Fashion designers
SOC Code: 27-1022
Fashion designers carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $80,690 and +2.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 25,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 39% AI exposure, Fashion designers sits 2 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 65% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Fashion designers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Fashion designers has ai exposure of 39%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Fashion designers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Fashion designers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Fashion designers (SOC 27-1022) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 25,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +2.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $80,690, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Fashion designers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Sketch rough and detailed drawings of apparel or accessories, and write specifications such as color schemes, construction, material types, and accessory requirements.
- 2. Examine sample garments on and off models, modifying designs to achieve desired effects.
- 3. Determine prices for styles.
- 4. Confer with sales and management executives or with clients to discuss design ideas.
- 5. Select materials and production techniques to be used for products.
- 6. Provide sample garments to agents and sales representatives, and arrange for showings of sample garments at sales meetings or fashion shows.
- 7. Direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing and cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.
- 8. Develop a group of products or accessories, and market them through venues such as boutiques or mail-order catalogs.
- 9. Identify target markets for designs, looking at factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status.
- 10. Draw patterns for articles designed, cut patterns, and cut material according to patterns, using measuring instruments and scissors.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Persuasion
Knowledge Areas
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Production and Processing
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Fine Arts
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Fashion designers?
Fashion designers has an AI exposure score of 39%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Fashion designers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Fashion designers is projected to grow by 2.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 25,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Fashion designers?
Key skills for Fashion designers include Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Fashion designers earn?
The median annual wage for Fashion designers is $80,690, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Fashion designers?
The typical entry-level education for Fashion designers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Fashion designers?
Fashion designers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).