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Apparel Design Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Apparel Design Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design * Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Apparel Design Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design * Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities

Childhood Cancer Society

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Apparel Design Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design * Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Apparel Design Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design * Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities

Childhood Cancer Society

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Apparel Design Merchandise concepts, wearable branding, and product design * Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core Responsibilities

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsApparel Design JobsApparel Design Jobs in Colorado

Apparel Design information

See Colorado salary details

$34.7K

$73.1K

$110.4K

How much do apparel design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for apparel design in Colorado is $73,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $93,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by apparel designers when collaborating with production teams?

Apparel designers often encounter challenges in translating creative concepts into technically feasible garments, especially when working closely with production teams. Differences in material availability, cost constraints, and manufacturing capabilities can require designers to adjust their original ideas. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as designers must frequently provide detailed specifications and adapt their designs to ensure both aesthetic quality and production efficiency. Building strong relationships with pattern makers and manufacturers helps streamline this process and leads to better final products.

What is the difference between Apparel Design vs Fashion Design?

AspectApparel DesignFashion Design
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in fashion or apparel designOften requires a fashion design degree or related certification
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, retailRunway shows, design studios, fashion houses
Industry UsageFocuses on clothing production and technical designEncompasses the broader fashion industry, including trends and branding

Apparel Design primarily focuses on creating clothing items and technical specifications, while Fashion Design covers the broader scope of fashion trends, runway collections, and branding. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environments, but Apparel Design is more technical and production-oriented, whereas Fashion Design emphasizes creativity and trendsetting.

What is apparel design?

Apparel design is the process of creating clothing and accessories by conceptualizing, sketching, and developing garment ideas. Designers consider factors such as fabric, color, functionality, and style to produce wearable and appealing fashion pieces. They may work for fashion brands, manufacturers, or as independent creators, and their work involves staying up-to-date with trends and understanding consumer preferences.

What does an apparel designer do?

An apparel designer creates clothing and accessory designs, developing concepts, sketches, and technical specifications for production. They often use design software like Adobe Illustrator and collaborate with pattern makers and manufacturers to bring their designs to life. Strong creativity, knowledge of fabrics, and understanding of fashion trends are essential in this role.

What can you do with a degree in apparel design?

A degree in apparel design prepares individuals for careers such as fashion designer, technical designer, product developer, or stylist. Graduates can work in clothing manufacturing, retail, or start their own fashion brands, often utilizing skills in CAD software, fabric selection, and trend analysis.

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

To thrive as an Apparel Designer, you need strong skills in fashion design, garment construction, textile knowledge, and often a degree in fashion or a related field. Proficiency with design software like Adobe Illustrator, CAD systems, and familiarity with industry-standard pattern-making tools is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help set designers apart in a competitive market. These abilities are vital for translating ideas into marketable garments that meet consumer trends and production standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Apparel Design jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Apparel Design jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Apparel Design jobs in Colorado? For Apparel Design jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apparel Design jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Apparel Design jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Apparel Design jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Apparel Design job openings:
Apparel Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apparel Design job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,074 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

Job Posting Title Apparel and Merchandising - Instructor - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Posted 7 days ago

Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

484th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

The Department of Design and Merchandising seeks applications for part-time, adjunct instructor(s) to teach courses in the Apparel and Merchandising program for the 2026-27 academic year (9-month position). Qualified applicants will have the expertise to teach courses in apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising, such as fashion industries, design appreciation, apparel construction, patternmaking, draping, historic textiles/costume, product development, merchandising, entrepreneurship, and/or fashion show production/event planning.

To learn more about the Department of Design and Merchandising (DM), please visit:https://www.chhs.colostate.edu/dm

Salary Range:

$60,000 - $80,000

Essential Job Duties:

  • Teach courses in apparel design, product development, and/or merchandising.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Supervision:

This position reports to the Department Head of Design and Merchandising.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in an appropriate discipline is required.

  • A minimum of 2 years of industry experience (e.g., in fashion/apparel industry, business, or museums).

  • Demonstrated university-level teaching experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in an appropriate discipline.

  • Experience/expertise with industry software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop,CAD, Excel, Lectra, 3-DCLO, Optitex,PLM).

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit the following materials directly to this posting:

  • Cover letter

  • CV or resume

  • Portfolio or work samples optional

This is an open pool posting. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available. This pool will expire on January 31, 2027. Applicants wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

Social media

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