Legal Industry. ...
  • Real Estate.

What is the highest salary for fashion designer? ›

The highest salary of a fashion designer can go upto INR 60 LPA.

In which field fashion designer is best? ›

They work in the manufacturing industry, retail companies, and high street shops. They may also collaborate with the apparel designers to bring the best product. Fashion Accessory Designer: Fashion accessory designers design accessories that complement the entire look.

What to study if you love fashion? ›

  • Undergraduate Programmes. Bachelor of Fashion Degree. Diploma in Fashion. Higher Certificate in Fashion.
  • Short Courses. Beginners Garment Construction. Beginners Pattern Engineering. Fashion Design. Styling. Advanced Garment Construction. Advanced Pattern Engineering. ...
  • Additional. Non-Degree Programmes. International Short Courses.

Is fashion a hard industry to get into? ›

Breaking into the fashion industry isn't easy but with hard work and lots of networking it can happen.

Is the fashion career hard? ›

Fashion is not an easy industry to get into, especially if you want to work in design. You probably won't find a job immediately after graduating – especially if you're planning on moving abroad and working for a high-end company.

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