Fashion Designers Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $96,620 +19.7% vs national
Median hourly $46.45
10th percentile $60,840
90th percentile $172,420
Employed locally 6,350
National median $80,690

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    In New York-NJ, fashion designers earn a median annual salary of $96,620, which is higher than the national median of $80,690. This reflects the area's robust demand for creative professionals in the vibrant fashion industry. When compared to the local household income, which stands at an area median of $97,334, the typical earnings of a fashion designer are nearly equivalent. This suggests that individuals working as fashion designers are positioned within the middle-income bracket relative to their peers in the region, aligning closely with the economic standards set by the broader community.

    The disparity between entry-level and experienced fashion designers' salaries is significant, driven primarily by experience, reputation, and the scale of projects undertaken. Those at the 10th percentile earn around $60,840 annually, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $67,580. In contrast, experienced professionals in the 75th percentile can expect to earn about $127,020, with top earners reaching into the 90th percentile at $172,420 or more. This substantial salary range highlights how career progression and specialization within fashion design can lead to significant financial rewards. Factors such as networking, brand recognition, and successful portfolio development play crucial roles in driving these differences, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the industry.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $60,840
    25th
    $67,580
    50th (median)
    $96,620
    75th
    $127,020
    90th
    $172,420

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Fashion Designers salary vs area income 99% Median Fashion Designers salary is 1% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Fashion Designers make per hour in New York?

    The median hourly wage for Fashion Designers in New York, NY-NJ is $46.45, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $85.59 or more per hour.

    Is New York above or below average for Fashion Designers salaries?

    The median Fashion Designers salary in New York, NY-NJ is 19.7% above the national median of $80,690. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Fashion Designers in New York?

    Entry-level Fashion Designers (10th percentile) earn around $60,840 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $67,580.