Fashion designer : Salary and conditions

Range of typical starting salaries: £14,000 - £22,000.
A junior designer can expect to earn £25,000 - £45,000 within three to four years.
Range of typical salaries at senior to head designer level: £45,000 - £85,000.
Salaries vary depending on geographical location and type of employer.
Working hours typically include regular extra hours.
The working environment varies between companies and can range from a Victorian-style factory to a modern purpose-built office or a small design studio. Freelance designers may work from home or in a rented studio.
With the increase in online retailing, setting up in business or being self-employed is becoming more common, even straight after graduation. Extensive market research and business training are critical for any fashion business to succeed.
The majority of opportunities are available in London and the South East and some large towns and cities in the North West and Scotland, with pockets of industry in the Midlands. Opportunities are also beginning to spring up outside these areas.
The pressure of deadlines and working unsocial hours to meet these can intrude on private life.
Career success relies on a combination of creativity, perseverance, resilience and good communication skills.
Travel within the working day, overnight absence from home and overseas work are occasionally needed. There is scope for travel abroad, for example to attend trade shows or to meet suppliers.

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AGCAS

Written by AGCAS editors

Date:

May 2011