Career comparison
Garment Presser vs. Tailor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tailors earn more at the median ($41,640 vs. $35,060), while garment pressers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Garment pressers press and finish clothing and textiles at dry cleaners and factories. Tailors alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Garment Presser | Tailor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $35,060 ($16.85/hr) | $41,640 ($20.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $27,180 – $43,050 | $29,920 – $63,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -15.7% (a projected decline) | -8.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 2,200 | 3,700 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | DLI training | Sewing and tailoring courses |
| Work setting | Pressers work at dry cleaners, laundries and garment plants.. | Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.. |
What each job does
Garment Presser
- Press garments
- Use steam presses
- Hand-iron details
- Check for stains
- Fold and hang
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 hands-on work and indoor work. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as attention to detail and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose garment presser if…
- I like neat results
- I don’t mind heat
- I can stand
Choose tailor if…
- I love sewing
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like helping customers look good
Still torn? Take the Garment Presser fit quiz and the Tailor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, garment presser or tailor?
Tailors earn more at the median: $41,640 versus $35,060 for garment pressers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Garment Pressers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) than tailors (6 months–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects tailors to grow -8.8% from 2025–35, compared with -15.7% for garment pressers.