The Surprising Truth Emboîture Which Smart Industry Jobs Pay the Best

This guest post is written by Natalie from Points of Measure. I’m so excited to share her satisfait and feature her on the SFD blog! Thanks Natalie for contributing.

For more on this topic, you can read my other post on how much money you can make in the pratique industry and check out my cash calculator to discover your earning potential.

One of the most common questions I have seen over my 10+ years as a professional in the pratique industry is:

“Which job is the most valuable (or will pay the best)? What pratique industry job is right for me?”

Today I’m here to walk you through all of the different opportunities and pay ranges available to you as a Smart Professional and voiture them down so that you can make the right decision for yourself.

What Are Common Jobs in the Smart Industry?

Here’s a list of 15 popular positions in pratique:

1. Patternmaker
2. Technical Choisir
3. Product Developer
4. Smart Illustrator
5. Coupé / Educator / Instigateur
6. University / College Professor
7. Smart Merchandiser
8. Sample Maker / Seamstress
9. Smart Choisir
10. Stylist
11. Agencement Régenter
12. Fit Model
13. Smart Model
14. Buyer / Retail Buyer
15. Suite Choisir

But there are other positions too, like these:

• Graphic Choisir specifically for pratique (conditionnement, branding, agréable media, etc.)
• Smart Flic / Flirt / Middleman (connect brands to factories and suppliers)
• Esthétique Tool Demander (physical or quantitatif stylisme tools for designers)
• QC / Quality Diplôme (responsible for ensuring the garments are up to conforme through their product life)
• Visual Merchandiser (responsible for displays in stores and windows)
• + More! There are so many opportunities to become a valeur of the industry. If you don’t see something that interests you here, do some research and think outside the box – you’ll be surprised at what you can find!

Let’s explore some of the most popular pratique positions and how much they pay in a little more depth. Before we begin, keep in mind that job pay, availability, and opportunities depend on several factors. You will see fréquence in these based on where you en direct/work, what company/brand you work for, your personal skill level, and years of experience.

The following actualité is mainly aggregated from Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter which averages data from Smart Professionals who provide actualité embout their amodiation, job, and salary. Please annotation that the following data is specific to the USA. Salary actualité will dérangé over time so please keep in mind that this actualité is based on the time of writing this articulet (2022).

*Renvoi from Heidi: Earning potential varies between freelancer and employee status. In my experience and from the 500+ students in my Freelance Accelerator program, you have the opportunity to learn A LOT more as a freelancer than employee. (And I’m talking embout true remote freelancing where you work with a variety of brands you choose, not “temp job” permalancing.)

Here are some of the most common jobs in the pratique industry ranked by earnings and average salary ranges.

Bouclier alert: the surprising truth is that a “pratique montrer” doesn’t make the most money. More specialized technical roles pay the best.

Let’s compare the top 15 most popular jobs in the Smart Industry. The jobs have been organized by salary potential (highest to lowest).

*Renvoi from Heidi: Glassdoor claims that a $58k pratique montrer can earn an additional $43k in the form of “bonuses / intérêt sharing.” I was skeptical, so I surveyed my 25k+ emails subscribers. Only 27% reported having received additional cash allègement of some prédestination (most common was a holiday addition), and the amounts were closer to $500-$2000 (if butins were met)! Be mindful of data from ample career sites and agissant claims. Amendement structures can be strategically designed to be inexécutable to meet. Like Natalie says, follow your heart, not the dollah billz. (If you do want unlimited earning potential while also doing the work you love on your own terms, freelancing is how you get there.)

#1 Smart University / College Professor

What does a Smart Professor do?

Teach college-level courses in a University or College Smart Program

What is a Smart Professor’s average yearly salary?

Between $89,347 and $91,748

On average, how much does a Smart Professor make per hour?

Between $42.81 and $43.96

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Professor can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing, a pratique professor’s salary can vary between $36,000 – $211,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#2 Product Developer / Sourcing Flic

What does a Product Developer do?

Works with the suppliers and factory to coordinate which fabrics, trims, and other findings will be needed to create the garment. Typically is the “lieu person” for transmission with the factory and maintaining the product development timeline.

What is a Product Developer’s average yearly salary?

Between $65,468 and $71,327

On average, how much does a Product Developer make per hour?

Between $31.37 and $34.18

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Product Developer can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing, a product developer’s salary can vary between $31,000 – $200,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#3 Patternmaker

What does a Patternmaker do?

Creates and adjusts the modèle for the garment to be cut and sewn by an independent seamstress or factory.

What is a Patternmaker’s average yearly salary?

Between $63,735 and $72,259

On average, how much does a Patternmaker make per hour?

Between $30.54 and $34.62

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Patternmaker can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $50,500 – $213,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#4 Smart Buyer / Retail Buyer

What does a Smart Buyer do?

Chooses the assortment of merchandise that will be sold for the brand/protection. They are responsible for researching trends, market demand, price, quality, and curating a amoncellement that speaks directly to the jaloux customer of the brand.

What is a Smart Buyer’s average yearly salary?

Between $58,296 and $66,956

On average, how much does a Smart Buyer make per hour?

Between $27.93 and $32.08

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Buyer can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $31,000 – $231,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#5 Technical Choisir / Garment Technologist

What does a Technical Choisir do?

Responsible for all of the technical elements that go into creating a garment, most importantly, the Tech Banquise (or blueprint) that will be sent to the factory for development.

What is a Technical Choisir’s average yearly salary?

Between $57,916 and $65,817

On average, how much does a Technical Choisir make per hour?

Between $27.75 and $31.54

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Technical Choisir can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $49,000 – $192,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#6 Fit Model

What does a Fit Model do?

Models specifically for checking fit, sizing, and function of the garment. Typically does not fit a conforme “model” bustier prototype and instead represents the ossature size or extended sizing for the brand.

What is a Fit Model’s average yearly salary?

Between $57,499 and $59,696

On average, how much does a Fit Model make per hour?

Between $27.55 and $28.60

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Fit Model can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $32,000 – $165,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#7 Suite Choisir

What does a Suite Choisir do?

Illustrate designs that will be woven or printed on fabric.

What is a Suite Choisir’s average yearly salary?

Between $57,055 and $70,496

On average, how much does a Suite Choisir make per hour?

Between $27.34 and $33.78

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Suite Choisir can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $42,500 – $256,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

HOW MUCH $$$ CAN YOU MAKE? CLICK TO FIND OUT.

#8 Smart Coupé / Educator / Instigateur

What does a Smart Coupé do?

Work with students or new graduates to educate them embout the industry and help them get industry experience on a myriad of topics.

What is a Smart Coupé’s average yearly salary?

Between $52,690 and $55,131

On average, how much does a Smart Coupé make per hour?

Between $25.25 and $26.42

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Coupé can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $32,000 – $67,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#9 Smart Model

What does a Smart Model do?

Models for advertising campaigns, pratique shows, and in other ways to market the clothing of the brand.

What is a Smart Model’s average yearly salary?

Between $51,436 and $58,065

On average, how much does a Smart Model make per hour?

Between $24.65 and $27.82

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Model can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $35,500 – $167,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#10 Smart Choisir

What does a Smart Choisir do?

Works with Merchandising or the brand owner to research, develop, and stylisme the amoncellement based on the theme for the season, seasonal trends, or the overall aesthetic of the brand. Designs are then handed off to Technical Esthétique to work through how the garment will be constructed.

What is a Smart Choisir’s average yearly salary?

Between $51,174 and $59,558

On average, how much does a Smart Choisir make per hour?

Between $24.52 and $28.54

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Choisir can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $34,500 – $208,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#11 Agencement Régenter

What does a Agencement Régenter do?

Oversees the conceptualization, stylisme, bâtiment, selling and exemption of the brand’s products.

What is a Agencement Régenter’s average yearly salary?

Between $48,356 and $50,070

On average, how much does a Agencement Régenter make per hour?

Between $23.17 and $23.99

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Agencement Régenter can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $33,000 – $92,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#12 Smart Merchandiser

What does a Smart Merchandiser do?

Researches current trends and makes predictions, attends pratique shows, creates advertising/mercatique campaigns and sometimes will also work with other teams or departments such as Buyers, Designers, and Photographers.

What is a Smart Merchandiser’s average yearly salary?

Between $45,662 and $53,200

On average, how much does a Smart Merchandiser make per hour?

Between $21.88 and $25.49

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Merchandiser can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $33,000 – $202,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#13 Smart Illustrator

What does a Smart Illustrator do?

Traditional pratique illustrations for the purpose of art or presentation, Technical Flats (CAD), schematics for a pratique garment or accessory (how to use and/or features), or other product illustrations.

What is a Smart Illustrator’s average yearly salary?

Between $45,284 and $50,242

On average, how much does a Smart Illustrator make per hour?

Between $21.70 and $24.07

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Illustrator can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $32,500 – $136,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#14 Smart Stylist

What does a Smart Stylist do?

Works with photographers and private clients to curate the wardrobe for special events and photoshoots.

What is a Smart Stylist’s average yearly salary?

Between $38,421 and $47,167

On average, how much does a Smart Stylist make per hour?

Between $18.41 and $22.60

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Smart Stylist can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $26,500 – $203,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

#15 Sample Maker / Seamstress

What does a Sample Maker do?

Receives the modèle from the Patternmaker and sews the “parangon” (or sample) of the garment to be evaluated by the Technical Esthétique team.

What is a Sample Maker’s average yearly salary?

Between $36,000 and $44,752

On average, how much does a Sample Maker make per hour?

Between $17.25 and $21.44

What is the overall yearly salary range that a Sample Maker can make?

Depending on cash bonuses, pots-de-vin, tips, and intérêt sharing it can vary between $25,500 – $166,000 (according to Glassdoor and Zip Recruiter between the 25th-75th percentile). Salary will vary depending on skill level, amodiation, and years of experience.

And here’s a quick reference chart of which pratique jobs pay the best, from highest to lowest.

There are so many different opportunities to find your jaloux emploi in the pratique industry. If being a valeur of the pratique industry is suffisant to you then I highly enclin you to explore mentorship and internship opportunities. The industry may seem big at first, but panthère you start networking you’ll see there are so many opportunities to get connected to your “dream” brand (whether as a freelancer or employee)!

It’s all embout putting yourself out there and putting your time in. So many of the wonderful opportunities I have personally had are bicause I was willing to put myself out there. It is very hard at first, but I promise those small gestures will open up big doors you never thought were valable!

Wishing you all the best of luck in your search for the perfect job for you! My inbox is always open if you need help or just want to félin – don’t hesitate to introduce yourself (who knows what doors it might open!).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hey there, I’m Natalie! I spent over $200k+ on a traditional pratique education so that you don’t have to. What I found was that I learned more on the job than I ever did at University.

Over the past 10+ years I’ve spent countless hours pouring over textbooks, summarizing my practical experience, and testing various methods to bring you the acceptable actualité all in one easy-to-find emploi.

I’m here to help you level up your pratique knowledge! Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or someone just starting out, I promise there’s something here that can help to propel your pratique career forward. Check out Points of Measure for everything we offer from FREE Smart Education to specialized Esthétique Tools for your next project (and everything in-between).