Clothing, fashion and accessories designers Salary
Median salary £36,731 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For clothing, fashion and accessories designers, £36,848 is the typical (median) pay. That is below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -6.0% versus the national average.
About this role
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers create designs for garments, footwear, accessories and textiles. They research trends, develop concepts, produce technical drawings and specifications, select fabrics and oversee sample production.
Key responsibilities
- Researching fashion trends, materials and consumer preferences
- Creating design concepts, sketches and technical drawings
- Selecting fabrics, trims and materials
- Overseeing sample production and fit sessions
- Working with manufacturers on production specifications
Qualifications and entry routes
Typically requires a degree in fashion design, textile design or a related creative discipline. Portfolio quality is paramount. Courses at Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion and the Royal College of Art are highly regarded.
Career outlook
Competitive sector. Sustainability, inclusive design and digital fashion (3D design, virtual garments) are reshaping the industry and creating new specialisms.
Key skills
Common industries
- Fashion brands
- High street retailers
- Luxury fashion houses
- Sportswear companies
- Textile manufacturers
Data coverage
Median Salary
£36,731
Mean Salary
£40,749
Jobs (000s)
N/A
Data Years
5 years
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£36,731
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2021-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
All Employees
£36,731
Full-time Only
£36,848
Full-time premium: +£117
Clothing, fashion and accessories designers salary: common questions
How much do clothing, fashion and accessories designers earn in the UK?
Is £36,848 a good salary in the UK?
Have clothing, fashion and accessories designers salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).
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