Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary 2025: $62,750 Median, -10% Job Decline
Fabric and apparel patternmakers earn a median salary of $62,750 per year, according to the latest BLS data. The average wage is $71,420, or about $30 an hour. Pay ranges widely from $33,790 at the 10th percentile to $123,540 at the 90th.
How much Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers earn
The national median salary for fabric and apparel patternmakers is $62,750. Half of all patternmakers earn between the 10th percentile ($33,790) and the 90th percentile ($123,540).
Experience and location drive earnings. Entry-level positions typically start near the lower end, while top earners often work in high-cost metro areas or specialize in complex garment construction.
Pay by state
New York is the highest-paying state for patternmakers, with an average salary of $101,230. California follows at $89,010. Pennsylvania ($65,900), Indiana ($59,400), and Missouri ($56,490) round out the top five.
On the lower end, patternmakers in Florida average $33,790, Texas $34,930, and Mississippi $41,060. State averages reflect both cost of living and concentration of fashion manufacturing.
How to become Fabric and Apparel Patternmaker
Most patternmakers learn through a combination of formal education and on-the-job training. A high school diploma is the minimum, but many employers prefer an associate degree or certificate in fashion design or patternmaking.
Key skills include drafting and grading patterns, understanding fabric behavior, and using CAD software like Gerber or Lectra. Apprenticeships or entry-level jobs as a sewing machine operator or pattern grader are common starting points.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete a certificate or associate degree in patternmaking or fashion design.
- Learn pattern drafting, grading, and CAD software through coursework.
- Gain experience via internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level production roles.
- Consider certification from organizations like the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) for specialized fields.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 10.2% decline in employment for fabric and apparel patternmakers from 2024 to 2034, resulting in about 300 openings per year. Most openings will stem from workers retiring or leaving the occupation.
Declining domestic apparel manufacturing and automation of patternmaking tasks contribute to the negative growth. However, demand for skilled patternmakers in high-end fashion, costume design, and technical textiles may offer some opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What education is needed to become a fabric and apparel patternmaker?
Many patternmakers have a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, but an associate degree or certificate in patternmaking or fashion design is increasingly preferred. CAD software skills are a must.
Is the fabric and apparel patternmaker job declining?
Yes, employment is projected to decline 10.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 new openings each year due to automation and offshoring of manufacturing.
Which states pay the highest for patternmakers?
New York tops the list at $101,230 average, followed by California ($89,010), Pennsylvania ($65,900), Indiana ($59,400), and Missouri ($56,490). Florida pays the least at $33,790.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers data.