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

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

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

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

Types of fashion designing-related jobs overseas

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. 

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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:

• [1]https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/fashion-designers-united-states/
• [2] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/fashion-designers.htm