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Fashion Designer Job Outlook
Slower-than-average job growth is projected.
Competition for jobs is expected to be keen as many designers are attracted to
the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation.
Employment change. Employment of
Fashion Designers is projected to grow 5 percent between 2006 and 2016,
more slowly than the average
for all occupations. Job growth will stem from a growing population demanding
more clothing, footwear, and accessories. Demand is increasing for stylish
clothing that is affordable, especially among middle income consumers. However,
employment declines in cut and sew apparel manufacturing are projected to offset
job increases among apparel wholesalers.
Job opportunities in cut and sew manufacturing will
continue to decline as apparel
is increasingly manufactured overseas. However, employment of Fashion Designers
in this industry will not decline as fast as other occupations because firms are
more likely to keep design work in-house.
Job prospects. Job competition is
expected be keen as many
designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the
occupation. Relatively few job openings arise because of low job turnover and
the small number of new openings created every year.
The best job opportunities will be in design firms
that design mass market clothing sold in department stores and retail chain
stores, such as apparel wholesale firms. Few employment opportunities are
expected in design firms that cater to high-end department stores and specialty
boutiques as demand for expensive, high-fashion design declines relative to
other luxury goods and services.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
Find related resources below:
Fashion Designer Income
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