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Color Forecasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$67.75K - $99.74K/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 ...

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67.75K - $99.74K/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 ...

Color Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$67.75K - $99.74K/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 ...

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

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

$174.10K - $197K/yr

The Director of Forecast at a theme park is responsible for overseeing and managing the park ... 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 ...

AI Forecasting Intern

Ooltewah, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Job Purpose The AI Forecasting Intern will support the Finance & Strategic Planning team by ... color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status ...

AI Forecasting Intern

Reading, PA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Job Purpose The AI Forecasting Intern will support the Finance & Strategic Planning team by ... color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status ...

AI Forecasting Intern

Reading, PA · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Job Purpose The AI Forecasting Intern will support the Finance & Strategic Planning team by ... color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status ...

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Color Forecasting information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do color forecasting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Color Forecasting jobs
Infographic showing various Color Forecasting job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. 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

$67.75K - $99.74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Columbia Sportswear rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 102 rated fashion retailers


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 of prAna's brand, 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 of programs: 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 equity
At 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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About Columbia Sportswear

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1938

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