CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Fashion Designer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$56,376/yr
Typical range: $53,071 – $68,511
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Fashion Designer salary by experience level in Chicago
Fashion Designer Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,376 | $4,698 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,743 | $6,062 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $84,867 | $7,072 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $96,021 | $8,002 | +70% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $116,389 | $9,699 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $132,393 | $11,033 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $136,394 | $11,366 | +142% |
Current Salary
$56,376
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$72,743
Junior · 2
+$16Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Fashion Designer salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Fashion Designers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $56K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Fashion Designer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $56K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Fashion Designer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Fashion Designer in Chicago, IL earns $121K–$156K/yr.