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Accessory Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Accessory Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of ...

General Summary : This position is responsible for developing a product line representative of the brand. Major Responsibilities : include the following. * Study markets, shop retail, and interact ...

Contribute to the overall brand identity through your designs, ensuring consistency across all accessory collections. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or ...

Contribute to the overall brand identity through your designs, ensuring consistency across all accessory collections. QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or ...

Designer, Accessories

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $93K/yr

The Designer will partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Materials, and ... Knowledge of leather, textiles, and accessory materials, including sourcing considerations and ...

Designer, Accessories

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $93K/yr

The Designer will partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Materials, and ... Knowledge of leather, textiles, and accessory materials, including sourcing considerations and ...

Accessory Installer

Smyrna, TN

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Overview: Accessory Installer - New Vehicles Car Enthusiasts Wanted for Accessory Installer ... Our industry-leading benefits and perks are designed to help you thrive in your career and your ...

Accessory Installer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Summary/Objective Install accessories on new vehicles. Essential Functions * Perform quality ... Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties ...

General Summary The Designer, Kids Accessories position is responsible for designing and developing all accessories for boys and girls seasonally. The responsibilities described below are considered ...

General Summary The Designer,Kids Accessories position is responsible for designing and developing all accessories for boys and girls seasonally. The responsibilities described below are considered ...

Accessory Installer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Summary/Objective Install accessories on new vehicles. Essential Functions * Perform quality ... Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties ...

Accessory Installer

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Overview: Accessory Installer - New Vehicles Car Enthusiasts Wanted for Accessory Installer ... Our industry-leading benefits and perks are designed to help you thrive in your career and your ...

Accessory Installer

Jacksonville, FL

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Summary/Objective Install accessories on new vehicles. Essential Functions * Perform quality ... Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties ...

Accessory Installer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Summary/Objective Install accessories on new vehicles. Essential Functions * Perform quality ... Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties ...

Senior Designer, Accessories

Quincy, MA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

The Senior Designer partners closely with the Creative Director, apparel Design Directors ... Strong understanding of footwear, belts, and complementary accessory categories. * Deep knowledge ...

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Accessory Designer information

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$35.5K

$83.1K

$110K

How much do accessory designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for accessory designer in the United States is $83,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Accessory Designer do?

An Accessory Designer is responsible for creating and developing designs for fashion accessories such as handbags, belts, hats, scarves, jewelry, and footwear. They research fashion trends, select appropriate materials, and produce sketches or prototypes of their concepts. Accessory Designers collaborate with manufacturers, oversee the production process, and ensure that the final products meet both aesthetic and functional standards. Their work blends creativity with market awareness to deliver accessories that complement current fashion trends and consumer preferences.

What is the difference between Accessory Designer vs Jewelry Designer?

AspectAccessory DesignerJewelry Designer
CredentialsFashion or accessory design degree, portfolioJewelry design degree, gemology certification
Work EnvironmentFashion studios, accessory brandsJewelry studios, boutiques, manufacturing
Industry UsageFashion, apparel, accessoriesJewelry, luxury goods

Accessory Designers focus on creating a variety of fashion accessories like handbags, belts, and hats, often working within the fashion industry. Jewelry Designers specialize in designing jewelry pieces such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets, typically requiring specific jewelry design skills and certifications. Both roles involve creative design, but they differ in materials, tools, and industry focus.

What are some common challenges faced by accessory designers when bringing a concept to production?

Accessory designers often encounter challenges such as sourcing suitable materials that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements, working within tight timelines, and balancing creativity with manufacturing constraints. Collaborating effectively with manufacturers and suppliers is essential to ensure designs are feasible for mass production without compromising on quality. Staying up-to-date with trends and adapting quickly to market shifts also requires flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.

How much does an accessory designer make?

An accessory designer's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level designers may earn less, while experienced professionals with strong portfolios and skills in design software can earn higher salaries, especially in fashion hubs or large companies.

How to become an accessories designer?

To become an accessories designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in fashion design, accessory design, or a related field. Developing a strong portfolio showcasing your creativity and technical skills, gaining experience through internships, and staying updated on current trends and tools like Adobe Illustrator or CAD are important steps in entering the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Accessory Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Accessory Designer, you need a strong background in fashion design, creativity, and knowledge of materials and production processes, often supported by a relevant design degree. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator, CAD programs, and familiarity with prototyping tools is typically required. Attention to detail, trend awareness, and strong communication skills help designers effectively collaborate with teams and interpret client needs. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, marketable accessories that align with brand vision and consumer demand.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid designer roles are often senior or executive positions such as Creative Director or Design Director, especially in industries like fashion, technology, or advertising. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the company and location.

What is the role of an accessory designer?

An accessory designer creates and develops fashion accessories such as jewelry, handbags, belts, and hats, focusing on style, functionality, and market trends. They research materials, sketch designs, select colors, and collaborate with manufacturers, often using design software like Adobe Illustrator or CAD tools. Strong creativity, knowledge of fashion trends, and technical skills are essential for this role.
More about Accessory Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Accessory Designer jobs? Cities with the most Accessory Designer job openings:
What states have the most Accessory Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Accessory Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Accessory Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,148 per year, or $40 per hour.
Designer, Accessories - NYC

Designer, Accessories - NYC

Steve Madden

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Steve Madden rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

General Summary
We are a dynamic, trend-driven fashion company targeting the junior market with a focus on speed, creativity, and innovation. We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Accessory Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of emerging trends, materials, and the fast fashion cycle across multiple categories including headwear, neckwear, cold weather accessories, and belts.
The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct seasonal trend, color, and material research tailored to the junior customer
  • Design and develop on-trend accessories across headwear, neckwear, cold weather, and belts from concept through production
  • Create detailed sketches, CADs, and tech packs/spec sheets for development
  • Communicate daily with overseas factories to support development, troubleshoot issues, and ensure design intent is executed accurately
  • Collaborate closely with production and cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate execution
  • Partner with sourcing on materials, trims, hardware, yarns, and fabrications aligned with design vision and cost targets
  • Develop prints, graphics, and surface embellishments where applicable
  • Manage multiple categories and seasonal timelines simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
  • Stay informed on competitor activity, market trends, and consumer insights relevant to the junior market
  • Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Specific Job Skills:
Essential duties include
  • Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
  • Strong understanding of accessory construction, materials, and technical specifications across soft and hard goods
  • Experience working with a wide range of materials including fabrics, knits, trims, hardware, and belt components
  • Strong communication skills, particularly with overseas factories and cross-functional partners
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Knowledge of print, pattern, and embellishment development and placement
  • Strong trend awareness with the ability to interpret runway and market insights into commercial product

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of accessory design experience (multi-category experience preferred; junior market a plus)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proven experience working directly with overseas factories, including daily communication
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • Proactive, positive attitude with a collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $90,000-$110,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.

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