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How Much Do Fashion Buyer Make?

How much do fashion buyer make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for fashion buyer in the retail & sales category. Learn about fashion buyer pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $45,000 to $75,000.

Base Salary (avg)
$85,000
Per Hour
$41/hr
Avg Bonus
$15,000
Job Outlook
10.11%
Experience
3 yrs

How Much Do Fashion Buyer Make? Complete Salary Guide

How much do fashion buyer make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Fashion Buyer in the Retail & Sales field can expect to earn an average salary of $85,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $45,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $75,000 annually.

When breaking down the average salary of fashion buyer by time periods, fashion buyer typically make around $7,083.333 per month and approximately $1,634.615 per week. The basic salary of fashion buyer varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level fashion buyer typically start with a base salary of $45,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $65,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $75,000.

The salary landscape for fashion buyer is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do fashion buyer make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $1,634.615 per week. How much do fashion buyer make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $40,000 to $120,000, with the median salary sitting at $85,000. Additionally, many fashion buyer receive bonuses averaging $15,000 annually, representing approximately 15.25% of their base salary.

How Much Do Fashion Buyer Get Paid Per Annum? Fashion Buyer Salary

Annual salary data for fashion buyer across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.

Entry Level Annual Salary

$45,000
Range: $40,000 - $60,000

Mid-Career Annual Salary

$65,000
Range: $60,000 - $80,000

Experienced Annual Salary

$75,000
Range: $60,000 - $120,000

How Much Do Fashion Buyer Get Paid in a Month? Fashion Buyer Monthly Salary

Monthly salary breakdowns for fashion buyer at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.

Entry Level Monthly Salary

$3,750
per month

Mid-Career Monthly Salary

$5,417
per month

Experienced Monthly Salary

$6,250
per month

How Much Do Fashion Buyer Get Paid in Different Locations?

Geographic salary variations for fashion buyer across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.

Austin
$80,000
Range: $50,000 - $105,000
Remote
$75,000
Range: $50,000 - $100,000
Seattle
$85,000
Range: $55,000 - $110,000
New York
$90,000
Range: $60,000 - $120,000
San Francisco
$95,000
Range: $70,000 - $130,000

Fashion Buyer Salary Trends

Historical salary progression for fashion buyer over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.

Fashion Buyer Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)

Bonus & Compensation Package

Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.

Bonus Percentage

15.25%

of annual salary

Bonuses for Fashion Buyers are typically awarded based on sales performance, inventory management, vendor negotiations, and overall contribution to profitability.

Average Bonus

$15,000

annually

Commission

A Fashion Buyer role often includes commission or incentive opportunities based on sales performance, fostering motivation to curate successful collections that drive profitability.

Overtime

Overtime pay is generally uncommon for Fashion Buyers, as many are salaried employees who may work beyond standard hours without additional compensation.

Employee Benefits Package

Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.

Comprehensive Benefits

Typical benefits for a Fashion Buyer include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans, paid time off (PTO), employee discounts on fashion items, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for professional development.

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plans
Development

Fashion Buyer Job Overview

Comprehensive details about the fashion buyer role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.

About This Role

A Fashion Buyer curates collections for retail, analyzing trends and consumer preferences to select apparel and accessories that drive sales. They negotiate with suppliers, manage budgets, and forecast inventory needs, ensuring a brand's offerings align with market demands while enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting profitability.

Primary Responsibilities

Analyzing market trends, Selecting products for retail, Negotiating prices with suppliers, Managing inventory levels, Collaborating with designers and merchandisers, Forecasting future sales, Conducting competitor analysis, Attending trade shows and fashion events, Building relationships with vendors, Monitoring sales performance.

Day-to-Day Tasks

A Fashion Buyer researches trends, analyzes sales data, collaborates with designers, attends trade shows, negotiates prices with suppliers, manages inventory, and ensures timely delivery of products to meet customer demand.

Work Environment

Hybrid

Fashion Buyers typically work in retail offices, collaborating with designers and suppliers, analyzing trends, negotiating prices, and managing inventory.

Physical Demands

Moderate

Fashion Buyers typically work in fast-paced environments, requiring long hours of standing, frequent travel for market visits, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Fashion Buyer Requirements & Prerequisites

Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a fashion buyer, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.

Education

Bachelor’s degree.

Field: Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management, Fashion Design, Textile Science, Consumer Behavior, Supply Chain Management.

Experience

3 years

Employers seek candidates with strong analytical skills, trend awareness, negotiation experience, vendor management expertise, and a solid background in retail buying or merchandising to ensure effective purchasing decisions.

Certifications

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Fashion Merchandising Certification, Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising or Business, Retail Management Certification, Accredited Buyer Certification (ABC).

Required Skills

Analytical skills, negotiation skills, trend forecasting, financial acumen, communication skills, attention to detail, time management, relationship building.

Technical Skills

ExcelData AnalysisProject ManagementNegotiation SkillsMarket ResearchTrend ForecastingVendor ManagementBudgeting

Soft Skills

CommunicationNegotiationTrend AnalysisTime ManagementCreativityAdaptabilityProblem-Solving

Fashion Buyer Career Path

Professional progression opportunities for fashion buyer from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.

Entry Level

Positions:

Merchandising Assistant, Retail Buyer Trainee, Fashion Merchandiser.

Early-career Fashion Buyers analyze trends, select merchandise, negotiate with suppliers, manage inventory, and collaborate with design teams to curate appealing collections for retail.

Mid-Career

Positions:

Merchandise Planner, Assistant Buyer, Fashion Merchandiser

Mid-career Fashion Buyers analyze market trends, select merchandise, negotiate with suppliers, manage inventory, develop relationships with brands, and ensure alignment with target customer preferences.

Senior Management

Positions:

Head of Buying, Senior Merchandise Manager, Director of Purchasing

Senior Fashion Buyers oversee product selection, trend analysis, vendor negotiations, inventory management, and budget allocation to ensure profitability and alignment with brand strategy.

Career Progression Timeline

Timeline: 5 years

A Fashion Buyer typically starts as an assistant, progressing to buyer roles and eventually senior positions, overseeing purchasing strategies and team management in retail or fashion brands.

Fashion Buyer Industry & Growth

Market outlook and growth prospects for fashion buyer, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.

Job Outlook

10.11% Growth

Faster than average

Projected: 2024–2034

Industry Trends

Sustainability and ethical sourcing, digital transformation and e-commerce growth, data-driven decision-making and analytics.

Growth Factors

Growing online retail, fast fashion trends, consumer demand for personalized styles, sustainability focus, and global market expansion are driving increased demand for Fashion Buyers.

Future Opportunities

Sustainable fashion, digital fashion, AI-driven trend forecasting, virtual fitting rooms, and blockchain for supply chain transparency are emerging niches creating new opportunities for Fashion Buyers.

Fashion Buyer Related Professions

Alternative career paths and similar roles for fashion buyer, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.

Similar Roles

Fashion MerchandiserProduct DeveloperRetail BuyerTrend Forecaster

Career Alternatives

Merchandise PlannerFashion Trend ForecasterProduct Development SpecialistRetail Buyer

Upgrade Paths

Merchandise ManagerSenior BuyerFashion Director

Related Entry Roles

Merchandising AssistantPurchasing CoordinatorInventory Analyst

Fashion Buyer Skills & Development

Essential skills and professional development resources for fashion buyer, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.

Technical Skills

MS OfficeCRMAnalyticsNegotiationTrend ForecastingInventory ManagementVendor RelationsMarket ResearchCost Analysis

Soft Skills Needed

CommunicationNegotiationTrend AnalysisTime ManagementProblem Solving

Recommended Certifications

Certified Fashion BuyerMerchandising CertificationFashion Retail Management Certificate

Recommended Courses

Fashion Buying and MerchandisingFashion Retail Management

Development Resources

LinkedIn LearningCourseraFashion Institute of Technology (FIT)The Business of Fashion

Training Timeline

6-12months

Estimated training time

Frequently Asked Questions About Fashion Buyer Salary

Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a fashion buyer, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.

What qualifications are needed to become a fashion buyer?

A degree in fashion merchandising, business, or a related field is typically required.

What skills are important for a fashion buyer?

Strong analytical skills, negotiation abilities, and an understanding of market trends are essential.

How much does a fashion buyer get paid?

The salary can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience and location.

Is prior experience necessary for becoming a fashion buyer?

Yes, internships or entry-level positions in retail or buying can be beneficial.

What career advancement opportunities exist for fashion buyers?

Fashion buyers can advance to senior buyer roles or management positions within the retail industry.

How Much Others Make?

Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.

Important Disclaimer

Salary information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, education, industry, company size, and other factors. We strive to provide accurate data, but cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information. Please verify with official sources before making career decisions.