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Color Forecasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbiasportswearcompany

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67K - $99K/yr

Schedule and coordinate meetings with color forecasting and trend service providers. * Coordinate development, preparation and issuing of seasonal color cards, both digital and physical, upload ...

Columbia Sportswear Company

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$67K - $99K/yr

Schedule and coordinate meetings with color forecasting and trend service providers. * Coordinate development, preparation and issuing of seasonal color cards, both digital and physical, upload ...

Columbia Sportswear

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67K - $99K/yr

Schedule and coordinate meetings with color forecasting and trend service providers. * Coordinate development, preparation and issuing of seasonal color cards, both digital and physical, upload ...

Carter's, Inc.

Forecasting Analyst

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Execute the forecasting and buying processes for assigned product categories. - Maintain ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Carter's

Forecasting Analyst

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Execute the forecasting and buying processes for assigned product categories. - Maintain ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

Truck-Lite

Forecasting & Planning Coordinator

Erie, PA · On-site

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 ...

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Color Forecasting information

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How much do color forecasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 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 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.

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.

What is a color forecaster?

A color forecaster is a professional who predicts upcoming color trends for industries such as fashion, interior design, and product development. They analyze cultural, social, and economic factors, often using tools like trend reports and color palettes, to guide companies in selecting popular colors for future seasons.

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 careers use color theory?

Color forecasting careers, such as color consultants, designers, and branding specialists, rely heavily on color theory to select and predict effective color palettes. These roles often require knowledge of color psychology, trends, and tools like color matching software to create visually appealing and marketable designs.

How much do trend forecasters get paid?

Trend forecasters, including those in color forecasting, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major brands can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by industry-specific skills like data analysis and trend research tools.

How to get a job in forecasting?

To pursue a career in forecasting, develop strong analytical skills, proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel or specialized software, and knowledge of industry-specific trends. Gaining relevant experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications in data analysis or related fields can improve job prospects.
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:
Color Forecasting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Color Forecasting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,638 per year, or $20 per hour.

Color Specialist

Columbiasportswearcompany

Carlsbad, CA • Hybrid

$67K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

*This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Carlsbad, CA. In-office expectation is 4 days a week*.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

With a deep understanding ofprAna'sbrand, the Color Specialist supports our design team in the development of seasonal color. Primary responsibilities include color palette development and management of the lab dip process, ensuring accuracy and consistency across divisions and materials. S/he assists the design and merchandising team in preparation of color details for presentations. The position fields and responds to inquiries from cross-functional teams and our vendor base on any color-related issues and assists with all other color related projects and functions as requested.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • Participate in research phase of color direction and trends.

  • Schedule and coordinate meetings with color forecasting and trend service providers.

  • Coordinate development, preparation and issuing of seasonal color cards, both digital and physical, upload digital seasonal palettes for design team.

  • Coordinate seasonal selection of colors to be lab dipped for all fabrications via meetings with Design Director, Merchants, and Designers with management approval.

  • Evaluate, comment, and approve all seasonal lab dip submissions to ensure consistency and accuracy across multiple fabric substrates.

  • Communicate all color comments via email to mills and vendors on a timely basis.

  • Manage and track lab dip submits for all categories, maintain lab dip log, seasonal color reference book, filing, etc.

  • Maintain organized records and file lab dips and bulk submits for easy reference .

  • Maintain light box.

  • Evaluate, comment and approve bulk production shade bands and individual dye lots for accuracy in a timely manner.

  • Identify and elevate issues to ensure timely resolution.

  • Meet all Product Creation calendar deadlines.

  • Support materials team with seasonal booking of greige, test requests and materials development projects.

  • Assist the Design, Merch and Product Development team with additional projects as requested

YOU ARE

  • Able to establishes and maintain schedules by prioritizing heavy workloads and multiple seasons overlapping

  • A problem-solving solver, able to work on multiple projects at a time.

  • Able to maintain a professional demeanor and openness to new ideas and change

YOU HAVE

  • Associate degree in apparel design or equivalent relevant experience is required.

  • 5+ years of relevant apparel design, development, or color management experience

  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator

  • Working knowledge ofprograms: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & Adobe Photoshop

  • Strong eye for color is a must

  • Knowledge of color theory, excellent color sense and knowledge of color models RGB, CMYK and Pantone matching systems

  • Understanding of various fabric qualities and substrates

  • Color test (Munsell) results

  • Spectrophotometer experience helpful

  • PORTFOLIO LINK OR ATTACHMENT INCLUDED IN APPLICATION RECOMMENDED

#LI-JC1

#prAna

#hybrid

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.Hiring Range: $67,750 - $99,737.00*Pay decisions are determined by multiple factors, including what the market is paying, a candidate's capabilities and skills, years of experience ,and internal equityAt Columbia Sportswear Company, we're proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family's financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to AskHR@columbia.com with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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