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Color Forecasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gap, Inc.

Director of Color

San Francisco, CA · On-site

This individual will blend deep knowledge of color theory, trend forecasting, and consumer insights to deliver compelling, cohesive seasonal palettes, overseeing the process from concept to consumer.

YETI Coolers LLC

Sr. CMF/Color Designer

Austin, TX

$63K - $87K/yr

As a Sr. CMF/Color Designer -Soft Coolers, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of ... This role requires deepexpertisein CMF design, trend forecasting, and cross-functional ...

YETI Coolers LLC

Sr. CMF/Color Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

As a Sr. CMF/Color Designer - Soft Coolers, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of ... This role requires deep expertise in CMF design, trend forecasting, and cross-functional ...

Aquent

Senior Color Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

Color material and finish (CMF) experience ... Experience with seasonal trend forecasting Why Apply * Help shape products used by athletes and ...

LinkedIn

Senior Forecasting Business Analyst

Omaha, NE · On-site

$95K - $158K/yr

The Senior Forecasting Analyst for Trust Review Operations (TRO) will support the budget planning ... LinkedIn considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender ...

LinkedIn

Senior Forecasting Business Analyst

Omaha, NE · Hybrid

$95K - $158K/yr

The Senior Forecasting Analyst for Trust Review Operations (TRO) will support the budget planning ... LinkedIn considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender ...

Athleta

Director of Color

San Francisco, CA

$173K - $224K/yr

This individual will blend deep knowledge of color theory, trend forecasting, and consumer insights to deliver compelling, cohesive seasonal palettes, overseeing the process from concept to consumer.

B3H Corporation

Weather Forecasters are responsible for base or post forecasting, developing weather products ... We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation ...

Newell Brands

$62K - $85K/yr

As a Senior Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) Designer, you will be a creative leader driving CMF ... This role blends trend forecasting, innovation, and market insights to deliver compelling CMF ...

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Color Forecasting information

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$12

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$33

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 22% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,638 per year, or $20 per hour.
Director of Color

Director of Color

Gap, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Gap rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 271 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 102 rated fashion retailers

Job description

About the Role
The Director of Color will lead the vision, strategy, and application of color at Athleta. This individual will blend deep knowledge of color theory, trend forecasting, and consumer insights to deliver compelling, cohesive seasonal palettes, overseeing the process from concept to consumer.
The ideal candidate has an elevated taste level and a strong understanding of the technical aspects of apparel creation, materials, and finishing techniques. You bring a balance of creativity and analytical rigor, with the ability to establish the structure, processes, and systems needed to transform vision into exceptional results.What You'll Do
Color Creation
  • Create and lead the color strategy and vision each season.
  • Partner with design leadership to define seasonal color intent, inspiration, and aesthetic direction.
  • Evaluate trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes to inform strategic color decisions.
  • Create aspirational color presentations and tools that inspire product and leadership teams.

Operational Excellence
  • Establish and maintain clear workflows, timelines, and checkpoints for color processes and the color team.
  • Collaborate with Design Ops and cross-functional partners to maintain calendar alignment and remove roadblocks.
  • Introduce new tools, systems, or methods that enhance color workflows and collaboration.

Quality & Execution
  • Ensure all colors across the collection meet the highest standards of execution.
  • Partner closely with the color development team to support development, tools, and palette application.

Leadership
  • Manage, mentor, and support color designers, fostering growth, creativity, and collaboration.
  • Present seasonal color vision to design, merchandising, and leadership teams, inspiring cross-functional adoption.
  • Lead regular touchpoints to ensure consistency, cohesion, and alignment with brand vision and aesthetic guidelines.
Who You Are
  • 12+ years of experience in color design in fashion, ideally within the active space.
  • Strong understanding of color theory, color development, and production processes.
  • Possess an elevated taste level and an innate ability to translate trends through a brand lens.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining clarity and focus.
  • Demonstrate agility in shifting priorities and responding to change with a calm, solution-oriented mindset.
  • Skilled at guiding teams through change with steadiness, clear communication, and organized decision-making.
  • High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite; Miro experience is a plus.
  • Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to influence and build strong cross-functional relationships.

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