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Apparel Designer Salary in Iowa

How much does an Apparel Designer make in Iowa? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apparel Designer in Iowa is $75,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, an Apparel Designer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,870
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,233 to $83,709
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,305
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Apparel Designer Job Openings in Iowa

Key Factors That Influence Apparel Designer Salaries

An Apparel Designer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Apparel Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Apparel Designer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $60,100
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $74,204
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $95,276
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $132,624
  • Expert (over 8 years): $125,919
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Fashion Designer I less than 1 year $60,100
Apparel Designer 1-2 years $74,204
Fashion Designer III 2-4 years $95,276
Fashion Designer IV 5-8 years $132,624
Manager of Fashion Design over 8 years $125,919

How Do Apparel Designer Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Apparel Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $87,747.
  • California: $87,414.
  • Massachusetts: $86,249.

Top Paying Cities for Apparel Designer

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • West Bend: $73,908
  • Melvin: $73,692
  • Milford: $74,006

Apparel Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Apparel Designer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Apparel Designer positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apparel Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Apparel Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale $83,427 $40.0 10%

Apparel Designer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Apparel Designer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$68,233
Average $75,843/year
$83,709
$5,686
Average $6,320/month
$6,976
$1,312
Average $1,459/week
$1,610
$33
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $83,709 $6,976 $1,610 $40
Average $75,843 $6,320 $1,459 $36
25th Percentile $68,233 $5,686 $1,312 $33

Find Your Next Apparel Designer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apparel Designer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Kohler | KOHLER, WI

    Lead Interior Designer

    Kohler | KOHLER, WI

    Kohler is seeking a Lead Interior Designer to drive concept-to-completion interiors for kitchen, bath, and hospitality environments that showcase our manuf... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Uline Inc. | PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI

    Associate Instructional Designer

    Uline Inc. | PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI

    Join Uline Inc. as an Associate Instructional Designer supporting training for our wholesale distribution operations. Design and update engaging e-learning... more

    6 Days Ago

  • DICK'S Sporting Goods | BENSON, NE

    Specialist Apparel

    DICK'S Sporting Goods | BENSON, NE

    DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Specialist, Apparel to deliver an outstanding in-store experience for every athlete. In this role, you’ll lead with serv... more

    6 Days Ago

  • DICK'S Sporting Goods | FARMINGTON, CT

    Specialist Apparel

    DICK'S Sporting Goods | FARMINGTON, CT

    DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Specialist, Apparel to deliver an outstanding in-store experience for every athlete. In this role, you’ll lead with serv... more

    6 Days Ago

  • DICK'S Sporting Goods | VERONA, WI

    Specialist Apparel

    DICK'S Sporting Goods | VERONA, WI

    DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Specialist, Apparel to deliver an outstanding in-store experience for every athlete. In this role, you’ll lead with serv... more

    6 Days Ago

  • DICK'S Sporting Goods | COTTLEVILLE, MO

    Specialist Apparel

    DICK'S Sporting Goods | COTTLEVILLE, MO

    DICK’S Sporting Goods is seeking a Specialist, Apparel to deliver an outstanding in-store experience for every athlete. In this role, you’ll lead with serv... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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