Post job

What is an assistant technical designer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Mary Elliott

Assistant technical designers work in the fashion industry and provide support to fashion designers or technical designers. They research and document various design processes, such as developing and prototyping apparel and manufacturing garments. Their work contributes to completing design tasks in a shorter time, as they communicate with staff across various departments and keep the workflow steady.

Working in this position, you will acquire samples and materials, keeping records of your purchases and activities. You will work with graphic design software and create sample designs, fitting modifications, and pattern variations. You will be responsible for checking products for excellent quality, ensuring that people on the team give reliable performance and processes are efficient.

A degree in fashion design or a related area is usually necessary to hold a position like this. Being enrolled in a fashion designer course will also give you enough credit to be considered. You have to be able to bring your best under stressful conditions. You will work with many people, so good communication skills will make a difference.

What general advice would you give to an assistant technical designer?

Dr. Mary ElliottDr. Mary Elliott LinkedIn profile

Instructor and Internship Coordinator, Louisiana State University and A&M College

Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
ScoreAssistant Technical DesignerUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $55,660

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.2

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.37%

Asian 10.42%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 10.63%

Unknown 4.99%

White 70.17%

Gender

female 85.03%

male 14.97%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.9

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Assistant technical designer career paths

Key steps to become an assistant technical designer

  1. Explore assistant technical designer education requirements

    Most common assistant technical designer degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.8 %

    Associate

    29.0 %

    Master's

    1.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific assistant technical designer skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Sketch10.25%
    Tech Packs9.42%
    Apparel9.22%
    Garment Construction8.74%
    PLM8.63%
  3. Complete relevant assistant technical designer training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New assistant technical designers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an assistant technical designer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real assistant technical designer resumes.
  4. Research assistant technical designer duties and responsibilities

    • Develop marketing and brand awareness initiatives through social media outlets; create and manage company Facebook and Houzz profiles.
    • Better price contemporary missy business suit and dresses.
    • Provide technical sketch, patterns, trim cost sheets, and sewing instructions.
    • Utilize PLM resources for checking garment or accessory details and artwork or embroidery placement.
  5. Prepare your assistant technical designer resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your assistant technical designer resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an assistant technical designer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable assistant technical designer resume templates

    Build a professional assistant technical designer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your assistant technical designer resume.
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
    Assistant Technical Designer Resume
  6. Apply for assistant technical designer jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an assistant technical designer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first assistant technical designer job

Zippi

Are you an assistant technical designer?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average assistant technical designer salary

The average assistant technical designer salary in the United States is $55,660 per year or $27 per hour. Assistant technical designer salaries range between $35,000 and $88,000 per year.

Average assistant technical designer salary
$55,660 Yearly
$26.76 hourly

What am I worth?

salary-calculator

How do assistant technical designers rate their job?

Working as an assistant technical designer? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall rating*
Career growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse arts, entertainment, sports, and media jobs