29 Best Paying Jobs In Apparel In 2023 With Salary [Updated]

First, what are the best paying jobs in the apparel industry?

There are many lucrative job opportunities in a variety of industries, including design, marketing, and publishing, if you have an interest in fashion. You can get a better idea of what career best suits your skills, interests, and experience by taking the time to research fashion jobs.

The post will give a list of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry including: pattern developer, textile engineer, garment manufacturer, intermediate designer, apparel designer, costume designer…

For more information, keep reading.

Pattern Developer

Salary range: $45,000-$111,000 per year
As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, the majority of Pattern Developer salaries in the US currently fall between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $111,000 (75th percentile) per year. According to skill level, location, and years of experience, there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay. This wide range of salary potential supports this theory. In the United States, there is a large demand for pattern developers, as evidenced by recent job postings on ZipRecruiter.

Textile Engineer

Salary range: $49,500-$77,500 per year
It is your responsibility as a textile engineer to assist in designing and producing fabric, as well as the tools and supplies required for fabrication. You could decide how to develop a specific kind of fiber, assist with the processing of raw materials, choose the best method for adding graphic designs to finished textiles, and generally make sure that production runs smoothly throughout each project. Textile engineering is a subfield of mechanical engineering that focuses on developing unique products for various uses. Oven gloves, for instance, may be made of heat-resistant material, whereas summer clothing may be made of breathable material. In some instances, a textile engineer also aids marketing and sales initiatives, investigates new materials, and makes sure all finished products meet the required safety and quality standards.

Garment Manufacturer

Salary range: $30,500-$76,000 per year
Most American garment manufacturers earn between $30,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile) per year, which is the range of salaries for this occupation. This wide range of potential salaries suggests that, depending on skill level, location, and years of experience, there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay. The United States job market for garment manufacturers is moderately active, with a few companies hiring, according to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter. It is one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry.

Intermediate Designer

Salary range: $60,000-$73,500 per year
The average annual pay for Intermediate Designers in the United States is currently between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $73,500 (75th percentile). This moderate range of salaries suggests that the pay for this position will be consistent regardless of skill level, location, and years of experience, although some advancement is possible. The Intermediate Designer job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring, according to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter.

Apparel Designer

Salary range: $45,000-$73,500 per year
Between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $73,500 (75th percentile), the average yearly pay for apparel designers in the US is currently. It is one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry. This moderate range of pay suggests that the pay in this position will be consistent regardless of experience, location, or skill level, though some advancement is possible. According to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, there are a few companies hiring, and the US apparel designer job market is moderately active.

Costume Designer

Salary range: $29,000-$70,500 per year
As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, your responsibility as a costume designer is to acquire, lease, or create costumes for actors. You consult with other staff members about design choices, sew new clothes using a pattern, choose what works for the physical requirements of performance, and hold fittings to make sure each costume is comfortable. Costume designers can find employment in many different industries, such as film, television, theater, and other performing arts. In many cases, you must oversee a costume budget, conduct extensive research into historical fashion trends, and interpret the producer’s creative intent. In order to give everyone enough time to change costumes, you must also specify when and where this needs to happen during a performance.

Textile Designer

Salary range: $42,500-$69,500 per year
For a specific industry, like fashion or furniture, a textile designer develops designs for various fabrics, including knit, woven, and printed fabrics. Your job responsibilities include creating textile designs with computer design software, meeting with suppliers and producers of textile materials, and staying current on market trends. Two of your primary responsibilities are to create top-notch textile designs for your employer and to keep an eye on your own art and design portfolio.

Pattern Maker

Salary range: $39,000-$59,000 per year
As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, a pattern maker’s responsibilities include producing master patterns or samples that manufacturers can use to make clothes, shoes, and other types of apparel. Other manufacturing sectors that require the conversion of designs into technically sound, properly dimensioned patterns employ pattern makers as well. To draft a pattern with the right fit, you use the plans or blueprints made by designers. The duties of a patternmaker also include grading, which entails altering the design’s dimensions in marker areas so that it can fit into various sizes while maintaining its appearance.

Weaving Supervisor

Salary range: $35,500-$54,500 per year
You supervise the management of a shift at a textile manufacturing facility as a weaving supervisor. To make sure that your employees are following the manufacturer’s instructions, you inspect every piece of fabric, such as cotton cloth or wool yarn. Your obligations and duties entail maintaining the machinery, including the loom and other tools for knitting textiles, on a regular basis. You typically work under the supervision of a plant manager and participate in company-wide initiatives to raise facility productivity.

Shoe Designer

Salary range: $30,000-$51,000 per year
As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, design footwear is a job for a shoe designer in the fashion industry. Shoe concept development, prototype creation, and design testing are all part of the job description. The majority of shoe designers start with hand drawings, but some may also use computer software. Larger company shoe designers must submit their concepts for management’s approval.

Sewing Supervisor

Salary range: $33,000-$48,500 per year
Currently, the average Sewing Supervisor salary in the US is between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) per year. Although some advancement is possible, the moderate range of salaries indicates that the pay in this position will be consistent regardless of skill level, location, and years of experience. According to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, there are a few companies hiring in the Sewing Supervisor field in the United States.

Marker Maker

Salary range: $29,000-$48,500 per year
Currently, the average Marker Maker salary in the US is between $29,000 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) per year. It is one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry. This wide range of potential salaries suggests that, depending on skill level, location, and years of experience, there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay. The Marker Maker job market in the United States is not very active right now because there aren’t many companies hiring for this position, according to recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter. To find jobs with more active opportunities, you can try looking up titles that are similar.

Saddle Stitch Operator

Salary range: $32,500-$42,000 per year
A supervisor of the bindery department directs you as a saddle stitch operator as you set up machinery. You manage a saddle-stitch production line to create goods, like books, while adhering to the client’s quality standards and specifications. You review each job before starting to ensure you understand everything that needs to be completed; this includes special instructions and procedures to set-up the machine or line. Aside from these duties, you also have to keep accurate production records and regularly check product quality, removing any products that don’t meet standards. You assist with repairs or rebuilds while performing routine and daily maintenance on the equipment. Preparing new hires and alerting your manager to unusual activities are additional responsibilities.

Stitcher

Salary range: $26,500-$37,500 per year
A stitcher is employed in the performing arts sector. As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, you take the costume pieces cut out by the cutter and put them together, sewing them into complete costumes. Both hand and machine sewing techniques are known to stitchers. Due to the handmade appearance that period costumes must have, hand sewing is a necessary skill. Sewing machines cannot achieve this look. Furthermore, seamstresses must be able to add concealed snaps, buttons, or zippers in order to meet the unique wardrobe requirements of the actors who wear the costumes. A stitcher may work on upholstery in addition to film and theater.

Dyer

Salary range: $25,000-$37,500 per year
The primary duties of a dyer are to add color to clothing and fabric. The textile industry is where dyers typically work. Working to weigh, measure, and mix dyes to ensure that the final color is accurate is part of your job duties in this career. To change the color tones, you can add water, more color, or materials like bleach. Utilizing dyeing machinery, you check the finished product after drying to ensure quality and that any necessary patterns are visible.

Shear Operator

Salary range: $27,500-$35,000 per year
Currently, the average yearly pay for shear operators in the United States is between $27,500 (25th percentile) and $35,000 (75th percentile). Although some advancement is possible, the moderate range of salaries indicates that the pay in this position will be constant regardless of skill level, location, and years of experience. The United States shear operator job market is very active, with many companies hiring, according to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter.

Autoclave Operator

Salary range: $25,500-$33,500 per year
When high pressure and temperatures are needed for chemical reactions, such as steam sterilization, an autoclave is a potent heated machine. This specialized pressure chamber is managed and operated by autoclave operators in various contexts. Surgical instruments and other medical equipment are sterilized by them at work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. You could also work as an autoclave operator for a company that makes yarn or rubber goods. Working in this position entails using a machine to preset and preshrink yarn, vulcanize rubber, or cure rubber composites. It is one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry.

Stylist

Salary on a national average: $53,686 per year

To help clients look their best or highlight the clothing itself, fashion stylists plan and coordinate outfits. They may choose attire for public figure appearances, photo shoots, commercial campaigns, television and film productions, and so on. The duties of stylists include staying current on trends by going to fashion shows or events, sourcing clothing from brands, and consulting with other creative experts on sets, such as hairstylists, makeup artists, and art directors. See more about Best Paying Jobs In Broadcasting

Fashion Designer

average salary in the country: $57,352 per year

Fashion designers produce unique apparel and accessories, frequently specializing in specific goods. Depending on the designer, they might produce items for high-end shops, boutiques, and runways or they might produce more distinctive items for those venues. The entire process of developing a collection, from conceptualizing and sketching design concepts to making prototype clothes and selecting materials, involves fashion designers. Decisions regarding manufacturing, production, and merchandising may be made by those who have greater control over their designs.

Public Relations Manager

average salary in the nation: $60,834 per year

Fashion public relations managers oversee the communications and public relations teams for a business, making sure to uphold its reputable image, as one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry. They are in charge of planning and carrying out the company’s public relations strategies, which frequently entail establishing contacts with media organizations in order to advance the brand. Fashion shows, press conferences, look books for the latest trends, and showroom appointments are all examples of promotional campaigns and events. The media target lists, press kits, and marketing and PR calendars that their team develops are also under the management of fashion PR managers.

E-commerce Manager

Average salary across the country: $64,944 per year

Managers of fashion e-commerce are in charge of a company’s online sales presence, which is ultimately intended to increase sales. As part of their routine duties, they analyze sales data and inventory levels, develop pricing strategies, and organize promotional campaigns. Additionally, they contribute to enhancing the online shopping experience by creating SEO strategies and collaborating with other departments, such as the marketing and development teams. E-commerce managers are also responsible for administrative tasks like handling payments and returns.

Brand Manager

Salary on a national average: $66,023 per year

In order to draw in and keep customers, fashion brand managers are in charge of creating and maintaining a company’s image. They work together with the product development, marketing, and creative teams to make sure that all launches uphold the brand’s values and message. They are in charge of organizing and approving the creation of promotional content, including websites, email campaigns, and advertisements. Market research is another tool used by fashion brand managers to decide where the business should invest based on consumer needs and spending patterns.

Marketing Manager

Average salary across the country: $67,216 per year

As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, marketing managers choose the promotional tactics that will increase sales for a business or brand. They are in charge of organizing marketing campaigns, managing branding initiatives, and evaluating the outcomes of these strategies. The development of briefs, logos, and package designs used to price and advertise products is overseen by fashion marketing managers in collaboration with the marketing and product development teams. A marketing plan’s effectiveness or need for improvement must be determined by keeping an eye on market trends.

Account Executive

Average salary in the country: $68,239 per year

Account executives in the fashion industry are in charge of promoting retail chains or designer brands to aid in the sale of goods. To coordinate ad campaigns, which may include ads in print publications or on the internet, TV, and billboards, they meet with media outlets and representatives. Account executives frequently establish sales and revenue goals and look at trends to enhance the brand’s sales strategy. See more about Best Jobs In The U.S. Army

Merchandising Manager

Salary on a national average: $69,407 per year

Managers of fashion merchandising make choices about the availability, cost, and display of goods in retail establishments. Maintaining a store’s aesthetic appeal, planning sales events, and monitoring inventory levels are among the daily duties. Managers of fashion merchandising also study consumer data and conduct market research. They could use the information from this research to choose which suppliers to deal with or figure out which goods will do the best business in their shop, for instance.

Buyer

Average salary across the country: $70,334 per year

Consumers choose the goods that retail or department stores sell in their stores by keeping an eye on the newest fashion trends. Buyers may be required to visit trade shows and fashion shows or meet with designers to find products as part of their job. Before deciding to sell a product in a store, buyers take into account the product’s price, quality, and customer preferences. Additionally, they could be in charge of negotiating contracts and organizing deliveries with suppliers.

Editor-in-chief

Average salary across the country: $70,591 per year

The editor-in-chief of a fashion publication supervises print or digital publications and has the final say in what is published. For instance, they would be in charge of deciding on a magazine’s tone and planning the format, appearance, and content of each issue. Additionally, they oversee the publication’s budget, manage the editorial and writing staff, and make hiring decisions. A fashion editor-in-chief represents their publication and promotes it by going to trade shows and other events in the industry.

Art Director

Average salary in the country: $71,204 per year

As one of the best paying jobs in the apparel industry, art directors in the fashion industry are responsible for overseeing the production of visual content for advertisements, magazines, and other media. They develop the conceptual framework for the pictures and oversee the work of the creative team, which may include photographers, graphic designers, and others, to ensure the idea is properly carried out. Fashion magazines frequently employ fashion art directors, who are in charge of approving page layouts, covering covers, and managing deadlines and budgets.

Creative Director

Average salary across the country: $86,660 per year

In the fashion industry, creative directors create the vision for magazines, products, and branding for businesses. They design the layout and visuals when they are working on a publication or advertisement, and they then have the final say in the images, artwork, or graphics that result. The creative director will convey a vision to the design team and have the final say on decisions regarding fabrics, colors, and other design elements in the development of fashion products. They are in charge of making sure everything in their control adheres to their brand and is cohesive.

FAQs

The End

Depending on your area of expertise, you may need different qualifications to work in the clothing industry. Entry-level positions in production, such as those for dressmakers, do not typically have formal education requirements, but corporate-level jobs, such as those in marketing and retail management, frequently do. An innovative approach to textile creation and a science degree are needed to develop new textiles and fabrics.

A fashion designer should be skilled with various materials and have knowledge of how to design clothing for particular demographics. Retail buyers need to be excellent negotiators, have a thorough understanding of the market and customer needs for their store. Professional merchandisers are adept at tracking sales figures and assessing the viability of various outfits and trends.

Best wishes.