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Graduate Fashion Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Fashion Assistant

Albany, NY · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

This position is ideal for a recent graduate with a background in Art, Fashion, or Design who is eager to gain hands-on experience in the textile industry. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 jobs can I get with a degree in fashion design?

Graduates with a degree in fashion design can pursue roles such as fashion designer, apparel technician, pattern maker, technical designer, or visual merchandiser. These positions often require skills in CAD software, sewing, and understanding of textile properties, and may involve working in studios, manufacturing, or retail environments.

What can you do with a master's in fashion design?

A master's in fashion design prepares individuals for advanced roles such as fashion designer, creative director, or fashion consultant. It enhances skills in design, technical knowledge, and industry understanding, often leading to leadership positions or specialized areas like sustainable fashion or technical design.

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 to do after a fashion design degree?

Graduates with a fashion design degree can pursue roles such as fashion designer, stylist, or pattern maker, often building a portfolio and gaining industry experience through internships or entry-level positions. Developing skills in CAD software, fabric sourcing, and understanding fashion trends can enhance employability and career growth.

Can we do fashion designing with graduation?

Graduates with a degree in fashion design can pursue careers in the field, often starting as assistants or interns to gain experience. Developing skills in sketching, sewing, and using design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is essential for success in fashion design roles.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,494 per year, or $33.4 per hour.

Adjunct Lecturer of Experimental Fashion

Kentucky College of Art and Design, Inc.

Louisville, KY • On-site

$4.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

KyCAD would like to announce a new position in the capacity of Adjunct Lecturer of Experimental Fashion for a three-week course taking place Fall 2026, Session 3 (November 30-December 18, M-R 9:00am-12:30pm + 1:30-5pm). This position is open to Internal and External applications.

Position Description:

Under the direction of the Chair of Fashion, the Adjunct Lecturer would have the opportunity to instruct STU 492: Special Topics: Dress-up Costuming the Character, an elective studio course.

Compensation: Salary: $4,000 per 3 credit course

Course Description:

STU 492: Special Topics: Dress-Up! Costuming the Character

(Center for the Human)

3 credits

This course introduces students to the art and practice of costume design for theatre, dance, film, and live performance. Students will explore how clothing communicates character, setting, and narrative through visual storytelling. By interpreting written source materials such as scripts, plays, and books, students will be challenged to design unique costumes informed by historic and material research as well as play in the space between period accuracy and creative license. This design-based course emphasizes sketching, drawing, and design; however, some assignments will expect students to select existing garments and alter them into dramatic costumes or fabricate costumes from whole cloth. By the end of the course, students will develop a small costume design portfolio that demonstrates their creative process from script analysis to final design presentation.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and teach to the objectives of the approved curriculum.
  • Submit syllabi and other instructional materials in a timely manner.
  • Maintain records of student academic progress and attendance, evaluate the level of achievement, and assign grades for the program.
  • Complete an end-of-term art assessment form for the course, if needed.
  • Maintain regular communication with students and, when appropriate, use the Academic Alert notification process.
  • Assess student work in a timely manner and submit course grades by the posted deadline.
  • Incorporate inclusive and effective teaching methods/styles that support successful learning appropriate to a diverse student population.
  • Infuse multicultural and diverse perspectives into the instructional process as appropriate and conduct classes in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual and cultural differences.
  • Model and cultivate open-minded inquiry, an appreciation for diverse perspectives, and creative problem-solving.
  • Develop and maintain healthy and positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and administration.
  • Embrace and enhance the college's culture to help ensure continued engagement, motivation, and drive.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Master of Fine Arts Degree in Costume Design, Theater Design, Fashion Design or master's degree with a minimum of 18 graduate course credit hours in costume design, theater design, fashion design, or recognized professional accomplishments in related field.
  • Preferred teaching experience: 3 years.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Evidence of teaching ability, curricular development, and scholarship.
  • Sensitivity and ability to successfully interact with diverse populations.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, KyCAD strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position will be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by KyCAD Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check. The candidate will also be required to complete Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) online training. 

Application Process:

Those who are interested in applying for this position will need to submit the following through our applicant portal at https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/kycad/jobs

  • A Letter of Interest that addresses the applicant's professional background, qualifications, and alignment with KyCAD's mission and vision.
  • Full Curriculum Vitae.
  • Unofficial graduate transcript(s).
  • Digital portfolio of 15-20 examples of recent creative work (or a link to an online portfolio).
  • Contact information for three professional references (name, phone number and email information).

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation to apply for a position with the Kentucky College of Art + Design or have additional questions regarding this position, please contact Human Capital Management at hcm@kycad.org.

About KyCAD:

Founded in 2009, The Kentucky College of Art + Design is proud of its success. Core values and principles have helped to shape the institution and our work toward a mission to provide a transformational experience for our students.

As an independent and licensed college offering a BFA in studio art, we are the only four-year, independent college of Art and Design in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Please visit our website at https://www.kycad.org/ for more information about the College's history, mission, vision, and interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning for art and design.

The Kentucky College of Art + Design is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. 


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