4 answers
Nia
Student
Bloomfield, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
1492 views
Does education make a difference in salary for a fashion designer?
is your salary going to be more if you have a higher degree in fashion or is it based on how long you worked somewhere or experience?
Login to comment
4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Nia!
Ohhh you're asking the million-dollar question — literally. Does a higher degree guarantee a bigger bag in fashion? Here's the real tea: in the fashion world, your degree isn't the headline — your work is.
Michelle absolutely nailed it when she said fashion is way more about your talent, connections, and hustle than whatever fancy paper you hang on your wall. But here's where education still secretly holds all the power, not for the salary, but for the experience, confidence, and access it gives you while you're building your name.
Why Education Still Matters (Even if It Doesn't Show on the Paycheck Right Away):
Fashion school isn't just about learning how to sketch or sew — it's where you get your first taste of the whole ecosystem. You're learning how to talk about fashion, critique fashion, research trends, and build collections. But the biggest hidden gem? It's the people you'll meet — professors, guest speakers, classmates who will one day be your collaborators, and even random internships you stumble into by accident.
Half the fashion industry runs on "Oh, I know someone who knows someone" energy. Education drops you right into that whole web before you've even finished your first portfolio.
The Fast option Without a Degree
.... Well, Now, can you totally skip school and still make it? 1000% Nia, if you're ready to grind like you're the long-lost Kardashian cousin trying to prove you belong at Paris Fashion Week. Bright hit the nail on the head — if you're self-taught with a killer portfolio and some smart networking, the industry will absolutely open doors for you. But the road is longer, lonelier, and packed with people who will underestimate you until you prove yourself... over and over again.
Well, salary decoder time.....
Degree + Zero Work + No Portfolio = Cute resume, but no one's cutting checks.
No Degree + Fire Portfolio + Connections = You could absolutely pop off... but it might take years.
Degree + Work Experience + Portfolio + Networking = The whole industry starts calling you before you even finish school.
The Secret Sauce 😶🌫️Nobody Talks About, is here.....🤫
If you're trying to make real money in fashion — like, paying rent off your creativity — the golden combo is:
1. Go to school for the access, not the degree.
2. Build your portfolio and personal brand like you're already a designer from day one.
3. Intern like crazy — not just at big brands, but with small independent designers where you'll actually get hands-on work.
4. Start your own little line or custom pieces on the side — Instagram is your best friend right now.
5. Become the person who always volunteers to help behind the scenes at every fashion event within 100 miles of you.
Nia... .
In fashion, nobody's hiring your diploma — they're hiring your vision and your vibe. The degree is just the ticket to get in the room. What you do once you're in there? That's what writes your paycheck.
So if you're passionate about fashion, don't choose education for the salary — choose it because it's the fastest way to become the designer you're already dreaming of being.
Now go out there and start sketching your future, one stitch at a time. All the best and good luck Nia, you got this! 🤗🙌
Ohhh you're asking the million-dollar question — literally. Does a higher degree guarantee a bigger bag in fashion? Here's the real tea: in the fashion world, your degree isn't the headline — your work is.
Michelle absolutely nailed it when she said fashion is way more about your talent, connections, and hustle than whatever fancy paper you hang on your wall. But here's where education still secretly holds all the power, not for the salary, but for the experience, confidence, and access it gives you while you're building your name.
Why Education Still Matters (Even if It Doesn't Show on the Paycheck Right Away):
Fashion school isn't just about learning how to sketch or sew — it's where you get your first taste of the whole ecosystem. You're learning how to talk about fashion, critique fashion, research trends, and build collections. But the biggest hidden gem? It's the people you'll meet — professors, guest speakers, classmates who will one day be your collaborators, and even random internships you stumble into by accident.
Half the fashion industry runs on "Oh, I know someone who knows someone" energy. Education drops you right into that whole web before you've even finished your first portfolio.
The Fast option Without a Degree
.... Well, Now, can you totally skip school and still make it? 1000% Nia, if you're ready to grind like you're the long-lost Kardashian cousin trying to prove you belong at Paris Fashion Week. Bright hit the nail on the head — if you're self-taught with a killer portfolio and some smart networking, the industry will absolutely open doors for you. But the road is longer, lonelier, and packed with people who will underestimate you until you prove yourself... over and over again.
Well, salary decoder time.....
Degree + Zero Work + No Portfolio = Cute resume, but no one's cutting checks.
No Degree + Fire Portfolio + Connections = You could absolutely pop off... but it might take years.
Degree + Work Experience + Portfolio + Networking = The whole industry starts calling you before you even finish school.
The Secret Sauce 😶🌫️Nobody Talks About, is here.....🤫
If you're trying to make real money in fashion — like, paying rent off your creativity — the golden combo is:
1. Go to school for the access, not the degree.
2. Build your portfolio and personal brand like you're already a designer from day one.
3. Intern like crazy — not just at big brands, but with small independent designers where you'll actually get hands-on work.
4. Start your own little line or custom pieces on the side — Instagram is your best friend right now.
5. Become the person who always volunteers to help behind the scenes at every fashion event within 100 miles of you.
Nia... .
In fashion, nobody's hiring your diploma — they're hiring your vision and your vibe. The degree is just the ticket to get in the room. What you do once you're in there? That's what writes your paycheck.
So if you're passionate about fashion, don't choose education for the salary — choose it because it's the fastest way to become the designer you're already dreaming of being.
Now go out there and start sketching your future, one stitch at a time. All the best and good luck Nia, you got this! 🤗🙌
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Nia !
Fashion Designers are not paid according to their education, rather by their talent, notoriety and who they connect with in the industry. I once knew someone who didn't go past 6th grade and he was a millionaire. I also knew of a couple of people with Masters Degrees that were homeless.
That being said, if you want to be a Fashion Designer, the education part is crucial. Education is an experience, not a prediction of future money. That is a process and if your passion for fashion is strong, you will enjoy going through the vital education for it. You'll also have to be within the Fashion hubs, the closest one to you is 124 miles from you in New York City. Most people that go to fashion school get their Bachelors Degree. That would be sufficient time to meet industry people, get experience, develop your line, become versatile, attend industry events and fashion shows. Going to school will help you feel that you're not doing it alone and you can meet some very helpful, supportive and interesting people.
So it's really not about having a Bachelors or Masters or PhD in fashion, it's about what you'll learn, doing projects, learning how to speak about fashion and critique it, learning the ins and outs of the industry and perhaps getting paid projects while you're still a student because people are getting to know you and your work. I would highly recommend going to fashion school for a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design.
Your resume would have your education, but also mostly your projects and experience which will be a consideration by employers or clients. You will also have a substantial portfolio and collection by doing this through being a fashion design student !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Fashion Designers are not paid according to their education, rather by their talent, notoriety and who they connect with in the industry. I once knew someone who didn't go past 6th grade and he was a millionaire. I also knew of a couple of people with Masters Degrees that were homeless.
That being said, if you want to be a Fashion Designer, the education part is crucial. Education is an experience, not a prediction of future money. That is a process and if your passion for fashion is strong, you will enjoy going through the vital education for it. You'll also have to be within the Fashion hubs, the closest one to you is 124 miles from you in New York City. Most people that go to fashion school get their Bachelors Degree. That would be sufficient time to meet industry people, get experience, develop your line, become versatile, attend industry events and fashion shows. Going to school will help you feel that you're not doing it alone and you can meet some very helpful, supportive and interesting people.
So it's really not about having a Bachelors or Masters or PhD in fashion, it's about what you'll learn, doing projects, learning how to speak about fashion and critique it, learning the ins and outs of the industry and perhaps getting paid projects while you're still a student because people are getting to know you and your work. I would highly recommend going to fashion school for a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design.
Your resume would have your education, but also mostly your projects and experience which will be a consideration by employers or clients. You will also have a substantial portfolio and collection by doing this through being a fashion design student !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Cheryl Penn
Learning Experience Designer
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Cheryl’s Answer
Earning a degree in any field shows that you can commit and complete tasks. Employers value this proof of capability. A college degree demonstrates your ability to deliver on your promises.
Choosing to carve your own path is a bold and rewarding journey. It requires strong motivation and dedication. It is, by far, the most difficult path. You need to complete projects, showcase them, and create an online portfolio. If you’re not ready to do this, college graduates may have an edge in the job market.
If you decide to skip college, consider becoming an apprentice to a skilled professional. Absorb as much knowledge as possible, then seek new mentors to broaden your skills. Document your work and build a strong portfolio. Always think from an employer’s perspective—they want to see a track record of completed projects and lessons learned, especially from failures. Demonstrating how you handle setbacks and improve is crucial. By doing this, you’ll strengthen your position as a strong candidate.
Choosing to carve your own path is a bold and rewarding journey. It requires strong motivation and dedication. It is, by far, the most difficult path. You need to complete projects, showcase them, and create an online portfolio. If you’re not ready to do this, college graduates may have an edge in the job market.
If you decide to skip college, consider becoming an apprentice to a skilled professional. Absorb as much knowledge as possible, then seek new mentors to broaden your skills. Document your work and build a strong portfolio. Always think from an employer’s perspective—they want to see a track record of completed projects and lessons learned, especially from failures. Demonstrating how you handle setbacks and improve is crucial. By doing this, you’ll strengthen your position as a strong candidate.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Education plays a significant role in a fashion designer's salary, but it is not the only or most important factor. A formal fashion design education provides a strong foundation in design principles, technical skills, and industry knowledge, exposing individuals to networking opportunities and internships. Graduating from prestigious fashion schools can open doors to better job opportunities and networking connections. Higher degrees can provide specialized knowledge in areas like sustainable fashion, textile technology, or fashion business, leading to higher-paying roles.
Experience is also crucial in the fashion industry, as designers with a proven track record of creating successful designs and working well with teams are in high demand. Years of experience, especially in reputable companies, can significantly boost earning potential. A strong portfolio showcases design skills, creativity, and style, compensating for a lack of formal education.
Networking and connections are crucial in the industry, as building strong relationships can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Salaries vary depending on location, with designers in major fashion capitals tending to earn more. Specialization in high-demand areas may result in higher salaries. Understanding the business side of fashion, including marketing, branding, and production, can lead to higher-paying roles in design management or creative direction.
Personal branding is also essential, as income is directly tied to the performance of a brand. While a higher degree can help, it is not the most important factor in a fashion designer's career.
Experience is also crucial in the fashion industry, as designers with a proven track record of creating successful designs and working well with teams are in high demand. Years of experience, especially in reputable companies, can significantly boost earning potential. A strong portfolio showcases design skills, creativity, and style, compensating for a lack of formal education.
Networking and connections are crucial in the industry, as building strong relationships can lead to job opportunities and collaborations. Salaries vary depending on location, with designers in major fashion capitals tending to earn more. Specialization in high-demand areas may result in higher salaries. Understanding the business side of fashion, including marketing, branding, and production, can lead to higher-paying roles in design management or creative direction.
Personal branding is also essential, as income is directly tied to the performance of a brand. While a higher degree can help, it is not the most important factor in a fashion designer's career.