Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other: Salary & Job Outlook 2025
The median salary for Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other is $37,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mean annual pay comes to $40,560, or about $18 per hour. Most workers earn between $31,270 (10th percentile) and $52,730 (90th percentile).
This occupation covers a wide mix of roles—any textile, apparel, or furnishings job not separately classified by the BLS. It includes inspectors, hand sewers, patternmakers, and sample makers. Nationwide, 13,530 people hold these jobs.
How much Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other earn
The typical worker earns $37,280 a year at the median. The bottom 10% make about $31,270, while the top 10% earn up to $52,730. Mean hourly wage is $18.19.
Pay varies by industry and experience. Factory supervisors and custom tailors often land near the top of the range. Entry-level roles like hand sewers tend toward the lower end.
Pay by state
Washington pays the best, with an average annual wage of $67,890—nearly double the national mean. Maine follows at $55,160, New York at $54,040, New Hampshire at $45,650, and Oklahoma at $45,020.
The lowest-paying states are Michigan ($31,270), Idaho ($30,000), and North Dakota ($29,100). Cost of living matters: a Washington wage goes further in Oklahoma, but the gap is large.
How to become Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other
Most workers enter this field with a high school diploma and learn on the job. Formal education isn't usually required, though a certificate or associate degree in apparel manufacturing or textiles can help for higher-skilled roles like patternmaking.
Employers typically provide training that lasts a few weeks to several months. For specialized roles—like custom upholstery or couture tailoring—vocational school or apprenticeships are common. Licensing is not required, but voluntary certifications (e.g., from the Custom Tailors & Designers Association) show competence.
- Get a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Apply for entry-level jobs in textile mills, apparel factories, or custom shops.
- Complete on-the-job training (typically 1–6 months).
- For advanced roles, consider a certificate in textiles or patternmaking from a community college.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 9.4% from 2024 to 2034, shrinking from 13,530 to about 12,260. That's a loss of roughly 1,270 jobs over the decade.
Despite the decline, about 1,700 openings arise each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Automation and overseas competition are the main reasons for the drop. The best opportunities will be in custom, high-end, or repair-focused niches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other?
The national median is $37,280 per year, or about $18 per hour. The mean is $40,560.
How do I become a Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Worker?
Most jobs require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. For specialized roles like patternmaking, a certificate or associate degree from a community college helps.
Is the job outlook good for this occupation?
No. Employment is projected to decline 9.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,700 openings per year mostly due to replacements.
Which states pay the most for this job?
Washington ($67,890), Maine ($55,160), New York ($54,040), New Hampshire ($45,650), and Oklahoma ($45,020) are the top-paying states.
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 Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other data.