Also called: Color Technologist, Color Matcher
Makes sure the color of a fabric matches exactly across every batch, mill and country.
A brand wants its signature blue to look identical on a hoodie, a sock and a backpack. You put swatches in a light booth that mimics daylight, store light and sunset, measure them with a spectrophotometer and approve or reject each lab dip. A slightly too-purple batch can mean millions of dollars in returns.
Estimated; no BLS category.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in textile science, color science or chemistry, or an associate degree plus color-matching experience.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Textile Science, Color Science, Chemistry, Fashion Design.
Growing about average. No BLS projection; small but steady niche at brands and dye houses.
Medium risk for 10 years. Spectrophotometers and AI color-matching handle much routine work; judgment across batches and lights stays human.
Classes: Chemistry, Art, Physics.
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.