Career comparison
Apparel Patternmaker vs. Tailor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Apparel patternmakers earn more at the median ($62,750 vs. $41,640), while tailors usually get to work faster (6 months–2 years of training). Apparel patternmakers turn fashion designs into patterns that factories use to cut clothing. Tailors alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Apparel Patternmaker | Tailor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,750 ($30.17/hr) | $41,640 ($20.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $33,790 – $123,540 | $29,920 – $63,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -15.0% (a projected decline) | -8.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 3,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | Months to years of training | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | Fashion design degree | Sewing and tailoring courses |
| Work setting | Patternmakers work in design studios and factories.. | Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.. |
What each job does
Apparel Patternmaker
- Draft patterns
- Make samples
- Fit garments
- Grade sizes
- Create markers
Tailor
- Measure and fit clients
- Alter garments for fit
- Hem pants, skirts and sleeves
- Replace zippers and buttons
- Repair damaged clothing
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work and hands-on work. They sit in different fields, arts, media & design and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as precision and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose apparel patternmaker if…
- I love fashion
- I like math and shapes
- I can sew
Choose tailor if…
- I love sewing
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like helping customers look good
Still torn? Take the Apparel Patternmaker fit quiz and the Tailor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, apparel patternmaker or tailor?
Apparel Patternmakers earn more at the median: $62,750 versus $41,640 for tailors, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Tailors typically train faster (6 months–2 years) than apparel patternmakers (Months to years of training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects tailors to grow -8.8% from 2025–35, compared with -15.0% for apparel patternmakers.