Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
Also called: Apparel Patternmaker, Clothing Pattern Preparer, Clothing Patternmaker, Computer Patternmaker, Cutter, Designer
Median pay
$62,750
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,790 – $123,540
People employed
2,950
Holland code
RAC
Realistic · Artistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 2.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 3.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (13 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What fabric and apparel patternmakers do
- 01Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
- 02Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
- 03Draw 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.
- 04Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
- 05Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
- 06Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from fabric and apparel patternmakers
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic77% · −8%
- Fashion Designers75% · +29%
- Mechanical Drafters74% · +14%
- Model Makers, Wood72% · −10%
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters71% · +23%
Change into fabric and apparel patternmakers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic77% · $58,000
- Costume Attendants74% · $50,400
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators74% · $55,490
- Mechanical Drafters72% · $71,550
- Model Makers, Wood72% · $56,550
Majors that lead here
- Apparel and Textile Manufacture
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.