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Contract Footwear Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Net2Source (N2S)

Footwear Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

Footwear Designer Location: Beaverton, OR Duration: 4+ months Reason for opening ... FTE parental leave Expected contract length: 18 weeks from start date Organization : JRD Design ...

Ariat

Apparel Technical Designer (Contract)

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work and play outdoors, and care ... This contract position may be eligible for select benefits through the payrolling agency. Benefits ...

Aquent

Product Designer 3

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

This contract runs approximately 6 months from your start date and helps cover extended leave ... Client Description Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses ...

Aquent

Lead Apparel Color Designer Basketball

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$42 - $46.67/hr

Jun 16, 2026 Lead Designer - Basketball Apparel Color (Contract) Location: Beaverton, OR (Hybrid ... Experience across both footwear and apparel * Strong presentation skills with experience sharing ...

NWPX Infrastructure

Project Designer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Safety Footwear and Eyewear Voucher (Day 1 of Employment) * Employee Assistance Program (EAP ... Accurately compile the contract requirements, customer preferences, and manufacturing limitations ...

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All JobsContract Footwear Designer Jobs

Contract Footwear Designer information

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$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do contract footwear designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract footwear designer in the United States is $69,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you freelance in footwear design?

Contract footwear designers often work as freelancers, creating designs independently for multiple clients or brands. Freelancing in this field requires strong skills in CAD software, industry knowledge, and the ability to manage project deadlines and client relationships. Many designers build portfolios and network to find freelance opportunities in the footwear industry.

What is the difference between Contract Footwear Designer vs Freelance Footwear Designer?

AspectContract Footwear DesignerFreelance Footwear Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in fashion design or related field, portfolio, and industry experienceSimilar credentials; portfolio and experience are essential, but formal employment credentials may vary
Work EnvironmentWorks for a company or brand on temporary projects, often in an office or studio settingOperates independently, often remotely, managing multiple clients
Employer & Industry UsageHired by footwear brands or manufacturers on a contractual basisServes multiple clients, including brands and startups, on a project basis

Both roles require strong design skills and industry knowledge, but Contract Footwear Designers typically work within a company's structure on short-term projects, while Freelance Footwear Designers operate independently, managing their own clients and schedules.

How much does a footwear designer make?

The average salary for a footwear designer ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the company. Entry-level designers typically earn lower wages, while experienced professionals or those working for major brands can earn higher salaries and bonuses. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

How can I become a shoe designer for Nike?

To become a shoe designer for Nike, you typically need a bachelor's degree in footwear design, fashion design, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills. Relevant experience in footwear or apparel design, proficiency with CAD software, and knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes are also important. Networking within the industry and staying updated on current trends can improve your chances of securing a position at Nike.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid designers are often senior or lead roles such as Creative Directors or Chief Design Officers, with salaries reaching six figures or more. In specialized fields like fashion or footwear design, top executives or those working for major brands tend to earn the highest compensation, especially with extensive experience and industry reputation.

What are contract footwear designers?

Contract footwear designers are professionals who design shoes and related products for brands or manufacturers on a project or freelance basis, rather than as full-time employees. They are responsible for creating innovative designs that meet client specifications, market trends, and production requirements. These designers often work remotely or on-site for the duration of a contract and may handle tasks such as sketching concepts, selecting materials, and collaborating with development teams. Their work helps companies bring fresh ideas to their footwear lines without the commitment of a permanent hire.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Footwear Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Footwear Designer, you need strong skills in footwear design, trend analysis, and an understanding of materials and construction techniques, typically supported by a degree in fashion or industrial design. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D modeling tools like Rhino or CLO, as well as knowledge of manufacturing processes, is crucial. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help designers translate client visions into marketable products and efficiently collaborate with cross-functional teams. These abilities are vital for delivering innovative, commercially viable designs in a highly competitive and fast-paced industry.

What are some common challenges Contract Footwear Designers face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract Footwear Designers often juggle projects for different brands, each with distinct design aesthetics, timelines, and expectations. Balancing these varying requirements requires strong organizational and communication skills, as designers must adapt quickly, meet overlapping deadlines, and clearly understand each client's vision. Navigating feedback and revisions efficiently is key to maintaining high-quality work while fostering positive client relationships, especially in a fast-paced and trend-driven industry.
More about Contract Footwear Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Footwear Designer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Footwear Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Designer jobs? The most popular types of Footwear Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Footwear Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Footwear Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Footwear Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Footwear Designer jobs are:
Contract Footwear Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Footwear Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Footwear Designer

Footwear Designer

Net2Source (N2S)

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Hello Everyone,


I am looking for a Footwear Designer in Beaverton, OR with experience in Performance Design. Please see the attached job description below and if you feel interested feel free to apply.


Title: Footwear Designer

Location: Beaverton, OR

Duration: 4+ months


Job Description:

Reason for opening: FTE parental leave

Expected contract length: 18 weeks from start date

Organization: JRD Design Basketball

Team details & who they will work with: FBAT & Golf Footwear Product Design, Global Jordan

HM wants to see qualified resumes as they come in


Desired Candidate Profile:

  • Minimum required years of experience: 5+ YEO Footwear design with performance for technical and design

Education requirements:

Must have skills:

  • Covering 5 categories in Jordan and performance - global football (soccer), American football, baseball, athletics training, and golf
  • Bringing street wear into athletic footwear spaces - all of the performance with 100% style

Portfolio: distinct style edge, style driven mood boards, technical performance footwear, finger on the pulse of culture, clear connection from inspo to outcome, comfortable getting technical

Nice to have skills:

  • Cleats experience
  • Knows how athletes interact with footwear products



Best Regards,


Jayant Dhankhar

Delivery Lead

Visit LinkedIn Profile

(201) 777 1242 | Office: (201) 340 8700 EXT: 539

Jayant@net2source.com

www.net2source.com

270 Davidson Ave, Suite 704, Somerset, NJ 08873, USA


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About Net2Source

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Net2Source is an employer-of-choice for over 2200+ consultants across the globe. We recruit top-notch talent for over 40 Fortune and Government clients coast-to-coast across the U.S. We are one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. and this may be your opportunity to join us!

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Brunswick, NJ, US

Year founded

2007

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