Employment of fashion designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations.

Most apparel continues to be produced internationally. As a result, employment of fashion designers in the apparel manufacturing industry is projected to decline 47 percent over the projection period. Declining employment in the apparel manufacturing industry is slowing the overall employment growth of fashion designers.

However, employment of fashion designers in the wholesale apparel industry is projected to increase 17 percent over the projection period. Retailers are selling more fashion-inspired clothing which increases the demand for fashion designers to design clothing and accessories for the mass market and everyday wear.

Job Prospects

Those with formal education in fashion design, excellent portfolios, and industry experience will have the best job prospects. However, strong competition for jobs is expected because of the large number of people who seek employment as fashion designers and the relatively few positions available.

In addition, it may be necessary for some fashion designers to relocate because employment opportunities for fashion designers are concentrated in New York and California.