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Associate Fashion Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an Associate Designer, Fashion, you will contribute to the development of high-quality apparel by applying foundational design principles, including sketching, illustration, and color theory. You ...

As an Associate Designer, Fashion, you will contribute to the development of high-quality apparel by applying foundational design principles, including sketching, illustration, and color theory. You ...

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Associate Fashion Designer information

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$19.5K

$58.6K

$87.5K

How much do associate fashion designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate fashion designer in the United States is $58,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate fashion designer do?

An Associate Fashion Designer assists senior designers in creating and developing clothing lines or accessories. Their responsibilities typically include researching fashion trends, sketching design ideas, creating technical drawings, choosing fabrics and materials, and collaborating with pattern makers and manufacturers. They may also help prepare presentations, attend fittings, and ensure that designs meet brand standards and production requirements. This role is key in supporting the creative process and helping bring new collections to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate fashion designer?

To thrive as an Associate Fashion Designer, you need a strong background in fashion design principles, garment construction, and trend analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD systems is essential, along with knowledge of textile sourcing and technical packs. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and bring innovative concepts to life. These skills ensure the ability to create marketable, well-constructed designs that align with brand identity and industry trends.

How does an associate fashion designer typically collaborate with other team members during the design process?

As an Associate Fashion Designer, you will regularly collaborate with senior designers, pattern makers, merchandisers, and production teams. You'll participate in brainstorming sessions, contribute to mood boards, and help translate design concepts into technical sketches. Communication is key, as you’ll be expected to share feedback, coordinate fabric and trim selections, and ensure your designs align with brand direction. This teamwork fosters creativity and helps move collections smoothly from concept to finished product.

What is the difference between Associate Fashion Designer vs Fashion Designer?

AspectAssociate Fashion DesignerFashion Designer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in fashion design or related field; some experienceBachelor's degree; extensive experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists senior designers, supports design process, collaborates with teamsLeads design projects, creates original concepts, oversees entire design process
ResponsibilitiesSupports design development, prepares sketches, sources materialsDevelops collections, makes final design decisions, manages design team

The main difference between an Associate Fashion Designer and a Fashion Designer lies in experience and responsibility. An Associate Fashion Designer typically supports the design team with less autonomy, focusing on assisting and executing tasks. In contrast, a Fashion Designer leads the creative process, makes key decisions, and manages projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the level of experience and scope of responsibilities distinguish them.

More about Associate Fashion Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Associate Fashion Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Fashion Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Fashion Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Fashion Designer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Associate Fashion Designer jobs?

The top employers for Associate Fashion Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Associate Fashion Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Fashion Designer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Associate Fashion Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,560 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Fashion Designer Associate

Greensboro, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Simply Southern is a nationally recognized apparel brand that celebrates the preppy American lifestyle. Founded in Greensboro, NC in 2005, Simply Southern has been creating vibrant, catchy t-shirts and clothing for more than a decade. Simply Southern began as a small apparel kiosk in a mall in 2005. Today, Simply Southern is sold by over 6,000 independent retailers and has 27 of our own retail stores throughout 16 states. Between our corporate office, production facility, and retail locations, Simply Southern employs over 400 people. Simply Southern is passionate about helping the less fortunate and using our success for good. Simply Southern donates to a variety of organizations but are best known for our efforts to help sea turtle conservation and ChildFund International. To date, Simply Southern has donated over $6 million in cash and merchandise.

Job Summary:


The Fashion Design Assistant will work with the Fashion Designer and the Art Director to assist in the organizing and creation of new product. This person will be responsible for recording, photographing, and receiving samples. The Fashion Design Assistant will work to research new trends and communicate with factories to follow up on samples as needed. This role will also serve as a resource for special projects as needed. They will need to have excellent organization and time management skills as well as the ability to effectively multi-task. This position will require general knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator, good communication skills, and the ability to self-start, work independently, and meet deadlines.

Duties:

Assist with design and development of styles

Create technicalsketches, color ways, and mood boards

Package tech packs

Assist with line management

Responsible for coordinating and preparing samples and accessories for photoshoots

Supporting in Fit sessions as providing notes to cross functional partners

Stand in as a fit model for meetings (optional)

Coordinate and manage samples and transport them to meetings, photoshoots, showrooms, etc. as necessary

Maintain line database

Manage samples through seasons

Review Samples for construction

Maintain digital asset and design libraries

Qualifications:

Knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing process

Strong Digital Sketching skills

Proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office

Candidate must have strong fashion sense and creativity

Must be fluent in English

Ability to work on multiple projects and meet deadlines

Excellent communication and teamwork skills

Minimum 1 year of design experience

Must provide a portfolio

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field strongly preferred.

Work Environment/Job Conditions:

  • General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, and bending. Work is conducted primarily indoors with varying environmental conditions such as fluorescent lighting and air conditioning.
  • Noise level is usually low to medium
  • Occasional lifting of up to 35 lbs.

Job Type: Full-time, in-office