Apparel and Textile Manufacturing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program prepares students for careers at the intersection of design, engineering, and industrial production within the global textile and apparel sector. It emphasizes the technical and creative skills needed to transform raw materials into high-performance, market-ready textile products through innovative and efficient manufacturing systems.
- Functional and Aesthetic Design: Explores the balance between visual appeal and practical performance in garment and textile creation, integrating artistic vision with user-centered functionality.
- Human Factors Research: Investigates how people interact with textiles and apparel, focusing on comfort, safety, and usability across diverse body types and environments.
- Production Planning: Teaches strategic approaches to scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow optimization to support efficient and scalable manufacturing operations.
- Manufacturing Processes: Covers the full spectrum of techniques used in fabric formation, dyeing, finishing, cutting, sewing, and assembly, from traditional to advanced automation.
- Quality Assessment: Focuses on standards, testing methodologies, and continuous improvement strategies to ensure products meet performance, safety, and regulatory benchmarks.
- Distribution Systems: Examines logistics, supply chain coordination, and delivery networks that connect manufactured goods with retailers and consumers globally.
Apparel and Textile Manufacturing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Apparel and Textile Manufacturing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Apparel and Textile Manufacturing degrees, including Fashion Designers, Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 26,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Designers 27-1022 | $80,690 | $35,970 - $169,620 | 20,910 | $38.79 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1192 | $77,280 | $47,580 - $133,180 | 2,630 | N/A |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers 51-6092 | $67,670 | $34,590 - $112,540 | 2,860 | $32.54 |
Apparel and Textile Manufacturing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $33,300 in Texas to $142,500 in Tennessee—a 328% difference. The highest-paying states include Tennessee, California, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 26,400 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Apparel and Textile Manufacturing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Apparel and Textile Manufacturing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Apparel and Textile Manufacturing is found at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) (102 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (35 graduates), Academy of Art University (26 graduates), SUNY Buffalo State University (26 graduates), and Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 313 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
102 | New York, New York | Public | fitnyc.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
35 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Academy of Art University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26 | San Francisco, California | Private | academyart.edu |
| SUNY Buffalo State University |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Buffalo, New York | Public | suny.buffalostate.edu |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | minneapolis.edu |
| FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
20 | Los Angeles, California | Private | fidm.edu |
| Institucion Chaviano de Mayaguez |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | Private | mitpr.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Academia Serrant Inc |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Ponce, Puerto Rico | Private | serrant.edu |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| William Rainey Harper College |
Other Award
|
6 | Palatine, Illinois | Public | harpercollege.edu |
| Dallas College |
Associate's
|
6 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Liceo de Arte-Dise-O y Comercio |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Caguas, Puerto Rico | Private | liceocaguas.com |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Associate's
|
2 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Canada College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Redwood City, California | Public | canadacollege.edu |
| Chaffey College |
Other Award
|
1 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Public | chaffey.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| San Joaquin Delta College |
Other Award
|
1 | Stockton, California | Public | deltacollege.edu |
| West Valley College (WVC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Saratoga, California | Public | westvalley.edu |
| University of Hawaii |
Associate's
|
1 | Kahului, Hawaii | Public | maui.hawaii.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Apparel and Textile Manufacturing programs
How much can I earn with a Apparel and Textile Manufacturing degree?
Salaries for Apparel and Textile Manufacturing graduates vary by role and location. Fashion Designers earn a median of $80,690 annually, while Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $77,280. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Tennessee average $142,500 compared to $33,300 in Texas. Approximately 26,400 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Apparel and Textile Manufacturing programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Apparel and Textile Manufacturing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) (102 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (35 graduates), and Academy of Art University (26 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Apparel and Textile Manufacturing growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 360 in 2010 to a peak of 349 in 2020, before declining slightly to 313 in 2023-24. This represents a 13% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Apparel and Textile Manufacturing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Fashion Designers, Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers. Related occupations employ approximately 26,400 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Human Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Human Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Foods and Nutrition Services
Any instructional program in foods, nutrition, and related services not listed above.
Housing and Human Environments
A general program that focuses on the behavioral, social, economic, functional, and aesthetic aspects of housing, interiors, and other built environments. Includes instruction...
Facilities Planning and Management
A program that focuses on strategic workplace and facility planning and that prepares individuals to function as facility and event managers and workplace...
Housing and Human Environments
Any instructional program in housing and human environments not listed above.
Human Development and Family Studies
A general program that focuses on basic human developmental and behavioral characteristics of the individual within the context of the family. Includes instruction...
Adult Development and Aging
A program that focuses on the characteristics of aging populations and the needs of older individuals in family and institutional settings. Includes instruction...