Shigoto Zukan
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How to become tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$41,640
25th–75th pct. $35,230–$50,200
Top pay (est.)
$82,800
Top 10% $63,670
Pay in 5 years
$46,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$52,600est.
$45,200–$61,000
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
50%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−8.8%
3,700 openings / yr

How to become tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers

Typical education
No formal educational credential
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 Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
2.9
Speaking
2.9
Time Management
2.9
Service Orientation
2.8
Judgment and Decision Making
2.8
Complex Problem Solving
2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.7
Design
3.6
English Language
3.6
Administration and Management
3.3
Production and Processing
3.2
Administrative
3.0
Sales and Marketing
2.9
Economics and Accounting
2.8

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Finger DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionOral ComprehensionVisualizationManual Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma
58%
Less than high school
17%
Post-secondary certificate
16%
Bachelor's degree
9%

Training before entry

3–6 months
28%
None / short demo
17%
6–12 months
16%
1–2 years
14%
Up to 1 month
8%

Related work experience

6–12 months
27%
1–2 years
22%
None
18%
2–4 years
10%
3–6 months
10%
4–6 years
7%
Over 10 years
5%
1–3 months
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

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

Career path and how to earn more as tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers

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.