Fashion designers, and in particular new-comers to the sector form the AI and digital background, often don't know what to charge clients for their creative skills. The Fashion Guild are here to provide support for this, and many other questions and issues facing the changing face of the fashion sector.
So, here's a summary of current freelance fashion designer rates in the UK, EU, and USA, along with some important considerations for freelancers:
UK
Hourly Rates: Typically range from £20 to £50, depending on experience and project complexity. Beginners might charge around £20-£30, while experienced designers can charge £40-£50 per hour.
Day Rates: Freelancers usually charge between £250 and £400 per day. The average day rate is around £368, with some high-end designers charging up to £400 per day (Successful Fashion Designer) (Freelance Informer).
EU
Hourly Rates: Rates vary significantly across countries. For instance, in Germany, freelance textile designers charge around €60 per hour, while other EU countries might see rates from €30 to €100 per hour depending on the market and designer's reputation (Successful Fashion Designer) (Clockify).
Day Rates: Similarly varied, with an average range between €300 to €800 per day. For example, in France, high-demand designers can command up to €800 per day (Clockify).
USA
Hourly Rates: Entry-level designers might charge around $20-$35 per hour, while those with more experience can command $50-$150 per hour. Rates can go higher for highly specialised skills or notable reputations(wix.com).
Day Rates: Typically range from $200 to $800 per day, depending on the designer's experience and the project's requirements. For example, in New York, a designer might charge around $300-$400 per day (Successful Fashion Designer) (wix.com).
Comparison of Best and Worst Rates
Best Rates: High-end designers in the EU and USA tend to command the highest rates, especially in major fashion hubs like Paris and New York. Top designers can earn up to €800 or $800 per day.
Worst Rates: The lower end of the spectrum sees entry-level designers in the USA and some EU countries charging around $20 per hour or €30 per hour.
Considerations for Freelancers
Do you know what you are worth, and are you underselling your skills? It's crucial to accurately assess your value and ensure you're not underselling yourself. Remember, setting too low a rate can not only undervalue your work but also harm the industry standard.
Let's work together to establish benchmarks for what is or isn't acceptable rates of pay. The more we act as a professional community and say no to lower rates, the quicker the industry will adapt to the correct rates of freelance pay. Don't undersell yourself!
How do these rates compare with your own experience?
What about others countries and regions not covered in the above, can you help follow fashion professionals in the community by sharing your rates?
Sound off in the comments below and let's open up the black box of fashion design pay, once and for all!
