Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials Salary 2025: $35,060 median, declining outlook
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials earn a median annual salary of $35,060, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $17 per hour. The typical pay range runs from $27,180 at the 10th percentile to $43,050 at the 90th, meaning most workers earn between those figures.
Employment in this occupation stands at 26,120 workers nationally. But the job market is shrinking: the BLS projects a 13.5 percent decline from 2024 to 2034, with only about 2,800 openings per year, mostly from workers leaving or retiring. This guide covers pay, geography, entry paths, and the outlook so you can decide if it's a fit.
How much Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials earn
The national median salary for pressers is $35,060 as of May 2024. The bottom 10 percent earn $27,180 or less, while the top 10 percent make over $43,050.
Experience, location, and industry matter. Pressers in drycleaning and laundry services (the largest employer) tend to earn near the median. Those in apparel manufacturing may see slightly different rates. Overtime is common in commercial laundries.
Pay by state
Illinois tops the list with an average annual wage of $40,230, followed by California at $39,300 and New Hampshire at $38,540. Colorado ($38,300) and Maine ($38,020) round out the top five. On the low end, pressers in Mississippi average $27,180, with Louisiana at $27,170 and Alabama at $26,860 — roughly 30 percent less than the national median.
Cost of living partly explains the spread: high-wage states also tend to have higher living costs. For example, California’s $39,300 goes less far than Mississippi’s $27,180 in local housing and goods.
How to become Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Material
Most pressers learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, but no formal postsecondary education is necessary. Entry-level workers get trained by a more experienced employee in a few weeks.
Key steps include:
- Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply to dry cleaners, laundries, or garment manufacturers. On-the-job training is standard.
- Develop skills in operating industrial pressing machines, steam irons, and finishing equipment.
- No license or certification is required in most states, but some employers prefer or require a certification in safe chemical handling (e.g., for drycleaning solvents).
- Advancement may lead to supervisory roles or specialty pressing (e.g., wedding gowns, delicate fabrics) with higher pay.
Job outlook
Employment for pressers is projected to decline 13.5 percent from 2024 to 2034 — a loss of about 3,500 jobs. That’s a steep drop driven by automation in commercial laundries and declining demand in traditional drycleaning as casual dress codes become more common.
Despite the decline, an estimated 2,800 openings occur each year, mostly from workers leaving the occupation. Geographic mobility can help: states with larger tourism or hospitality sectors (like California and Florida) may have steadier demand. The best opportunities may come in specialty shops or high-end garment care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly wage for Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials?
The mean hourly wage is about $16.66, based on a mean annual salary of $34,640 and a standard 2,080-hour year. Median hourly wage is approximately $16.86.
How much does the top 10% of pressers earn?
The top 10% earn more than $43,050 per year, according to BLS data.
Will job openings for pressers be available in 2025–2034?
Yes. Despite a projected 13.5% employment decline, about 2,800 openings per year are expected, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation.
Do pressers need a license?
No license is typically required. Some employers may require certification in safe chemical handling if working with drycleaning solvents.
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 Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials data.