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Job outlook for men's designers in the United States
Are men's designer jobs in demand?
Men's designer job and salary trends over time
Men's designer jobs over time
Men's designer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 152 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 150 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 161 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 163 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 162 | 0.00% |
Average men's designer salary over time
Men's designer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,135 | $29.87 | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $60,656 | $29.16 | +3.5% |
| 2023 | $58,631 | $28.19 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $56,687 | $27.25 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $55,453 | $26.66 | +1.6% |
Men's designer jobs by state
Most common states for men's designers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 208 | 30% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 804 | 11% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 427 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 629 | 9% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 666 | 8% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,841 | 7% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 708 | 7% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 375 | 7% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 202 | 7% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 93 | 7% |
| 11 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 70 | 7% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 1,245 | 6% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 338 | 6% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 323 | 6% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 688 | 5% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 597 | 5% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 465 | 5% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 312 | 5% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 276 | 5% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 51 | 5% |
Most common cities for men's designers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 1 | 0% | $70,738 |
Men's Designer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of men's designer experts
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Highline College
Santa Monica College
Georgia Southern University
Kansas State University
North Dakota State University
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
What general advice would you give to a Men's Designer?
Dr. Mary Elliott: 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.
What Men's Designer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gina Pisut Ph.D.: In addition to being well versed in computer design software for Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising graduates, students need to truly be open to learning, have strong communication skills, and be able to work well in a team. The most common feedback we get from fashion and retail companies is students must be willing to do the work, be open to learning and doing different aspects of the business, and be adaptable and able to pivot when changes come within this fast-paced industry.
What soft skills should all Men's Designers possess?
Diana Boyd: -Collaboration/Teamwork
-Interpersonal
-Reliability
-Ethical behavior
-Self-starter
Lorrie Ivas
Full-time FacultySanta Monica College
Photo, Fashion Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Men's Designers?
Lorrie Ivas: The ability to communicate your design concepts to the team (or future boss/interviewer) is vital. Hand and digital fashion sketching and illustration skills are necessary at every step. Scholarships, competitions, or internships often request a sample portfolio, so it doesn't go any further if the illustrations don't "wow" the judging viewer. One can sew/tailor beautifully, but knowing how to "show" that skillset to the judge or employer is vital - i.e., photographing the step-by-step process with close-up details of tailoring skills and presenting it digitally... will win. One may not show actual garments... so knowing how to "sell" your skills is crucial.
Hope Wallace Simpara
Assistant Professor of Fashion Merchandising and Apparel DesignGeorgia Southern University
School of Human Ecology
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Men's Designers to find work opportunities?
Hope Wallace Simpara: Strangely a lot of the job postings that I have seen lately are international postings. The best places to look for employment in fashion and related industries are Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, the Midwest, Seattle and Portland, Texas, Miami and Atlanta.
Barbara Anderson
Professor and HeadKansas State University
Department of Interior Design and Fashion Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Men's Designers?
Barbara Anderson: Design students graduating after experiencing the pandemic as a student will have a greater awareness of the health impacts of design because they will have a greater sensibility to the design challenges presented by airborne diseases. I believe they are also learning about working remotely and taking the initiative for their success, even though they do not have the usual social prompts to influence their behavior.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Men's Designers to find work opportunities?
Barbara Anderson: Our graduates gain employment across the United States with ease. I believe some use-type sectors will see a slight decline in demand, including hospitality and retail design. However, there will be plenty of professional opportunities to reimagine the post-pandemic use of existing facilities.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Men's Designers to find work opportunities?
Linda Manikowske Ph.D.: Graduates with a degree in Apparel, Retail Merchandising, and Design find work in all locations. Some find jobs in major cities working for large retail corporations, while others start their own business in a small community or rural area. There are many opportunities in this diverse industry.
How do you envision technology impacting Men's Designers in the next 5 years?
Linda Manikowske Ph.D.: Technology has moved the apparel industry forward, at a fast pace, in recent years - from computer-aided design to retail analytics. Social media platforms are providing consumer data that retail companies can use to predict trends and be more efficient in getting the right product to consumers more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence is able to more accurately predict shopper behavior, while virtual reality technology allows shoppers to try a garment on an avatar before purchasing. A key to a firm's survival will be the ability to adapt to this new landscape. In the future, fashion and technology will continue to intersect to the betterment of both industries.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Men's Designers?
Michelle Lockwood: Oh, yes! There will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates, and all of us. It has already changed so much about how we interact, do business, socialize, learn, love, and just plain live. There is no way that it could not impact the future of this field, or any area, in my opinion. I think the job market will look very different in the months and years to come. We will adapt, and there will be more opportunities for creativity, more problems to solve, and more chances to engage and inform. But those practicing will need to remain flexible, adapt gracefully to changing circumstances, and find pockets where they can solve problems, and use their unique skillset to illuminate, inform, and delight -- just as we have always done -- only differently.