Also called: Sample Maker, Sewing Machine Operator
Sews the first prototype garments that designers use to check a design.
They work closely with designers and patternmakers, sewing samples quickly and accurately so the team can see the real garment. Precision and speed matter. It's a common entry point into fashion production.
Based on BLS sewing machine operators, May 2024 estimates.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training; sewing classes help.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Apparel Construction.
Shrinking (about -10% over 10 years). BLS projects decline as garment manufacturing moves overseas and automates.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Factory sewing slowly automates and 3D virtual samples replace some physical ones; skilled sample work stays manual for now.
Classes: Sewing or fashion CTE, Art, Geometry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-6031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.