- 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
A fashion designer is responsible for creating and developing clothing collections, accessories, and sometimes textile patterns. Tasks include everything from sketching ideas, selecting materials and colors, to collaborating with seamstresses and suppliers to realize the designs. Fashion designers can work independently or in teams, often in a creative environment where artistic sense and technical knowledge are crucial. The work environment varies between studios, offices, and sometimes travel to fashion shows or factories abroad.
Salary development over time
The salary development for fashion designers has been relatively stable but shows a clear increase in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 47,400 SEK, which slightly decreased to 48 100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased again and reached 51 700 SEK, corresponding to an increase of over 3.9% from the previous year. This variation can be explained by changes in market demand, as well as industry fluctuations influenced by the economy and global fashion trends. Differences in education level and experience can also affect salary development, where specialization and international collaborations often lead to higher salaries. Overall, the profession is considered competitive, but those who succeed in establishing themselves have good opportunities for salary growth.
Fashion designer salary – a complete overview
- Average salary: 51 700 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 39,200 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (men), 52,200 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 289 SEK
- Gender differences: Men 54 600 SEK, women 49 400 SEK (women earn 91% of men's salary)
- Regional differences: Data varies, but larger cities often offer higher salaries
Education and qualifications
To work as a fashion designer, post-secondary education in design or textiles is usually required, but experience and an established portfolio are also highly valued. Many educational paths exist within universities, vocational colleges, and private schools. Internships, trainee positions, and courses in pattern construction and textile technology are common components.
- Post-secondary education: Usually 2–4 years in design or textiles
- Courses/certificates: Focus on pattern making, sewing, color, and form
- Internships/traineeships: Often included to build experience and networks
- Prerequisites: High school education in aesthetic programs is recommended
- Self-study: Online courses and personal projects strengthen the portfolio
Working as a fashion designer often involves combining artistic freedom with business understanding. Many successful designers work closely with marketing departments and product developers to ensure that collections are not only creative but also commercially viable.
Common benefits and compensation
Fashion designers are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and discounts on their own or partner brands. Travel to fashion weeks, educational stipends, and access to creative workshops are also common in many employment arrangements, especially with larger companies.
Competition and challenges
The profession of a fashion designer is highly competitive both nationally and internationally. Many educated individuals seek entry into the industry, but only a small proportion succeed in establishing themselves and building a brand. Creativity and innovation are prioritized, but business acumen and trend awareness, as well as sustainability, are also important. Digitalization and rapidly changing consumer behaviors impose high demands on adaptability. For those wishing to work as a fashion designer, continuous skill development and networking are essential.
Tips for aspiring fashion designers
To succeed as a fashion designer, it is important to be both creative and persistent, as competition is tough and the path to establishing oneself can be long. Building a strong portfolio is recommended, along with curiosity and the ability to follow trends to stay ahead in the industry. Networking is a key skill, as many jobs are obtained through contacts and collaborations. Being open to internships and different roles within the fashion industry can provide valuable experience and insight into the entire process. Adaptability is crucial, as tasks and work environments can change quickly. Finally, patience and the ability to accept feedback are important qualities to develop and succeed as a fashion designer.
Key facts about fashion designers
- Education level: Post-secondary education in design (2–4 years)
- Work form: Freelance, own business, or employed at a fashion company
- Common work environment: Studio, office, or workshop
- Demand: Approximately 620 available jobs within the profession
- Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of what men do
Career paths and future prospects
After gaining some experience, a fashion designer can advance to roles such as head designer, creative director, or start their own brand. Many move on to work internationally or within specialized areas such as sustainable design or technical textiles. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the profession due to limited data, but within the broader field, about 620 jobs are available. Competition remains high, but digitalization and increased awareness of sustainability create new niches for future fashion designers.
Frequently asked questions about fashion designers
- What does a fashion designer earn?
- A fashion designer has an average salary of 51 700 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, gender, and employer. - What education is required to become a fashion designer?
- Most often, post-secondary education in design or textiles is required, typically lasting 2–4 years. - What does the job market look like for fashion designers?
- The job market is competitive, but there are approximately 620 available jobs within the profession in Sweden. - Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, men earn on average 54 600 SEK and women 49 400 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries. - What work environments are common for fashion designers?
- Fashion designers often work in studios, offices, or workshops, sometimes also on-site at suppliers or fashion shows. - Can you work as a fashion designer without formal education?
- It is possible, but formal education and a strong portfolio significantly increase the chances.
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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