Skilled Trades
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Median salary (BLS)
$62,750
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$34k – $124k
Job outlook
No separate BLS projection for this specific role
AI exposure
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $70,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Entry / Junior
$33,790
~2 yrs to advance
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Established
$62,750
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Senior
$93,145
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.