Fashion Designer
Design clothing, shoes and accessories from sketch to store.
- $80,960
- 4 years
Arts, Media & Design career
Apparel Patternmaker
Also called: Fashion Patternmaker · Technical Designer · Pattern Grader · CAD Patternmaker
What apparel patternmakers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an apparel patternmaker do?
Fabric and apparel patternmakers draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts, and may mark and cut fabrics and apparel. The median pay is $62,750 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Months to years of training, and employment is projected to grow -15.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$62,750$30.17/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-15.0%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainMonths to years of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs3,000Employment, 2025
What apparel patternmakers do
Patternmakers make designs wearable. They draft patterns by hand or in CAD, build samples, fit garments on models, grade patterns into sizes and create markers for cutting.
A high school diploma and moderate training are typical; fashion technical training helps. BLS projects a steep decline as production moves offshore.
Typical duties
- Draft patterns
- Make samples
- Fit garments
- Grade sizes
- Create markers
- Write tech specs
- Work with designers
Work environment and schedule
Patternmakers work in design studios and factories.
Schedule: Full time, busy around seasons.
A day in the life
- Review a designer sketch.
- Draft a first pattern in CAD.
- Cut a muslin.
- Fit on a fit model.
See a full day in the life of an apparel patternmaker →
Apparel Patternmaker salary
Half of apparel patternmakers earned more than $62,750 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $33,790 for the lowest 10% to $123,540 for the top 10%.
Full apparel patternmaker pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an apparel patternmaker
- Learn sewing and drafting
- Study fashion technical design
- Work as an assistant
- Learn CAD
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; fashion technical training helps.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an apparel patternmaker →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Pattern drafting
- Draping
- Grading
- Garment construction
- CAD patternmaking
People skills
- Precision
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Patience
All apparel patternmaker skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fashion industry
- Technical and creative
- Skilled craft
- CAD skills
Cons
- Steep decline
- Seasonal crunches
- Offshore competition
- Detail pressure
Certifications and licenses
- Fashion design degree: Helpful.
- CAD patternmaking certificate: Gerber or Optitex.
- Draping course: Helpful.
- Technical design certificate: Helpful.
Career path
- Assistant Patternmaker: Entry.
- Patternmaker: Draft.
- Senior Patternmaker: Lead.
- Technical Design Manager: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Apparel Patternmaker training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as fit a sample on a fit model and grade a pattern into sizes, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Sewing Machine Operator
Run industrial sewing machines to make clothing, upholstery and products.
- $36,670
- A few weeks on the job
Textile Cutting Machine Operator
Spread and cut fabric into pattern pieces for sewing.
- $38,760
- A few months on the job
Tailor
Alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.
- $41,640
- 6 months–2 years
Compare: Apparel Patternmaker vs. Fashion Designer · Apparel Patternmaker vs. Sewing Machine Operator · Apparel Patternmaker vs. Textile Cutting Machine Operator · Apparel Patternmaker vs. Tailor
Apparel Patternmaker FAQ
Is patternmaking declining?
BLS projects a steep decline.
Is CAD used?
Yes, widely.
Do I need a degree?
Not always; training helps.
How much does an apparel patternmaker make?
The median annual wage for apparel patternmakers was $62,750 ($30.17 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,790 and the highest 10% earned more than $123,540.
How long does it take to become an apparel patternmaker?
Most people need about Months to years of training of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical; fashion technical training helps.
Do you need a degree to be an apparel patternmaker?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More apparel patternmaker questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-6092 (Fabric and apparel patternmakers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Fabric and apparel patternmakers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.