- Salary statistics
- Fashion designer salary
Fashion designer salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
40 500 - 55 100 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
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Salary progression Fashion designer
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 48 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased to 51 700 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: 51 700 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 54 600 SEK, women 49 400 SEK (women earn 91% 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.
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 51 700 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 54 600 SEK while women earn 49 400 SEK, which means women earn 91% 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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 94% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55400 kr | 56000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 55700 kr | 56200 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 51300 kr | 51700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 46200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 47000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45700 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 46200 kr | 46900 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 47000 kr | 47900 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 44400 kr | 44400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45700 kr | 46200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55700 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56500 kr | 57000 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 47300 kr | 47400 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 51800 kr | 52100 kr |
| 45-54 | 55700 kr | 56300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 56500 kr | 57000 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 51400 kr | 51800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 94% | 53600 kr | 54100 kr |
| Snitt | 91% | 54100 kr | 54600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 43400 kr | 45000 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 48600 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45000 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 43400 kr | 45000 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 48600 kr | 50500 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 42400 kr | 42400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 45000 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 93% | 53800 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 54300 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 93% | 53800 kr | 54200 kr |
| Snitt | 90% | 54300 kr | 54800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 94% | 50400 kr | 50600 kr |
| 45-54 | 51900 kr | 52100 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 49200 kr | 49400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 108% | 48400 kr | 48400 kr |
| 45-54 | 90% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| 55-64 | 109% | 46300 kr | 46400 kr |
| Snitt | 101% | 46400 kr | 46400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 52100 kr | 52300 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 49300 kr | 49500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 40800 kr | 40900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 93% | 50400 kr | 50700 kr |
| 45-54 | 52100 kr | 52300 kr | |
| Snitt | 90% | 49300 kr | 49500 kr |
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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