CreativeOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Fashion Designer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$143,971/yr
Typical range: $149,281 – $192,710
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Fashion Designer salary by experience level in New York
Fashion Designer Salary Progression in New York
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $69,736 | $5,811 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $89,982 | $7,499 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $104,979 | $8,748 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $118,776 | $9,898 | +70% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $143,971 | $11,998 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,767 | $13,647 | +135% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,716 | $14,060 | +142% |
Current Salary
$143,971
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $69/hr
Next Level Target
$163,767
Principal · 14
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
33/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Fashion Designer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Fashion Designers in New York, NY earn approximately $144K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Fashion Designer make per hour in New York, NY?
Based on $144K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $69/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Fashion Designer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Fashion Designer in New York, NY earns $149K–$193K/yr.