Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Also called: Apparel Patternmaker, Clothing Pattern Preparer, Clothing Patternmaker, Computer Patternmaker, Cutter, Designer, Draper, Embroidery Operator
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts.
What fabric and apparel patternmakers do
Typical tasks
- 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.
- Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
- Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
- Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
- Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.
Typical path into the job (BLS)
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers salary
The median annual wage for fabric and apparel patternmakers is $62,750 (BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35, national). The lowest 10 percent earn less than $33,790 and the highest 10 percent earn more than $123,540. The mean annual wage is $71,420.
The mean hourly wage of $34.00 is 4.7× the federal minimum wage of $7.25. State minimums are higher in most large states. Minimum wage by state →
How does your pay compare with people your age?
Your numbers are not sent or stored. The comparison uses this occupation's BLS wage percentiles, adjusted for age with BLS median weekly earnings by age group (Q3 2026).
Pay by percentile
Annual wage percentiles from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Percentiles are a good proxy for pay by experience.
Projected pay for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers (3, 5 and 10 years)est.
Today $62,750 → in 3 years $66,300 → in 5 years $68,800 → in 10 years $75,500 (10-year range $64,900–$87,700). The model assumes pay growth of +1.9% per year.
What drives the annual growth rate
Projected pay = current pay × (1 + annual growth)^years. The annual growth rate starts from a base wage-growth rate and adds or subtracts labor demand (BLS projected employment growth), wage momentum and AI replacement risk for each occupation. Projections are not guarantees. How it is calculated →
Outlook score for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Each component is a percentile rank among all occupations in the same country (0–100). Weights: labor demand 25, wage momentum / openings 15, pay level 15, AI resistance 25, aging workforce 10 (Japan only), entry barrier 10.
Will AI replace Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers? AI replacement risk
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Labor demand for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Employment projections are from the BLS Employment Projections program (2025–35). Annual openings include both new jobs and replacement of workers who leave the occupation.
The same job in Japan
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers United States | パタンナー Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Median / average pay | $62,750 | ¥4.98M ≈ $31,653 |
| Pay in 10 years (est.) | $75,500 | ¥5.72M |
| Outlook score | 31 | 39 |
| AI replacement risk | 61% High | 72% High |
| Workers | 2,950 | — |
Matched by occupation (SOC code). Yen converted at 157.25 JPY/USD for reference; Japanese figures are averages, U.S. figures are medians, and the surveys define occupations differently.
Skills, education and requirements for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Important abilities
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
How to become fabric and apparel patternmakers
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Career path and how to earn more as fabric and apparel patternmakers
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.