How much does a fabric and apparel patternmaker make?
The median fabric and apparel patternmaker in the United States earns $67,670 per year, about $32.54 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all fabric and apparel patternmakers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 51-6092.
Fabric and apparel patternmaker salary range
Pay for fabric and apparel patternmakers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $34,590 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $112,540. The average (mean) wage of $71,630 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,590 | $16.63 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $44,110 | $21.21 | |
| Median (50th) | $67,670 | $32.54 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $91,080 | $43.79 | |
| 90th percentile | $112,540 | $54.11 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for fabric and apparel patternmakers (SOC 51-6092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Fabric and apparel patternmaker salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Fabric and apparel patternmakers earn the most in New York at $100,350 a year, and the least in Texas at $33,300. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $100,350 | 800 |
| New Jersey | $80,860 | 50 |
| California | $77,440 | 910 |
| Missouri | $69,180 | 50 |
| Florida | $65,570 | 60 |
| Oregon | $62,120 | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,850 | 50 |
| Washington | $50,510 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $49,980 | 260 |
| Mississippi | $44,740 | 60 |
| Virginia | $43,010 | 50 |
| Texas | $33,300 | 120 |
State median wages for fabric and apparel patternmakers (SOC 51-6092), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for fabric and apparel patternmakers
The BLS projects employment of fabric and apparel patternmakers to shrink from 2025 to 2035 (down 15%). That is a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 3,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 2,600 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 200 openings a year for fabric and apparel patternmakers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a fabric and apparel patternmaker
The typical entry-level education for fabric and apparel patternmakers is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete moderate-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a fabric and apparel patternmaker earns
Industry, shift, certifications, and region drive pay, along with overtime. Skilled operators and workers in unionized plants sit near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New York, $100,350) and the lowest (Texas, $33,300) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,860 people work as fabric and apparel patternmakers in the United States. At $67,670 a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Fabric and apparel patternmaker salary FAQ
How much does a fabric and apparel patternmaker make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a fabric and apparel patternmaker is $32.54. The middle half of fabric and apparel patternmakers earn between $21.21 and $43.79 per hour.
What is the highest fabric and apparel patternmaker salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of fabric and apparel patternmakers earn more than $112,540 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a fabric and apparel patternmaker make a year?
The median annual salary for a fabric and apparel patternmaker is $67,670. The average (mean) wage of $71,630 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a fabric and apparel patternmaker a well paid job?
At $67,670 a year, a fabric and apparel patternmaker earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,860 people work as fabric and apparel patternmakers in the United States.
Which state pays fabric and apparel patternmakers the most?
New York has the highest median salary for fabric and apparel patternmakers at $100,350 a year. New Jersey ($80,860) and California ($77,440) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a fabric and apparel patternmaker a good career?
Employment of fabric and apparel patternmakers is projected to shrink 15% from 2025 to 2035, a decline, against 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 200 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a fabric and apparel patternmaker?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for fabric and apparel patternmakers as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
Related salaries
See more in Production & Manufacturing salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.