Also called: Surface Pattern Designer, Print Designer
Designs the patterns, prints, and weaves on fabrics for clothing, furniture, and home goods.
They paint or digitally create repeating patterns, choose colorways, and work with mills on how a print or weave will look. One day it's florals for a dress line; the next, upholstery for hotel chairs. Many freelance and license their designs.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in textile or surface design.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Textile Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts.
Growing slowly. Steady but competitive.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI pattern generators compete heavily with routine print design; distinctive surface designers and woven work fare better.
Classes: AP Studio Art 2-D Design, Graphic design CTE, Fiber arts or sewing.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-1022.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.