Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Job zone 3: medium preparationO*NET 51-6092.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, Texas (no San Antonio figure is published for this career)

$21k10th$35kMedian$66k90th

New workers start near $21,460; experienced workers reach $66,410. About 70 people do this job in Texas.

Job outlook

U.S. projection, 2024 to 2034.

Typical entry education: High school diploma or equivalent · Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

No program is mapped to this career yet. Many careers start from a transfer pre-major or a related program.

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
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.
Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.

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