What Does a Tailor Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a tailor do?

Tailors, dressmakers and custom sewers design, alter, repair and make clothing and garments, fitting them to clients’ measurements and preferences. The median pay is $41,640 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow -8.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$41,640
$20.02/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-8.8%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
3,700
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
BLS classification
Time to train
6 months–2 years
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
33,200
Employment, 2025

What tailors do

Tailors make clothes fit. They take measurements, fit garments, hem pants, take in or let out seams, replace zippers, alter wedding dresses and suits, and make custom garments. They work in alterations shops, bridal stores, department stores, theaters and their own businesses.

Most tailors learn through apprenticeships, courses or experience. Employment is declining, but skilled alterations work and custom tailoring remain in demand, and many tailors run their own shops.

Typical duties

Measure and fit clients
Alter garments for fit
Hem pants, skirts and sleeves
Replace zippers and buttons
Repair damaged clothing
Make custom garments
Estimate prices and timelines

Work environment and schedule

Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.

Schedule: Most work full-time; wedding and prom seasons bring rushes.

A day in the life

9:00 AMOpen the shop and review the alterations queue.
9:30 AMFit a bride for her wedding dress.
11:00 AMHem suit pants and taper the legs.
1:00 PMReplace a coat zipper.

See a full day in the life of a tailor →

Tailor salary

Half of tailors earned more than $41,640 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,920 for the lowest 10% to $63,670 for the top 10%.

$29,92010th$41,640Median$63,67090th

Full tailor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a tailor

Learn to sew
Work in an alterations shop
Master fitting
Specialize
Grow

No formal education is required. Tailors learn through apprenticeships, sewing courses or experience.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a tailor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Sewing machine operation
Hand sewing
Measuring and fitting
Pattern adjustments
Pressing

People skills

Attention to detail
Patience
Customer service
Creativity

All tailor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Creative craftsmanship
Satisfied customers
Run your own shop
Low-cost entry

Cons

Declining employment
Repetitive close work
Seasonal rushes
Modest pay

Certifications and licenses

Sewing and tailoring courses: Training in alterations and construction.
Fashion design classes: Pattern making and design.
Bridal alterations training: Specialty courses.
Small business training: For shop owners.

Career path

Alterations Assistant: Learn basic alterations.
Tailor: Handle alterations and fittings.
Master Tailor: Create custom garments.
Shop Owner: Run a tailoring business.

Learn the job before day one

Our Tailor training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as hem a pair of pants and take in a side seam, safety and how to land your first job.

View Tailor training Is this career right for me?

Fashion Designer

Design clothing, shoes and accessories from sketch to store.

$80,960
4 years

Cosmetologist

Cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.

$35,790
9–18 months

Visual Merchandiser

Design store displays and windows that make shoppers stop and buy.

$39,390
1–6 months

Barber

Cut hair, shape beards and keep clients sharp.

$38,210
9–15 months

Compare: Tailor vs. Fashion Designer · Tailor vs. Cosmetologist · Tailor vs. Visual Merchandiser · Tailor vs. Barber

Tailor FAQ

Do tailors need school?

No, but training helps.

Is tailoring declining?

Employment is declining, but skilled alterations remain in demand.

Can tailors run their own shops?

Yes, many do.

How much does a tailor make?

The median annual wage for tailors was $41,640 ($20.02 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,920 and the highest 10% earned more than $63,670.

How long does it take to become a tailor?

Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. No formal education is required. Tailors learn through apprenticeships, sewing courses or experience.

Do you need a degree to be a tailor?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-6052 (Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers (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.

Tailor