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Handbag Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sotheby's

Specialist, Handbags

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby's and Concierge. Sotheby ... Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele * Provide pricing, terms of ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Stockton, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

Clare V.

Product Development Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... handbag manufacturing. Requirements: Responsibilities: Product Development & Sampling * Support ... Partner closely with Design and Technical Design teams to ensure tech packs are completed ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

El Centro, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

ThirdChannel

Visual Merchandising Rep - COACH

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn ... Design your own flexible work schedule in partnership with store management * Attend monthly video ...

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All JobsHandbag Design JobsHandbag Design Jobs in California

Handbag Design information

See California salary details

$69.6K

$132.8K

$192.4K

How much do handbag design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for handbag design in California is $132,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $155,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Handbag Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Handbag Design, a strong foundation in fashion design principles, sketching, pattern-making, and material knowledge—often supported by a degree in fashion or accessory design—is essential. Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Illustrator and CAD systems, as well as familiarity with prototyping tools, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help designers collaborate with teams and interpret client needs. These abilities are crucial for creating innovative, functional products that meet both aesthetic trends and market demands.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of handbag design, senior or lead designers often earn the highest salaries, especially those working for luxury brands or with extensive industry experience. Top designers with strong portfolios and skills in fashion illustration, CAD software, and trend forecasting can achieve higher compensation, sometimes exceeding six figures annually. Executive roles such as Creative Director in fashion companies also command high salaries within the design industry.

What is a Handbag Design job?

A Handbag Design job involves creating stylish, functional bags by selecting materials, colors, and patterns while considering fashion trends and brand aesthetics. Designers sketch concepts, develop prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturers to bring designs to life. They also research market demands, stay updated with trends, and ensure products meet quality and cost requirements. Attention to detail, creativity, and knowledge of production processes are essential for success in this role.

What skills do you need for bag design?

Handbag designers need strong creativity, an understanding of fashion trends, and proficiency in sketching and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and attention to detail are also essential for creating functional and stylish bags.

What does a handbag designer do?

A handbag designer creates the concept, style, and prototypes for handbags, combining fashion trends with functionality. They use sketching, computer-aided design (CAD), and material selection to develop new products, often collaborating with manufacturers and understanding production processes. Strong creativity, knowledge of materials, and technical skills are essential in this role.

How much do bag designers make?

Bag designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of their designs. Senior or highly experienced designers working for major brands can earn over $100,000 per year. Many also supplement income through freelance work or commissions.

What does a typical day look like for a handbag designer, and who do they work with?

A typical day for a handbag designer involves sketching new concepts, choosing materials, creating prototypes, and refining designs based on feedback. Handbag designers collaborate with product development teams, pattern makers, and manufacturers to bring their creations to life, often working closely with marketing and sales teams to align designs with market trends. Managing deadlines and coordinating production schedules are also common aspects of the job. This collaborative environment allows designers to see their ideas evolve from initial concept to finished product, providing both creative satisfaction and valuable industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Handbag Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Handbag Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Handbag Design jobs in California? For Handbag Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Handbag Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Handbag Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Handbag Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Handbag Design job openings:
Handbag Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Handbag Design job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $132,815 per year, or $63.9 per hour.
Senior Handbag and Accessories Designer - Women's

Senior Handbag and Accessories Designer - Women's

Rothy's

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Rothy's rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Senior Handbag and Accessories Designer - Women's
Location: San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)
At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 200 million single-use plastic bottles and 715,000 pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic have been transformed into our signature thread, creating wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.
Striving for zero waste, we combine 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create machine washable styles that don't compromise on comfort. From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you go.
At Rothy's, building a sustainable future is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day.
About the Team:
The creative minds behind our beloved products. The Product Design team is a group of brilliant shoe and bag designers with unparalleled insight into past and future brand innovations. Whether designing all-new silhouettes or imagining fresh colors and patterns for existing styles, this powerhouse team dreams up the icons Rothy's is known for-from yesterday, today and tomorrow.
About the role:
We're looking to add a Senior Designer, specializing in women's handbags and accessories, to our small but mighty Product Design Team. In this role, you'll help develop our next Rothy's product by collaborating on what pattern or color we should offer next! You'll work closely with our creative Product Development Teams.
What you'll do:
  • Design and assort handbag and accessories in both knit and non-knit materials from concept through production
  • Create, upload, and manage technical packages (tech packs) within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system (Centric)
  • Research industry trends to inform accessory color, texture, and detail directions
  • Collaborate regularly with cross-functional teams-including Leadership, Merchants, and Design-throughout the development process
  • Track and maintain communication with factories for color, texture, and prototype development
  • Work closely with factories to resolve technical challenges related to knitting materials
  • Review prototypes and pre-production samples to ensure alignment with technical specifications
  • Support in the selection of colors in new materials
  • Create color and technical specifications for production
  • Contribute to the development of trims and novelty accessory components
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date design files and databases
  • Manage color dip approvals
  • Create hardware tech packs
  • Maintain material, hardware and trim libraries
  • Organize and update the sample closet; recycle outdated samples.
  • Complete assigned tasks within established timeframes and adhere to the brand calendar

You are:
  • Collaborative with an enthusiastic mindset for learning
  • An excellent communicator with a proven ability to meet deadlines
  • Highly adaptable to a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment
  • Extremely organized with a meticulous attention to detail

You have:
  • 8 years of experience in knit color experience ideally in accessories
  • Expert proficiency in coloring and developing textures for knit materials
  • Demonstrated passion for accessories, color, pattern, knitwear, innovation and sustainability
  • Advanced skills in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
  • A deep understanding of textile color and material development
  • A strong grasp of product development practices
  • Experience creating industry-standard technical specifications
  • Familiarity with PLM systems, such as Centric

Our benefits:
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401k matching
  • Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
  • Supplemental mental health benefits
  • Monthly wellness reimbursement
  • Employee Discount Program!

Pay range:
$98,000 - $118,960 annually/per hour
Base pay is one part of the total rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.
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