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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

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$100–$2,600

Time to qualify

3.1 yr

Renewal

$50/yr

  1. 1

    Registered apprenticeship (paid)

    Experience

    Earn-while-you-learn training — apprentices are paid during the program; fees are tools/books, not tuition.

    $0–$2,000 · 36 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    Journeyman exam & state/local license

    License

    Most states and municipalities test and license journeyman-level trades workers.

    $100–$600 · 1 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

    Entry / Junior

    $33,790

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

    Established

    $62,750

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. 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

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.