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Associate Apparel Designer Salary in the United States

How much does an Associate Apparel Designer make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Apparel Designer in the United States is $78,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,173
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,714 to $86,751
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,533
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Associate Apparel Designer Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Associate Apparel Designer Salaries

An Associate 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 Associate Apparel Designer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Associate 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): $62,284
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $76,902
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $98,739
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $137,444
  • Expert (over 8 years): $130,496
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Fashion Designer I less than 1 year $62,284
Associate Apparel Designer 1-2 years $76,902
Fashion Designer III 2-4 years $98,739
Fashion Designer IV 5-8 years $137,444
Manager of Fashion Design over 8 years $130,496

How Do Associate 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 Associate Apparel Designers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $87,026.
  • California: $86,696.
  • Massachusetts: $85,540.

Top Paying Cities for Associate 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:

  • San Jose: $99,138
  • San Francisco: $98,053
  • Oakland: $95,986

Associate Apparel Designer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Associate 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, Associate Apparel Designer positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Associate Apparel Designer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Associate Apparel Designer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Retail & Wholesale $86,460 $42.0 10%

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

Understanding how an Associate 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$70,714
Average $78,600/year
$86,751
$5,893
Average $6,550/month
$7,229
$1,360
Average $1,512/week
$1,668
$34
Average $38/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,751 $7,229 $1,668 $42
Average $78,600 $6,550 $1,512 $38
25th Percentile $70,714 $5,893 $1,360 $34

Most common benefits for Associate Apparel Designer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Associate Apparel Designer

Here are companies hiring for Associate Apparel Designer and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Associate Apparel Designer Job

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

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FAQ about Associate Apparel Designer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Associate Apparel Designer?

The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate Apparel Designer roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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