Also called: Seamstress, Alterations Specialist, Dressmaker
Alters, repairs, and custom-makes clothing to fit perfectly.
A tailor pins a groom's suit, then hems pants, takes in waists, and sews in a quiet shop. Custom tailors build suits from scratch over multiple fittings. Prom and wedding seasons are especially busy.
Based on BLS tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers, 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. No degree required; learned through apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Apprenticeship, Trade school. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Fashion Design, Apparel Construction.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). Slight decline projected, but skilled tailors are often in short supply.
Low risk for 10 years. Hands-on fitting and sewing for each customer can't be automated; demand is steady in alterations and custom suits.
Classes: Sewing or fashion CTE, Geometry, Business basics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-6052.
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.