How much does a Technical Designer- Apparel make in the United States?
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The average Technical Designer- Apparel salary in the United States is $92,033 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Technical Designer- Apparel positions (listed below) typically falls between $82,565 and $101,501. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Technical Designer- Apparel's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Apparel Technical Designer | $60,578 | $29.12 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Apparel Designer IV | $131,800 | $63.37 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Fabric/Apparel Patternmaker | $54,761 | $26.33 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Head of Apparel | $554,490 | $266.58 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Director of Apparel | $203,400 | $97.79 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Manager of Apparel | $140,400 | $67.50 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| SVP of Apparel | $357,300 | $171.78 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Apparel Coordinator | $128,325 | $61.69 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Apparel Buyer | $94,203 | $45.29 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Apparel Merchandiser | $56,700 | $27.26 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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The Apparel Designer IV determines style, material, and color directions based on input from sales/marketing, merchandising, development and manufacturing staff. Oversees the apparel design strategy for an organization. Being an Apparel Designer IV produces design sketches and makes seasonal presentations of product designs. Keeps abreast of consumer needs and trends, and supports the integrity of the lines/brands and the goals of the company. In addition, Apparel Designer IV reviews all styles for construction, and approves quality of factory samples. Typically requires a bachelor's degree of fashion design or its equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Apparel Designer IV is a specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Working as an Apparel Designer IV typically requires 8+ years of related experience. View Apparel Designer IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Fashion Designer IV, Fashion Designer Lead
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Fabric/Apparel Patternmaker fabricates foundry patterns from various materials. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Being a Fabric/Apparel Patternmaker is familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Additionally, Fabric/Apparel Patternmaker performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager. View Fabric/Apparel Patternmaker Salary
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The Head of Apparel develops and implements policies and standards that reinforce the organization's branding strategy. Provides the overall vision, leadership, and direction of the fashion design strategy for an organization. Being a Head of Apparel conducts market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Promotes excellence in design thinking and creative strategy for products. In addition, Head of Apparel stays current on future trends, maintains expert knowledge in design and production techniques, and researches new design technologies. Mentors and develops a team of fashion designers. Requires a bachelor's degree in apparel/fashion design or related field. Typically reports to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) . Responsible for the development of functional or business unit strategy for the entire organization. Defines corporate vision and strategy establishes company direction and focus. Executes multiple high impact initiatives to achieve overall corporate goals. View Head of Apparel SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Chief Fashion Design Officer, Chief of Apparel Design, Chief of Fashion Design and Merchandising, Design Executive, Head of Fashion DesignCategories : Retail/Wholesale , Executive and Management , Manufacturing , Personal Care and Service
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The Director of Apparel ensures consistent brand management across the organization. Leads the implementation of the fashion design strategy for an organization. Being a Director of Apparel promotes excellence in design thinking and creative strategy for products. Oversees the planning, implementation, and analysis of fashion design campaigns, and ensures campaigns are aligned with established branding guidelines. In addition, Director of Apparel conducts market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Stays current on future trends and maintains expert knowledge in design and production techniques. Mentors and develops a team of fashion designers. Requires a bachelor's degree in apparel/fashion design or related field. Typically reports to senior management. The Director of Apparel manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Working as a Director of Apparel typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. View Director of Apparel SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Director of Fashion Design, Director of Fashion Design and Merchandising
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The Manager of Apparel leads, manages, and drives multiple fashion design projects from conceptualization to finished product. Manages a team of fashion designers that executes the fashion design strategy for an organization. Being a Manager of Apparel reviews and approves final style, material, and color directions based on input from sales/marketing, merchandising, development, and manufacturing staff. Manages the planning, implementation, and analysis of fashion design campaigns, and ensures campaigns are aligned with established branding guidelines. In addition, Manager of Apparel keeps abreast of consumer needs and trends. Requires a bachelor's degree in apparel/fashion design or related field. Typically reports to a director. The Manager of Apparel manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Working as a Manager of Apparel typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. View Manager of Apparel SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Manager of Fashion Design, Manager of Fashion Design and Merchandising
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The SVP of Apparel ensures consistent brand management across the organization. Provides leadership, innovation, and oversight of the fashion design strategy for an organization. Being a SVP of Apparel promotes excellence in design thinking and creative strategy for products. Develops and implements policies and standards that reinforce the organization's fashion design strategy. In addition, SVP of Apparel conducts market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Stays current on future trends. Maintains expert knowledge in design and production techniques, and researches new design technologies. Mentors and develops a team of fashion designers. Requires a bachelor's degree in apparel/fashion design or related field. Typically reports to top management. The SVP of Apparel manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Working as a SVP of Apparel typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function. View SVP of Apparel SalaryAlternate Job Titles:SVP of Fashion Design, SVP of Fashion Design and MerchandisingCategories : Retail/Wholesale , Executive and Management , Manufacturing , Personal Care and Service