How Much Do Football Kit Designers Make in 2026? Salaries, Career Paths & Real Insights

Every football fan has had that moment.
You see a new kit drop — clean design, perfect colours, badge sitting just right — and you think, who actually designed this? And more importantly… do they get paid well for it?

Football kit design looks like a dream job. You mix football culture, fashion, and creativity into something fans wear with pride. But behind the scenes, the money side of football kit design isn’t always as glamorous as the final product.

Let’s break it all down in a simple, honest way.

What Does a Football Kit Designer Actually Do?

Before talking about salaries, it’s important to understand one thing:
“Football kit designer” is rarely a standalone job title.

Most designers who work on football shirts are officially employed in roles such as sportswear designers, apparel or fashion designers, graphic designers, or technical and pattern designers. But their job goes far beyond simply making a shirt look good. Many designers also work closely with manufacturers to ensure designs are production-ready, especially for custom football shirts.

A football kit designer usually works on:

• Shirt colourways and patterns
  
• Badge placement and sizing
  
• Sponsor layout
  
• Fabric selection and texture
  
• Fit, cut, and comfort
  
• Home, away, and third kit concepts
  

So when you wear a kit that feels light, breathable, and looks sharp on matchday — that’s design meeting function.

Average Football Kit Designer Salary Worldwide

Salaries for football kit designers depend heavily on location, experience, and employer. Someone working for a global sports brand will earn very differently from someone designing locally or freelancing.

Football Kit Designer Salary in the USA

In the United States, most football kit designers fall under sportswear or apparel designer roles.

• Average annual salary: $55,000 to $70,000
  
• Entry-level roles often start lower
  
• Senior designers can earn significantly more
  

Designers working with major brands usually receive additional benefits like bonuses, healthcare, and long-term growth opportunities.

Football Kit Designer Salary in the UK & Europe

In football-heavy markets like the UK and Europe:

• Average salary ranges from £30,000 to £45,000 per year
  
• Designers based near major clubs or sportswear hubs often earn more
  
• Experience matters more than degrees after a certain point
  

Europe has a strong football culture, but competition for design roles is intense.

Football Kit Designer Salary in Pakistan

In Pakistan, football kit design is still a niche field.

Most designers work as:

• Fashion designers
  
• Sportswear designers
  
• Graphic designers for apparel brands
  

Typical earnings:

• Monthly salary: PKR 30,000 – 70,000
  
• Annual income varies depending on skill, company, and experience
  

Designers who work with export manufacturers or international clients tend to earn more than those working only locally.

Entry-Level vs Senior Football Kit Designer Pay

As in football where players are getting higher and higher, in the same way, the kit designers are moving up in their careers.

If you are at the bottom of the ladder, it is most probable that you are a newly graduated or a self-taught designer. Your first months will be spent mostly being a shadow to the seniors, doing the same tasks they do but in the ghost mode. You will be involved in layout, mockups, and the editing process. The remuneration is not large, but every task gives you an important lesson. This step is mainly about developing your talents and collecting true good works, not making a lot of cash.

After a few years, designers usually reach the mid-level stage. By now, you’re leading your own kit projects. You know how fabrics behave, how printing works, and how a shirt should fit when a player runs onto the pitch. Your salary is better, and the responsibility grows. This is often the point where your work starts to feel stable and rewarding.

At the top, senior and lead designers oversee full collections or entire design teams. They work closely with clubs, brands, and manufacturers to plan long-term kit strategies. In global brands, senior designers can earn very strong salaries — sometimes crossing six figures. But beyond the money, the real satisfaction comes from seeing your design on the field and in fans’ hands, knowing you helped shape their connection to the game.

Freelance Football Kit Designers: How Much Do They Make?

Not every football kit designer works full-time.

Many choose freelancing, especially in today’s digital world.

Freelancers usually earn:

• Per design or per project
  
• Income varies based on skill, reputation, and client base
  

Some designers charge per kit concept, while others work on long-term contracts with clubs or brands.

The upside?

• Freedom
  
• International clients
  
• Higher earning potential per project
  

The downside?

• No fixed income
  
• No job security
  
• Constant need to find clients
  

What Affects a Football Kit Designer’s Salary?

Several factors decide how much a kit designer makes:

Experience & Portfolio

A strong portfolio matters more than certificates.

Brand or Club Size

Designing for a global brand pays more than designing for a small local team.

Technical Knowledge

Designers who understand fabrics, printing, and fit earn more than those focused only on visuals.

Location

Countries with strong football economies usually offer better salaries.

Is Football Kit Design a Good Career in 2026?

If you love football shirts, fashion, and creativity — yes, it can be a great career.

But here’s the honest truth:

Pros

• Creative, exciting work
  
• Global demand for football merchandise
  
• Opportunity to work with iconic clubs
  
• Freelance and remote opportunities
  

Cons

• Competitive industry
  
• Entry-level pay can be low
  
• Requires constant learning and adaptation
  

It’s not an “easy money” career — but it is rewarding if you’re passionate.

How to Become a Football Kit Designer

If this career sounds interesting, here’s where to start:

• Learn design tools like Photoshop and Illustrator
  
• Study football kits — old and new
  
• Understand fabrics and shirt construction
  
• Build a portfolio with original kit concepts
  
• Share work online and network
  

Many successful designers started as fans who simply loved kits.

Why Football Shirts Matter More Than Ever

Football shirts have evolved to be more than just sportswear.

They are now fashion items, collectibles, and reminiscences woven into fabrics.

Design massively translates how the fans get in touch with football, and the designers behind those have a major impact on the connection. Modern kits are now worn beyond matchday, especially iconic club designs like Premier League football shirts. Designing for historic clubs requires understanding tradition, colours, and fan expectations — something clearly visible in teams like Arsenal football shirts.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do football kit designers make in 2026?

There’s no single answer — but the range is wide:

• Entry-level designers earn modestly
  
• Experienced designers earn comfortably
  
• Senior designers at major brands earn very well
  
• Freelancers control their own ceiling
  

At the end of the day, football kit design sits at the crossroads of football, fashion, and culture — and for the right person, that’s worth more than just the paycheck.