10 Highest Paying Countries for Fashion Designers – Top Companies & Avg Salaries

Uncategorized
21 Sep 2024
11 mins read
Written by pranit

Highest paying countries for fashion designers include France, the USA, the UK, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, and Denmark.

 

The global surge in fast fashion and the customers’ desire for unique and personalised styles has led to a boom in demand for skilled fashion designers. The fashion industry requires a constant influx of fresh ideas and unique concepts, leading to a lucrative job market with promising opportunities. 

 

This blog delves into the best international job opportunities in the fashion industry, the average fashion designer’s salary in the said country and the cost of living.

Do you know?

  • From 2018 to 2023, there was an average of 6.1% increase in the employment rate in the fashion industry in the US. [1] 
  • The employment percentage in the fashion industry is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032. [2]

Quick Overview

 

Country

Top Companies

Top Cities

Average Annual Base Salary Range for fashion designer 

Single Person Estimated Cost of Living (USD per month)

France

Dior

Paris

Average: EUR 64,495

Low: EUR 46, 164

High: EUR 79,542

EUR 1420

USD 1542

Chanel

Lyon 

Louis Vuitton

Cannes

Saint Laurent

Bordeaux

United States of America

Ralph Lauren

Las Vegas

Average: USD 90,632

Low: USD 64,910

High: USD 111,841

USD 2433

Calvin Klein

San Francisco

Abercrombie & Fitch Co

New York

American Eagle Outfitters

Henderson

United Kingdom

Burberry

London

Average: GBP 55,267

Low: GBP 39,582

High: GBP 68,201

GBP 1732

USD 2183

Alexander McQueen

Italy

Versace

Milan

Average: EUR 59,040

Low: EUR 42.247

High: EUR 72,792

EUR 1423

USD 1581

Gucci

Rome

Armani

Florence

Fendi

Bologna

Spain

Zara

Barcelona

Average: EUR 51,535

Low: EUR 36,843

High: EUR 63,481

EUR 1420

USD 1542

Mango

Madrid

Desigual

Seville

Pretty Ballerinas

Marbella

South Korea

KUSIKOHC

Seoul

Average: KRW 67,751,276

Low: KRW 48,774,046

High: KRW 84,038,236

KRW 2782

USD 2042

Juntae Kim

Andersson Bell

CAYL

Japan

Uniqlo

Tokyo

Average: JPY 7,586,010

Low: JPY 5,424,993

High: JPY 9,347,324

JPY 1420

JPY 1542

Undercover

Yohji Yamamoto

Bape

Australia

Christopher Esber

Melbourne

Average: AUD 125,150

Low: AUD 89,777

High: AUD 154,687

AUD 3519 

USD 2293

Camilla and Marc

Boteh

Brisbane

Bassike

Switzerland

Akris

Zurich

Average: CHF 115,009

Low: CHF 82,140

High: CHF 141,528

CHF 3293

USD 1950

Mammut

Gstaad

Bally

Geneva

HYT Watches

Bern

Denmark

Baum und Pferdgarten

Copenhagen

Average: DKK 647,471

Low: DKK 463,309

High: DKK 798,287

USD 1923

DKK 13154

Ganni 

Han Kjøbenhavn

Nicklas Skovgaard

Source:

  • Cost of living: LivingCost (Refer to country-wise pages)
  • Average Annual Base Salary: SalaryExpert (Refer to country-wise websites)
  • The rest of the sources are marked as comments.
  • The cost of living in CHF was converted to USD using the Forbes Currency Converter on 14th Aug 2024.

10 highest paying countries for fashion designer

1. France – Average annual salary (EUR 64,495)

Paris is a global fashion capital, home to some of the world’s top luxury brands. Working in France offers exposure to this rich fashion heritage, a thriving industry and a chance to work with renowned fashion houses. 

 

France is the epicentre for fashion designer jobs abroad because of the opportunity to work with iconic brands, attend fashion shows and contribute to the global fashion scene. 

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designers – can earn an annual salary of EUR 46 164.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to EUR 79,542 annually.

 

Also read: Average Salary in France: Salaries by City and Experience. 

2. USA – Average annual salary (USD 90,632)

Home to Hollywood, the U.S. boasts a diverse fashion industry with luxury houses and fast fashion retailers. Competitive salaries and opportunities to work with iconic brands and industry leaders make it a top choice for fashion professionals.

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – These fashion designers can earn an annual salary of USD 64,910.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to USD 111,841 annually. 

 

Also read: How to get a job in the USA from India.

3. UK – Average annual salary (GBP 55,267)

The UK, particularly London, is another fashion hub in Europe. Known for its rich fashion history, the city has a thriving industry with countless opportunities. Working in the UK offers a closer look at the decades-old culture and the roots of the country’s fashion industry. 

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – A fashion designer can earn an annual salary of GBP 39,582.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to GBP 68,201 annually.

 

Also read: Cost of living in the UK

4. Italy – Average annual salary (EUR 59,040)

Italy, renowned for its fashion history, skilled craftsmen, and elegant couture, offers designers the chance to learn from the world’s finest production houses.

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – Entry-level fashion designers can earn an annual salary of EUR 42.247.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to EUR 72,792 annually.

 

Also read: Culture shock as an expat: What you need to know.

5. Spain – Average annual salary (EUR 51,535)

Working in Spain offers the chance to collaborate with global design offices, manufacturers, and stores, providing growth opportunities and exposure to diverse design approaches.

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designers – They can earn an annual salary of EUR 36,843.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to EUR 63,481 annually. 
6. South Korea – Average annual salary (KRW 67,751,276)

The country’s strong fashion appreciation drives demand for trendy and unique designs, offering designers opportunities in both international and regional markets. The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – A fashion designer can earn an annual salary of KRW 48,774,046.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced professionals can earn up to KRW 84,038,236 annually. 
7. Japan – Average annual salary (JPY 7,586,010)

Japan is known for its distinct blend of traditional and contemporary designs. The country’s rich culture adds a unique touch to the modern design scene. Working in Japan offers exposure to the country’s unique styles and meticulous craftsmanship, which are valued significantly in the industry. 

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – Entry-level fashion designers can earn an annual salary of JPY 5,424,993.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced fashion designer professionals can earn up to JPY 9,347,324 annually. 

 

Also read: Average Salary in Japan: Salaries by City and Experience.

8. Australia – Average annual salary (AUD 125,150)

Australia’s fashion industry is a thriving scene that supports local designers and fosters a culture of originality. The country’s demand for unique and original designs and sustainable clothing attracts fashion designers worldwide to innovate and contribute to the thriving industry. 

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – Entry-level professionals can earn an annual salary of AUD 89,777.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced fashion designer professionals can earn up to AUD 154,687. 

 

Also read: 21 must-have apps for expats in Australia.

9. Switzerland – Average annual salary (CHF 115,009)

Switzerland’s luxury reputation extends to its fashion industry, offering opportunities to work with high-end brands and products. Designers can push creative boundaries and create exceptional, high-quality designs. The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – Entry-level professionals can earn an annual salary of CHF 82,140.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced fashion designer professionals can earn up to CHF 141,528 annually. 
10. Denmark – Average annual salary (DKK 647,471)

Denmark has a rich history in design that focuses on minimalistic and functional aspects of clothing. Working in Denmark offers the opportunity to work on sustainable, minimalistic and chic designs that challenge the traditional approach. 

 

The average fashion designer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

  • Entry-level fashion designer – Entry-level professionals can earn an annual salary of DKK 463,309.
  • Experienced fashion designer – Experienced fashion designer professionals can earn up to DKK 798,287 annually. 

Country-wise salary

Fashion designer jobs abroad - Country-wise Annual Salary

 

Country

Average Salary 

Salary (in ~ USD)

France

EUR 64,495

USD 71,016

The United States of America

USD 90,632

USD 90,632

United Kingdom

GBP 55,267

USD 70,865

Italy

EUR 59,040

USD 65,011

Spain

EUR 51,535

USD 56,748

South Korea

KRW 67,751,276

USD 49,864

Japan

JPY 7,586,010

USD 51,539

Australia

AUD 125,150

USD 82,573

Switzerland

CHF 115,009

USD 132,917

Denmark

DKK 647,471

USD 95,555

Note: The above table shows the average salaries for fashion designers in the top 10 countries. All the currencies were converted to USD (to create graphs) on 14th Aug 2024 at 11:44 HRS IST.

 

Currency conversion tool: 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Other emerging countries

Today’s fast fashion trends have fueled the demand for fresh talent in the fashion design industry. With every season waiting for a new fashion trend, job opportunities for fashion designers increased globally. Here are some emerging job markets that have a significant demand for fashion designers:

  • Sweden
  • Netherlands
  • Canada
  • China

 

Similar Types of Jobs 

Average annual salary (USD)

Director Fashion Design

147,837

Fashion Marketer

135,219

Fashion Editor

132,679

Fashion Merchandising

94,730

Textile Designer

80,880 

Graphic Designer

74,537

Fashion Stylist

50,672

Fashion Photographer

44,753

Note: The above table illustrates the national average salary for the United States of America.

Source: SalaryExpert 

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s
  • Research the styles and designs that are native to your target country. Although fashion designing is universal, learning more about the production of local fashion pieces can help you thrive in your work environment.
  • Learn the basics of the language of your target country. Working in the fashion industry requires communication with suppliers, other designers and distributors.
  • Showcase your designs with the help of an elaborate portfolio. Building a signature style that is unique to you can help showcase your skills and vision more effectively. 
  • Build a connection with other professionals in your industry. Attend fashion events whenever possible to build contacts in person.
Don’ts
  • Expect the design process to be the same as in your home country. Although designing can be universal, styles, production patterns and craftsmanship can vary significantly. 
  • Be rigid with your vision. When it comes to creating pieces, there is always more to learn and perfect. Adapt your craftsmanship as per the needs of your project. 
  • Underestimate the challenges of working creatively in a new environment, they can significantly impact on your mental health. 

Before you go…

The fashion industry offers exciting international job opportunities for fashion designers globally. Additionally, the creative satisfaction and rewarding salaries, opting for international opportunities comes with the responsibility of managing complex financial aspects. 

 

One of the most important things to consider upon relocation is choosing an international fund transfer service that you can rely on. Instarem offers secure, fast* and affordable@ options for international money transfers that you can rely on in times of need. 

 

You can even use the Instarem app for quick service, which you can easily download from the App Store or Google Play. Moreover, by earning InstaPoints on every transaction you can transfer money at a discounted rate for your future international transfers.

FAQs

Q. How to get a fashion designer job in a foreign country?

Although you can use global job portals like LinkedIn or Indeed to apply for fashion designer jobs abroad, it is more effective to network with professionals at fashion events or to conduct exhibits and shows yourself. 

 

Q. Which is the best country for fashion designers with the highest pay?

Switzerland offers the highest annual average salary for fashion designers, which ranges around CHF 115,009 (USD 132,917). 

 

Q. Which country has a demand for fashion designers?

France, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Switzerland and Denmark offer many jobs for fashion designers.

 

Q. Which company is the best for fashion designers?

Top companies in France, such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent, are some of the major fashion houses offering incredible opportunities. 

 

Q. What is the starting fashion designer salary abroad for a fresher?

The salaries for fashion designer jobs in foreign countries for freshers can vary significantly across countries. Switzerland, for example, offers CHF 82,140 (USD 94,647) for entry-level fashion designers.

 

Q. How secure are fashion designer jobs abroad?

Although fashion designer jobs abroad can be highly competitive, the recurring demand for newer designs makes it a secure and fulfilling career option. 

 

Q. What is a fashion designer’s salary abroad per month?

A fashion designer’s salary abroad can vary depending on the country of employment. In popular countries like Switzerland, a fashion designer can expect to earn around CHF 9,584 (USD 11,043) per month. 

 

Q. What is a fashion designer’s salary per hour?

The per-hour salary for fashion designer jobs abroad can vary depending on the country of employment. Top countries like Switzerland offer around CHF 55.30 (USD 63.36) per hour. 

 

 

Other related blogs:

10 Highest Paying Countries for Doctors

10 Highest Paying Countries for Pilots

10 Highest Paying Countries for Data Analysts

10 Highest Paying Countries for Chemical Engineers

10 Highest Paying Countries for Electrical Engineers

10 Highest Paying Countries for Psychologists

10 Highest Paying Countries for Pharmacists

10 Highest Paying Countries for Chefs

10 Highest Paying Countries for Psychiatrists

8 Highest Paying Countries for Occupational Therapists

 

 

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

*Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

@ When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites on 14th August 2024 and are subject to change.

 

Citations:

Get the app
About Instarem

Instarem stands at the forefront of international money transfer services, facilitating fast and secure transactions for both individuals and businesses. Our platform offers competitive exchange rates for popular currency pairs like USD to INR, SGD to INR, and AUD to INR. If you're looking to send money to India or transfer funds to any of 60+ global destinations, Instarem makes it easy for you. We are dedicated to simplifying cross-border payments, providing cutting-edge technology that support individuals and businesses alike in overcoming traditional fiscal barriers normally associated with banks. As a trusted and regulated brand under the umbrella of the Fintech Unicorn Nium Pte. Ltd., and its international subsidiaries, Instarem is your go-to for reliable global financial exchanges. Learn more about Instarem.

close icon
Select location
Australia flag
Australia
Austria flag
Austria
Canada flag
Canada
Global flag
Global
France flag
France
Germany flag
Germany
Hong Kong flag
Hong Kong
India flag
India
Ireland flag
Ireland
Japan flag
Japan
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
Singapore flag
Singapore
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
close icon
Select a language
English (EN)
close icon

Change location and language

You are on our United States of America website. Select below to change to another location.

Save changes