Shoe and leather workers and repairers
SOC Code: 51-6041Also known as:
Back Shoe Cutter, Bench Hand, Boot and Saddle Repair Person, Boot Maker, Boot Repairer
Median Annual Salary
$35,950
-3.8% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
10K
Current Jobs
What Shoe and leather workers and repairers Do
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
💰 Salary
$35,950
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
9,500
Projected Employment (2034)
9,100
Related Careers
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Shoe machine operators and tenders
$38,160 •
-3.7% growth
Sewers, hand
$33,760 •
-7.0% growth
Upholsterers
$46,190 •
-1.8% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes.
- Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses.
- Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
- Repair and recondition leather products such as trunks, luggage, shoes, saddles, belts, purses, and baseball gloves.
- Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.
- Inspect articles for defects, and remove damaged or worn parts, using hand tools.
- Drill or punch holes and insert or attach metal rings, handles, and fastening hardware, such as buckles.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do shoe and leather workers and repairers make?
The median annual salary for shoe and leather workers and repairers is $35,950.
What education do shoe and leather workers and repairers need?
Most shoe and leather workers and repairers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming shoe and leather workers and repairers a good career choice?
Shoe and leather workers and repairers is projected to see -3.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for shoe and leather workers and repairers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to shoe and leather workers and repairers?
Shoe and leather workers and repairers may also be known as: Back Shoe Cutter, Bench Hand, Boot and Saddle Repair Person, Boot Maker, Boot Repairer, Bootmaker, Cobbler, Custom Leather Products Maker, Custom Shoe Maker, Custom Shoemaker, Dyer, Finger Cobbler, Footwear Stitcher, Hand Bootmaker, Harness Maker, Lacer, Leather Artisan, Leather Craftsman, Leather Lacer, Leather Production Artisan.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.