Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers create templates for clothing that designers use to mass-produce garments. Their job includes interpreting sketches and specifications to develop patterns, taking into account factors like fabric stretch and grain. They may use computer software or create patterns by hand. Patternmakers collaborate with designers and garment technologists to ensure accurate patterns and often create prototypes for testing. Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial in this role.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $37,170.00 |
25th percentile | $43,730.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $73,580.00 |
75th percentile | $84,960.00 |
90th percentile | $100,780.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $17.87 |
25th percentile | $21.02 |
median (50th percentile) | $35.37 |
75th percentile | $40.84 |
90th percentile | $48.45 |
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, although some positions may prefer candidates with postsecondary education such as an associate degree in fashion design or a related field. While formal education is not always mandatory, aspiring patternmakers often benefit from courses in sewing, patternmaking, textiles, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Additionally, on-the-job training or apprenticeships are common in this field, allowing individuals to gain practical experience and develop the necessary skills for creating patterns used in garment production. Overall, a combination of formal education, relevant coursework, and hands-on training can prepare individuals for a career as Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers.