What is the salary of a Tailor, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers?

The typical salary range is $28,602 - $57,204 per year.

📱 Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

Which studies lead to becoming a Tailor, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers?

Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Tailor, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

Operational-level

Also known as: Alteration Tailor, Alterations and Tailor Shop Fitter, Alterations and Tailor Shop Sewer, Alterations Associate

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer, you design, create, alter, and repair clothing to fit perfectly. You'll spend most of your time indoors, working with your hands, using tools and sewing machines to handle fabrics precisely. This role demands accuracy and attention to detail, often under time pressure, and gives you freedom to make decisions that impact the final product. It suits creative individuals who enjoy hands-on work and are skilled at listening to clients and communicating their vision.

TailoringDressmakingGarment DesignFashion DesignTextile ArtsCraftsmanshipCreative ArtsManufacturingCreativeTechnical

A Day in the Life

You arrive at "Precision Stitches," your small but bustling custom shop in downtown Portland. The scent of cotton and steam from the industrial iron fills the air. You grab a coffee and head to your workstation, flicking on the bright task lamp. Your first task is a tricky bridesmaid dress alteration – taking in the bodice on a delicate lace overlay. You meticulously pin the seams, reviewing the client's notes and the original fit, preparing to guide the fabric under the needle of your Juki sewing machine.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Google Docs Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-8.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

3,700

per year (US)

Jobs today

33,200

in 2025 → 30,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

High

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This career is projected to see a decline in employment through 2035, with an expected -8.8% change, though about 3,700 job openings are still anticipated each year. The median annual wage is $41,640. You can advance from roles like apprentice or sewing machine operator to patternmaker or custom fashion designer.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Apprentice Seamster/Seamstress
Sewing Machine Operator

Tailor, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers

Where it can lead

Patternmaker
Custom Fashion Designer
Atelier Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI is unlikely to fully automate the highly skilled, personalized craft of tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in the next 5-10 years, as their work relies on nuanced fitting and direct client interaction. Instead, AI tools may assist by enhancing measurement accuracy (e.g., 3D body scanning), streamlining pattern generation, or improving customer relationship management. This could allow artisans to increase efficiency and personalize offerings, rather than facing direct job displacement.

Salary

$41,640

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position