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Handbag Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FASHIONPHILE is more than just fashion - we're revolutionizing the ultra-luxury fashion experience in order to create a sustainable alternative that extends the life cycle of products and makes them ...

FASHIONPHILE is more than just fashion - we're revolutionizing the ultra-luxury fashion experience in order to create a sustainable alternative that extends the life cycle of products and makes them ...

Specialist, Handbags

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele * Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors * Ensure that product photography is executed ...

FASHIONPHILE is more than just fashion -- we're revolutionizing the ultra-luxury fashion experience in order to create a sustainable alternative that extends the life cycle of products and makes them ...

FASHIONPHILE is more than just fashion -- we're revolutionizing the ultra-luxury fashion experience in order to create a sustainable alternative that extends the life cycle of products and makes them ...

Specialist, Handbags

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Advise on handbag and accessory product mix for US clientele * Provide pricing, terms of consignment, and other deal-specific information to consignors * Ensure that product photography is executed ...

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn into supplemental income? This could be the perfect opportunity for you! This is a 1099 contractor ...

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn into supplemental income? This could be the perfect opportunity for you! This is a 1099 contractor ...

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn into supplemental income? This could be the perfect opportunity for you! This is a 1099 contractor ...

Do you have merchandising and/or handbag experience and free time each month you would like to turn into supplemental income? This could be the perfect opportunity for you! This is a 1099 contractor ...

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Showing results 1-20

Handbag information

See California salary details

$14

$19

$23

How much do handbag jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for handbag in California is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a handbag?

Handbags are personal accessories designed to carry everyday items such as wallets, keys, makeup, and other essentials. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials, including leather, fabric, and synthetic options. Handbags can be functional, fashionable, or both, and are often used to complement an individual's outfit. They are popular among all genders but are most commonly associated with women's fashion. In addition to serving practical purposes, handbags can also be status symbols or collectible items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a handbag designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Handbag Designer, you need a strong background in fashion design, knowledge of materials, and proficiency in sketching and pattern-making, usually supported by a degree in fashion or accessory design. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD systems, and experience with prototyping tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help designers stand out in this competitive field. These skills ensure innovative, high-quality products that meet both aesthetic standards and market demands.

What is the difference between Handbag vs Accessory Designer?

AspectHandbagAccessory Designer
Required CredentialsFashion design degree, knowledge of materialsFashion or accessory design degree, trend awareness
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, retail, freelance
Industry UsageFashion brands, luxury labelsFashion, jewelry, and accessory brands
Common Search IntentDesigning handbags, handbag careersAccessory design, fashion accessories

Handbag designers focus specifically on creating handbags, working with materials, styles, and functionality. Accessory designers have a broader scope, designing various fashion accessories including handbags, jewelry, and scarves. While both roles require fashion design skills and industry experience, handbag designers specialize in a niche product, whereas accessory designers work across multiple accessory categories.

How to become a handbag designer?

To become a handbag designer, develop skills in fashion design, illustration, and pattern making through formal education or self-study. Gain experience by creating a portfolio, understanding materials and manufacturing processes, and staying updated on fashion trends. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator is also beneficial.

What are some common challenges faced by handbag designers in the fashion industry?

Handbag designers often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly changing fashion trends, balancing creativity with commercial appeal, and sourcing high-quality materials within budget constraints. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with production and marketing teams to ensure their designs are both feasible to manufacture and marketable to target customers. Navigating tight deadlines, managing feedback from multiple stakeholders, and maintaining brand consistency are also typical aspects of the role.

What is a handbag job?

A Handbag job typically refers to roles in the design, production, or sales of handbags and accessories. It can involve working as a designer, merchandiser, manufacturer, or retail associate in the fashion industry. Responsibilities may include creating new handbag designs, selecting materials, overseeing production, or marketing products to customers. The job may require creativity, fashion knowledge, and attention to detail, depending on the specific role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Handbag jobs in California? The most popular types of Handbag jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Handbag jobs? Cities in California with the most Handbag job openings:
Infographic showing various Handbag job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,813 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Senior Handbag and Accessories Designer - Women's

Rothy's

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 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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