How much does a Fashion designer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Fashion designer
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
1 Likes 0 Comments 8 Vacant jobs ->

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 46 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the salary increased again and reached 48 100 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: 48 100 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 53 800 SEK, women 44 900 SEK (women earn 84% 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.

– statsskuld.se

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 84% 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 48 100 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 53 800 SEK and women 44 900 SEK, which means women earn 84% 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.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 01:57:50

Occupation
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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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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