1

Color Forecasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role will support Apparel, partnering closely with our Color Forecast Expert to execute color from concept through bulk production. This role is highly detail-oriented and technical, with strong ...

This role will support Apparel, partnering closely with our Color Forecast Expert to execute color from concept through bulk production. This role is highly detail-oriented and technical, with strong ...

Forecasting Analyst

New York, NY · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Forecasting Analyst Hybrid Role New York, New York Compensation: $40 - $50 per hour 6-month ... We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation ...

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool * Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Director of Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool * Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Director of Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170 - $180/hr

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool * Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Director of Design

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool * Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Director, Forecasting

Orlando, FL · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

The Director of Forecasting is responsible for overseeing and managing forecasting processes to ... ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ...

Director of Design

Culver City, CA · On-site

$170K - $180K/yr

Strong trend and color forecasting capabilities, informed by multiple sources rather than a single forecasting tool * Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Director, Forecasting

Miami, FL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Director, Forecasting page is loaded## Director, Forecastinglocations: SeaWorld Parks ... ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ...

Forecasting & Planning • Develop, maintain, and adjust item-level forecasts using historical data ... We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Color Forecasting information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do color forecasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for color forecasting in the United States is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is color forecasting?

Color forecasting is the process of predicting the colors, shades, and palettes that will be popular in consumer products, fashion, interior design, and other industries in upcoming seasons or years. Color forecasters analyze trends, cultural shifts, market data, and global events to recommend colors that will resonate with consumers. Their insights help companies stay ahead in design and marketing, ensuring their products appeal to current tastes. This work often involves collaboration with designers, marketers, and industry organizations.

How does a color forecaster collaborate with designers and product development teams?

Color Forecasters frequently work alongside designers, product developers, and marketing teams to ensure that color trends are effectively integrated into new collections or products. They present research findings, create color palettes, and offer guidance on how to adapt trends for specific markets or brand identities. Regular meetings, mood board presentations, and cross-functional workshops are common methods of collaboration, allowing forecasters to provide actionable insights while remaining responsive to design and production timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a color forecaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Color Forecaster, you need expertise in color theory, trend analysis, and a background in design or fashion, often supported by a degree in design, textiles, or a related field. Familiarity with trend forecasting tools, color management software, and market research platforms is typically required. Strong visual communication, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with design and marketing teams help set candidates apart. These skills are essential for accurately predicting color trends that drive product development and meet consumer preferences.

What is the difference between Color Forecasting vs Color Trend Analysis?

AspectColor ForecastingColor Trend Analysis
Primary FocusPredicting future color trends for industries like fashion, design, and manufacturingAnalyzing current and past color trends to understand market movements
Skills & CredentialsColor theory, trend research, industry knowledge, often requires a background in design or marketingData analysis, market research, trend evaluation, often with a background in marketing or consumer behavior
Work EnvironmentCreative agencies, fashion houses, product development teamsMarket research firms, consulting agencies, corporate marketing departments

Color Forecasting involves predicting upcoming color trends to guide product development and marketing strategies, while Color Trend Analysis focuses on examining current and past trends to understand market dynamics. Both roles require a strong understanding of color theory and industry insights but differ in their primary objectives—future prediction versus trend evaluation.

Is color forecasting a good career?

Color forecasting is a specialized field within design and trend analysis that involves predicting popular colors for upcoming seasons, often requiring skills in research, trend analysis, and knowledge of industry tools. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in fashion, interior design, or product development, but job availability may be limited and competitive. Success often depends on building a strong portfolio and industry connections.
More about Color Forecasting jobs

What job categories do people searching Color Forecasting jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Color Forecasting jobs are:

Infographic showing various Color Forecasting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,638 per year, or $20 per hour.

Color Developer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

THE ROLE

Color Developer

We are seeking a Color Developer to join our growing team. This role will support Apparel, partnering closely with our Color Forecast Expert to execute color from concept through bulk production. This role is highly detail-oriented and technical, with strong cross-functional collaboration across Merchandising, Product Development, Creative, Engineering, and Supply Chain. You'll be responsible for ensuring color accuracy, consistency, and integrity across lab dips, testing, production, and digital representation.

Responsibilities

Color Development & Approval

  • Review and approve lab dips to ensure alignment with approved color standards
  • Evaluate color against tolerance ranges using both visual and instrumental methods
  • Confirm dye lot consistency across bulk production
  • Troubleshoot color issues and work with mills and factories to drive resolution

Testing & Quality Assurance

  • Manage and review color fastness testing results (wash, light, rub, etc.)
    Test and validate fabric opacity to ensure coverage and quality expectations
  • Flag risks early and recommend corrective actions to protect color integrity

Color Management & Digitization

  • Support the setup and ongoing use of color management tools
  • Partner with the Engineering team to digitize color standards and workflows
  • Help build scalable, repeatable processes for color accuracy across styles and categories

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Creative to ensure PDP imagery accurately reflects approved color standards
  • Align with Product Development and Production teams to maintain color consistency from development through bulk
  • Communicate clearly with internal teams and external partners on color expectations and approvals

Qualifications

Required: 

  • 5+ years of experience in color development, textile development, or material R&D (women's apparel preferred)
  • Strong understanding of dyeing processes, color tolerances, and lab/bulk workflows
  • Hands-on experience approving lab dips and evaluating color accuracy
  • Familiarity with color testing standards and reports (AATCC, ISO, etc.)
  • Experience with color management systems or digital color tools a plus
  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across creative and technical teams
  • Clear communicator who's comfortable working with vendors and factories
  • Motivated by working in a fast-paced collaborative environment, where flexibility to stretch into or out of functional comfort zones is crucial for team success
  • Proficient with MS Office/ G Suite applications including Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Preferred: 

  • Bachelor's Degree, preferred