Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Fabric and apparel patternmakers work in a small, specialized field, with national employment estimated at 3,000 workers. The role combines creativity, mechanical understanding, and strong attention to detail. Typical entry into this occupation is based on a high school diploma or equivalent, making it accessible to people who build skills through experience, training, or related roles rather than extended formal schooling. National median pay of $67,670 places this career in a solid earning range, with notably higher pay in some locations. However, projected employment growth of -10.2% and zero reported annual openings indicate limited new opportunities and potential contraction over time. People considering this path may want to weigh the appeal of its creative, hands-on nature and specialized skill set against the relatively small job market and negative growth outlook. For those who like working precisely with materials and patterns, it can be a focused niche within the broader world of design and production.
Fabric and apparel patternmakers earn a national median annual salary of $67,670, indicating strong earnings potential for a role that typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Pay varies significantly by location. Among states, New York stands out with a median of $101,230, followed by California at $89,010 and Pennsylvania at $65,900. Virginia and Texas show notably lower medians of $45,390 and $34,930, respectively. A similar pattern appears at the metro level: the New York-Newark-Jersey City area offers a median of $101,250, while Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim offers $89,010 and San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad offers $85,490. Other metros such as Boston-Cambridge-Newton ($55,540) and Greensboro-High Point ($40,090) are lower. Overall, salary prospects are strongest in certain large metro areas and specific states, so geographic choice can significantly influence earning potential in this career.
The labor market for fabric and apparel patternmakers is small and projected to contract. National employment is estimated at 3,000, and projected employment growth is -10.2%. Reported annual openings are 0, underscoring limited opportunities for new entrants. This combination suggests that individuals entering the field may face a tight job market, with fewer new positions expected over time. The negative growth projection applies consistently across the listed top states and metro areas, signaling a broad rather than localized trend. For someone already established in the occupation, this may highlight the importance of maintaining strong, relevant skills. For career planners, it suggests the need to be realistic about job availability and to consider how this role fits into a longer-term career path. The presence of related occupations such as architectural and civil drafters, mechanical drafters, tool and die makers, and fine artists provides additional directions to explore when evaluating long-term options.
Geography plays a major role in shaping opportunities for fabric and apparel patternmakers. At the state level, California and New York offer the strongest overall prospects, reflected in high CareerGPS opportunity scores of 67.38 and 65.78, along with relatively large employment counts (930 and 670) and high median salaries of $89,010 and $101,230. Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania show smaller employment levels (40 to 70) and more moderate to low salaries, with opportunity scores ranging from 47.45 in Pennsylvania to 51.57 in Texas and 54.96 in Virginia. Metro data further highlights concentrated opportunity. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro leads with an opportunity score of 77.27, median pay of $101,250, and employment of 630. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim also shows strong conditions with an opportunity score of 62.99 and employment of 830. Other metros such as Boston-Cambridge-Newton, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, and Greensboro-High Point have smaller employment bases and lower salaries, especially in Greensboro, where the median is $40,090 and the opportunity score is 38.05.
The typical education for fabric and apparel patternmakers is a high school diploma or equivalent, which makes this career accessible without a college degree. Success in this field is closely tied to a specific mix of skills rather than formal education alone. Key strengths include mathematics for accurate measurements and calculations, creativity and innovation for developing and refining patterns, and strong detail orientation. Fine motor skills and physical strength and stamina support the hands-on nature of the work, while mechanical aptitude helps in understanding tools and processes. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving and decision making, and adaptability are central for handling design challenges and changes. Writing and reading skills are also important for working with specifications and documentation. People who develop this combined skill set—whether through on-the-job learning, vocational training, or related experiences—can be well prepared for this occupation despite the modest formal education requirement.
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