Fabric and apparel patternmakers
SOC Code: 51-6092Also known as:
Apparel Patternmaker, Clothing Pattern Preparer, Clothing Patternmaker, Computer Patternmaker, Cutter
Median Annual Salary
$67,670
-10.2% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
3K
Current Jobs
What Fabric and apparel patternmakers Do
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
💰 Salary
$67,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-10.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
2,800
Projected Employment (2034)
2,500
Related Careers
Fashion designers
$80,690 •
+2.0% growth
Patternmakers, metal and plastic
$54,540 •
-24.4% growth
Sewers, hand
$33,760 •
-7.0% growth
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
$40,860 •
-4.5% growth
Patternmakers, wood
$52,520 •
-5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Judgment and Decision Making
Time Management
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Fabric and apparel patternmakers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a fabric and apparel patternmakers:
Apparel and Textile Manufacture
313 degrees awarded •
22 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Fabric and apparel patternmakers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become fabric and apparel patternmakers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York, NY | 102 | B+ |
| 2 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | 35 | C+ |
| 3 | SUNY Buffalo State University | Buffalo, NY | 26 | C+ |
| 4 | William Rainey Harper College | Palatine, IL | 6 | C+ |
| 5 | Dallas College | Dallas, TX | 6 | C+ |
| 6 | Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa, CA | 5 | C+ |
| 7 | Canada College | Redwood City, CA | 1 | C+ |
| 8 | West Valley College | Saratoga, CA | 1 | C+ |
| 9 | Academy of Art University | San Francisco, CA | 26 | C |
| 10 | Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis, MN | 22 | C |
| 11 | FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising | Los Angeles, CA | 20 | C |
| 12 | Sacramento City College | Sacramento, CA | 11 | C |
| 13 | Honolulu Community College | Honolulu, HI | 9 | C |
| 14 | Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Los Angeles, CA | 3 | C |
| 15 | Wayne County Community College District | Detroit, MI | 2 | C |
| 16 | University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului, HI | 1 | C |
| 17 | San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | 1 | C |
| 18 | Long Beach City College | Long Beach, CA | 1 | C |
| 19 | Chaffey College | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 1 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do fabric and apparel patternmakers make?
The median annual salary for fabric and apparel patternmakers is $67,670.
What education do fabric and apparel patternmakers need?
Most fabric and apparel patternmakers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Apparel and Textile Manufacture.
Is becoming fabric and apparel patternmakers a good career choice?
Fabric and apparel patternmakers is projected to see -10.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for fabric and apparel patternmakers?
Top colleges for aspiring fabric and apparel patternmakers include
Fashion Institute of Technology, Utah State University, SUNY Buffalo State University, William Rainey Harper College, Dallas College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to fabric and apparel patternmakers?
Fabric and apparel patternmakers may also be known as: Apparel Patternmaker, Clothing Pattern Preparer, Clothing Patternmaker, Computer Patternmaker, Cutter, Designer, Draper, Embroidery Operator, Embroidery Patternmaker, Fabric Cutter, Fabric Pattern Grader, Fabric Sourcer, Fashion Patternmaker, Furniture Designer, Garment Patternmaker, Grader Marker, Marker Maker, Pattern Chart Writer, Pattern Designer, Pattern Grader.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.