Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
National median · BLS
$62,750
▼ -7.27%YoY
H-1B sponsor median
—
Too few H-1B filings
Average salary · BLS
$71,420
Mean annual wage
U.S. employment
2,950
Jobs (BLS)
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Pay range for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Annual base pay at each percentile. BLS covers all U.S. workers in this occupation.
Percentile
All U.S. workers (BLS)
10th — entry pay
$33,790
25th
$42,620
Median (50th)
$62,750
75th
$93,930
90th — top pay
$123,540
Hourly ⇄ annual pay
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Monthly—
Every 2 weeks—
Weekly—
Daily—
Based on
hrs/week ×
weeks/year
= 2,080 hrs
Projections 2025–2035
Job outlook for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
BLS projects employment of fabric and apparel patternmakers to decline 15% from 2025 to 2035, while employment across all occupations grows 3.5%.
About 200 openings are projected each year, on average, from new jobs and from replacing workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Jobs 2025 → 2035
3,000 → 2,600
-500 jobs
Projected change
-15%
All occupations: +3.5%
Openings per year
200
Average, 2025–2035
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
No related experience required
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Self-employed
3.6% of workers (2025)
Preparation needed (O*NET Job Zone 3)
Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Highlighted = in demand: frequently listed in employer job postings for this occupation (O*NET).
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
About the job
What fabric and apparel patternmakers do
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
Source: O*NET 31.0 (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0). These are general job titles, not H-1B filings; for titles employers actually filed, see “Job titles” above.
Similar jobs and how they pay
Occupations O*NET lists as closely related to Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers, with BLS national medians compared with this occupation's $62,750.
