Footwear Product Developer Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Footwear Product Developer do?
Footwear Product Developers keep track and guide sneakers throughout the product creation process. They do this in accordance with key deliverables and milestones to meet target factory dates. In addition, they use their sneaker construction expertise to analyze and review briefs, design tech packages, models, and samples. Through this, they identify potential construction, material, fit, or cost concerns. Footwear Product Developers are critical in aligning the team throughout the product creation process. They manage relationships, as well as, facilitate reviews, delivery, and approvals of sneakers.
How much does a FootwearProduct Developer make?
According to Comparably, Footwear Product Developers make a national average of $82,078 annually or $39.46 an hour in 2021. In general, entry-level footwear product developers make around $64,000 annually, with senior-level product developers making $100,000 a year.
What impact does this career have towards the sneaker industry?
Footwear Product Developers are key members of the product creation team who provide insights. In addition, they also give suggestions and share information to deliver quality products on time at the right cost for the intended performance use.
What is the job outlook for a FootwearProduct Developer?
The footwear market is expected to grow annually by 3.25% through 2028.. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in the fashion design industry (including Footwear Product Developers) is projected to grow one percent by 2028.
How to kick-off your career:
- Stay up to date on sneaker releases pushing the capabilities of design, materials, and technology.
- Collect inspiration of sneakers with your favorite design details.
- Take a project management course to learn how to navigate timelines and working across a team.
- Download our Ultimate Sneaker Career Guide to understand the pathway into this career.
- Explore our Sneaker Essentials online course to understand the Design & Materials process.
Learn from:
Jon Tang
Sneaker Essentials contributor, Fronteer
Experiences: Founder & Creative Director, Fronteer
Senior Designer, Collaborations & Special Projects, K-Swiss
Related Careers:
Men’s Footwear Designer | Women’s Footwear Designer | Kid’s Footwear Designer | Footwear Graphic Designer | Materials Designer | Design Engineer | Color Designer | Athletic Footwear Designer | Product Line Manager | Product Development Manager | CAD Engineer, Footwear | Footwear Product Tester | Product Manager
