Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become fabric and apparel patternmakerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$62,750
25th–75th pct. $42,620–$93,930
Top pay (est.)
$160,600
Top 10% $123,540
Pay in 5 years
$68,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$75,500est.
$64,900–$87,700
Outlook score
31/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
61%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
−15.0%
200 openings / yr

How to become fabric and apparel patternmakers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.4
Active Listening
3.4
Monitoring
3.2
Reading Comprehension
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Instructing
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Judgment and Decision Making
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design
4.4
English Language
4.0
Mathematics
4.0
Production and Processing
3.6
Education and Training
3.5
Computers and Electronics
3.1
Administration and Management
3.0
Engineering and Technology
3.0

What the work involves

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsThinking CreativelyIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting Information

Important abilities

VisualizationNear VisionOriginalityOral ExpressionCategory FlexibilityInformation Ordering

Education of workers

High school diploma
41%
Bachelor's degree
26%
Some college
19%
Post-secondary certificate
12%
Less than high school
3%

Training before entry

6–12 months
29%
1–2 years
26%
1–3 months
9%
4–10 years
8%
Up to 1 month
8%
3–6 months
8%
None / short demo
7%
2–4 years
5%

Related work experience

4–6 years
29%
2–4 years
20%
None
15%
1–2 years
12%
Over 10 years
8%
8–10 years
8%
6–12 months
7%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

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.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.