Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Career, Salary and Skills
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers have a BLS-reported national median annual wage of $62,750 based on the 2025 OEWS dataset, with reported national employment of 2,950. Wage data is published for 19 locations.
Occupation description
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
O*NET code
51-6092.00
Job zone
3
Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
National salary and employment
Median annual
$62,750
Hourly median
$30.17
Employment
2,950
Data year
2025
National salary distribution
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.75 | 3.38 |
| Active Listening | 3.38 | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Time Management | 3.25 | 3.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Mathematics | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Active Learning | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Speaking | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Monitoring | 3.12 | 3.25 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.12 | 3.12 |
Typical tasks
- 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.
Technology
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Gerber Technology AccuMark
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- PatternMaker
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers salary by location
Areas with the highest reported employment for this occupation.
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in CAMedian $89,010 · Employment 930
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in Los Angeles, CAMedian $89,010 · Employment 830
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in NYMedian $101,230 · Employment 670
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in New York, NYMedian $101,250 · Employment 630
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in FLMedian $33,790 · Employment 380
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in NCMedian $48,180 · Employment 270
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in Hickory, NCMedian $48,380 · Employment 150
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in TXMedian $34,930 · Employment 70
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in Greensboro, NCMedian $40,090 · Employment 70
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in INMedian $59,400 · Employment 50
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in MOMedian $56,490 · Employment 50
- Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Salary in San Diego, CAMedian $85,490 · Employment 40
Related careers
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and TendersNational median $38,760
- Stone Cutters and Carvers, ManufacturingNational median $46,170
- Model Makers, Metal and PlasticNational median $63,340
- Shoe Machine Operators and TendersNational median $35,650
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating WorkersNational median $41,600
- Shoe and Leather Workers and RepairersNational median $37,800
- Tool and Die MakersNational median $64,050
- Craft ArtistsNational median $46,080
Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Salary and employment data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 (bls.gov/oes). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.