Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
SOC Code: 51-6052Also known as:
Alteration Tailor, Alterations and Tailor Shop Fitter, Alterations and Tailor Shop Sewer, Alterations Associate, Alterations Expert
Median Annual Salary
$40,860
-4.5% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
39K
Current Jobs
What Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers Do
Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
💰 Salary
$40,860
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-4.5%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
38,800
Projected Employment (2034)
37,100
Related Careers
Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials
$33,880 •
-13.5% growth
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Shoe and leather workers and repairers
$35,950 •
-3.8% growth
Sewers, hand
$33,760 •
-7.0% growth
Fabric and apparel patternmakers
$67,670 •
-10.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Time Management
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Measure parts, such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
- Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
- Sew garments, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.
- Measure customers, using tape measures, and record measurements.
- Fit and study garments on customers to determine required alterations.
- Trim excess material, using scissors.
- Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- Make garment style changes, such as tapering pant legs, narrowing lapels, and adding or removing padding.
- Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers make?
The median annual salary for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers is $40,860.
What education do tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers need?
Most tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers a good career choice?
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers is projected to see -4.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers?
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers may also be known as: Alteration Tailor, Alterations and Tailor Shop Fitter, Alterations and Tailor Shop Sewer, Alterations Associate, Alterations Expert, Alterations Sewer, Alterations Specialist, Alterations Tailor, Appliquer, Bridal Designer, Bridal Gown Fitter, Cloth Cutter, Clothing Busheler, Clothing Cutter, Clothing Pattern Designer, Coat Baster, Coat Cutter, Coat Maker, Coat Tailor, Collar Cutter.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.