Fashion design is a desired career choice for many. The glamour, creativity, and earning potential, along with names like Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Mark James, and Yves Saint Laurent, convey visions of glamorous clothing, red-carpet events, celebrities, fame, and big bucks. However, the reality could not be further from the truth. Those who choose careers in fashion design have starting salaries under $30,000 a year; however, hard work, determination, creativity, and the ability to excel can lead to millions in earnings over the course of a career.

People associate fashion design with high-profile designers who lend their names to the clothes we wear. Those who enjoy the world of fashion, but require job and income stability, have more secure opportunities available. Employment abounds in mass merchandising and manufacturing. These garments are designed for retail and discount chains. As middle-class demand for fashionable yet affordable clothing increases, these designers and manufacturers continue to grow in popularity. Starting salaries in mass marketing average $30,000 a year; however, creating designs that are unique and functional generates potential revenue of $78,000 or more per year.

Designer salaries are often dictated by employment. As mentioned above, designers who work for manufacturers can expect to earn between $56,000 and $73,000 a year.

Design firms, franchises, universities, and design houses offer intermediate salaries; somewhere between $45,000 and $51,000 annual income.

Designers who choose the path of self-employment start out with a salary of $35,000 a year, but it is often these designers who have the most earning potential. While rare, these designers often believe they have their own brand and design houses; your brand label will attract millions.

The location of employment influences the salary of fashion designers. Unlike other industries, fashion design is concentrated in major cities in the United States. The greatest earning potential is in cities like San Francisco ($69,000 a year), Dallas ($67,000 a year), Los Angeles ($57,000 a year), Seattle ($56,000 a year), Miami ($45,000) and Chicago ($43,000 a year) . Interestingly, although it is considered the design capital of the world, New York ranks third with salaries averaging $63,000 per year. New York is inundated with new designers every year. Wages are kept low, especially for those new to the industry, to test their mettle and commitment to the industry.

Other factors that determine salary are education and experience. Designers, who have graduated from prestigious universities and design schools, command higher salaries. Creativity, talent, and reputation allow a designer to stand out from the competition and further increase earning potential. Designers who respect their clients and employees have higher incomes and don’t forget a client base of well known celebrities and headliners will propel a designer to the top of the pay scale.

As with any career choice, many factors, including education, drive, creativity, location, and just plain hard work, will ultimately determine a fashion designer’s lifetime income. For those who are willing to take risks and seek the best opportunities, lifetime income is only limited by creativity and imagination.