Image that illustrates Fashion designer

Fashion designer

48 100 kr

Other designers and creators

39 200 - 54 200 kr / month

Women earn 84% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Fashion designer

Average salary 48 100 kr
Males 53 800 kr
Females 44 900 kr

What does a fashion designer do? – Tasks and work environment

Fashion designers work on creating clothing collections and accessories that meet both aesthetic and commercial requirements. The role includes everything from trend analysis and sketching to material selection and sample collections. The work is often done in close collaboration with buyers, pattern makers, and production teams. The work environment varies but is usually office-based, sometimes in open creative studios, and may involve travel to trade shows or factories.

Salary development over time

The salary development for fashion designers has been relatively stable but shows a slight increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,400 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 46 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased to 48 100 SEK, representing an approximate 4% increase compared to the previous year. This positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for creative roles in the fashion industry and strong international competition for talent. Factors such as education level, work experience, and geographic location also influence salary development. Despite variations, the salary level for the profession remains competitive compared to other creative fields.

Fashion designer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 48 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,200 SEK/month (male), 42,900 SEK/month (female)
  • Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (male), 52,200 SEK/month (female)
  • Hourly wage: 289 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 53 800 SEK, women 44 900 SEK (women earn 84% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

To work as a fashion designer, a post-secondary education in fashion, textiles, or design is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with industry experience, such as through internships or trainee programs. Creative ability, technical knowledge, and a strong portfolio are crucial for success in the profession.

  • Formal education: University or vocational college in fashion/textile design (2–4 years)
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized courses in pattern making, CAD, or sustainable fashion
  • Internships/trainee: Often mandatory part of the education
  • Prerequisites: Basic eligibility plus artistic portfolio
  • Self-study/online: Common in digital design and trend analysis

Many fashion designers find their unique style by combining traditional craftsmanship techniques with digital tools, giving them an advantage in a rapidly changing industry where innovation is highly valued.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Fashion designers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Larger companies may also provide employee discounts, pension schemes, and further training. Travel to fashion weeks and trade shows is common, along with opportunities for international experience.

Competition and challenges

The profession of fashion designer is highly competitive, attracting many applicants for each available position, especially in larger cities and well-known fashion houses. To stand out, a unique design profile, solid education, and a strong network within the industry are often required. Rapid trend changes and demands for sustainability pose additional challenges, while digitalization and globalization are transforming the job market. Continual skill development and adaptation to new technologies are crucial for long-term success in the profession.

Tips for aspiring fashion designers

To succeed as a fashion designer, it is important to be both creative and persistent, as the industry demands constant renewal and hard work. Building a strong portfolio and actively participating in industry networks increases chances of employment, especially for those who are proactive and curious about new materials and techniques. Good collaboration skills are vital since the profession often involves teamwork and close contact with other roles. Staying updated on current trends and technological innovations demonstrates engagement and a desire to develop. The ability to accept and give constructive criticism helps growth in the role, as does the courage to make your own creative decisions. Finally, being organized and planning your work carefully is valuable, as deadlines and collection launches often dictate the pace of work.

Key facts about fashion designers

  • Education level: Post-secondary education in fashion/textile, 2–4 years
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in creative studios
  • Work form: Project-based with travel and collaboration elements
  • Demand: 620 job openings within the profession in 2024
  • Gender distribution: Men earn on average 20% more than women

Career paths and future prospects

After 3–5 years in the profession, a fashion designer can advance to roles such as chief designer, product manager, or start their own brand. Opportunities also exist in trend analysis, purchasing, or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, no specific assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but the overall demand for designers and creators remains stable, with 620 job openings in the profession in 2024. The market is influenced by economic cycles, technological development, and changing consumption patterns, making flexibility and broad skills advantageous for long-term employment.

Frequently asked questions about fashion designers

  • What does a fashion designer earn?
    - The average salary for a fashion designer is 48 100 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, gender, and education level.
  • What education is required to become a fashion designer?
    - Post-secondary education in fashion, textiles, or design at university or vocational college is recommended.
  • What is the job market like for fashion designers?
    - The job market is competitive but approximately 620 job openings are available within the profession in 2024.
  • Are there gender pay differences?
    - Yes, men earn on average 53 800 SEK while women earn 44 900 SEK, which means women earn 84% of men's salaries.
  • What personal qualities are important for a fashion designer?
    - Creativity, collaboration skills, initiative, and a structured work approach are important qualities.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for a fashion designer?
    - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK and the lowest 39,200 SEK, depending on gender, experience, and education level.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Fashion designer is 54200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Fashion designer is 39200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 41100 kr 41200 kr
35-44 83% 48000 kr 48100 kr
45-54 82% 57700 kr 58000 kr
55-64 48100 kr 48200 kr
Snitt 84% 47900 kr 48100 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Fashion designer has the SSYK code 2179, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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