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Graduate Fashion Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... graduate schools of design, architecture, and fashion. In 2016 and 2017, Domus Academy's Fashion School was selected by Business of Fashion as one of the Top Global Fashion Schools. Domus Academy ...

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Graduate Fashion Design information

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$33K

$69.5K

$105K

How much do graduate fashion design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate fashion design 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.

What types of projects and collaborations can a Graduate Fashion Designer expect in their first role?

As a Graduate Fashion Designer, you can expect to work on a wide range of projects such as assisting with seasonal collections, developing sample garments, and conducting trend research. Collaboration is a key aspect of the role; you'll often work closely with pattern makers, textile designers, and marketing teams to bring designs from concept to production. This environment offers valuable opportunities to learn the full lifecycle of fashion products, improve technical skills, and build a professional portfolio. Engaging in cross-functional teamwork also helps you develop a deeper understanding of the industry and can open doors for future advancement.

What is the difference between Graduate Fashion Design vs Fashion Design Assistant?

AspectGraduate Fashion DesignFashion Design Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically a fashion design degree or diplomaRelevant experience or education, often a degree or ongoing studies
Work EnvironmentAcademic projects, internships, or entry-level roles in studiosAssistants work in fashion studios, design houses, or brands
Industry UsageEntry-level, educational phase, portfolio buildingSupport role, assisting senior designers in daily tasks

In summary, Graduate Fashion Design focuses on education and portfolio development, while a Fashion Design Assistant is a support role within a professional setting, often requiring some experience or training. Both roles are essential in the fashion industry but serve different stages of a designer's career.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Fashion Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, garment construction, textiles, and a relevant degree in fashion design or a related field. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, Adobe Creative Suite, and knowledge of current fashion trends are typically expected. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively help set candidates apart. These skills ensure innovative, well-executed designs that meet industry standards and client expectations.

What does a Graduate Fashion Designer do?

A Graduate Fashion Designer creates original clothing, accessories, or footwear, often starting their career after completing a degree in fashion design. They develop design concepts, sketch ideas, choose fabrics, and work on prototypes under the guidance of senior designers or within design teams. Graduate designers often assist with research, trend analysis, and presentations, while building their portfolios and gaining professional experience in the fashion industry.
More about Graduate Fashion Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Fashion Design jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Fashion Design job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Fashion Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Fashion Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Fashion Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Design Center Graduate Assistant

Design Center Graduate Assistant

Barnard College

New York, NY • On-site

$31.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

If you are a current Barnard College employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.
Job:
Design Center Graduate Assistant
The Barnard College Design Center is seeking a part-time Graduate Assistant to support the Design Center's service model, programming, and maintenance. This position will be central to supporting general tool and equipment use, helping with machine maintenance, supporting undergraduate student employees while on-shift, and assisting the Design Center Associate Director and Coordinator with providing instruction and workshops within the Center.
Job Description:
1) Daily Operations: the Lab Assistant will
  • Provide front-facing support for Design Center users during designated "open-hour" periods, emphasizing safe and responsible tool-use throughout the space. Monitor undergraduate staff members especially during weekends and evenings when full-time staff are not available.
  • Assist the Associate Director and Coordinator with training new student employees who are learning Center tools and equipment for the first time; supporting student employees while on-shift, should they run into troubleshooting issues or user questions they need help answering.
  • Ensure that the Design Center stays clean and organized. Some light cleaning tasks include sweeping, wiping down surfaces, rinsing out paint brushes and silk screens, etc. Assist with unpacking and organizing deliveries of materials. Assist with inventory and identifying materials in need of restocking.
  • Provide basic equipment maintenance as needs arise. (Examples include unclogging 3D printers, rethreading sewing machines, replacing drill bits.) Communicate with the Coordinator when more significant machine maintenance needs are identified.

2) Instructional and Curriculum Support: the Graduate Assistant will
  • Assist with workshops including material preparations and co-teaching support as needed.
  • Support Undergraduate Design Assistants through guidance and feedback as they lead Safety Orientations and Getting Started Workshops.

3) Community Building: the Lab Assistant will
  • Contribute to inclusive and welcoming makerspace shop culture, and help ensure that users adhere to similar practices when interacting with others throughout the space.
  • Assist the Associate Director and Coordinator in communications tasks including social media posts, event flyering, etc.

4) Additional job responsibilities and duties as needed
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to work on a team in a collaborative environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
    Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Required Qualification Summary
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Enrollment in a Graduate Degree program
  • Competencies in one or more of the following areas: intermediate to advanced sewing skills, textile artistry, hand or machine embroidery, 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking (with handheld tools or power tools), or experience programming arduinos/raspberry pis/wearable microcontrollers.
  • Proficient with one or more of the following software: Adobe Illustrator (Photoshop and/or InDesign is a plus, but not required); AutoCAD or Rhino, Tinkercad, or similar software.

Preferred Qualification Summary
  • Degree (or minor) in a design-adjacent subject area, such as architecture, urban planning, fashion design, engineering, or others.
  • At least 1 to 3 years of related work experience, or a combination of education and related experience.
  • Demonstrated experience providing technology or makerspace tool support to student, staff, or faculty communities.
  • Experience working in education, especially higher education.

Pay $31.50/hour
Looking for about 10-15 hours per week. Weekend and evening availability required. Please submit a resume with your application, design portfolio optional.
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Company:
Barnard College
Time Type:
Part time

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About Barnard College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1889