Also called: Pattern Maker (Costume), First Hand
Turns a costume designer's sketch into a real garment by drafting patterns and draping fabric on a dress form.
A draper pins muslin onto a mannequin to shape a Victorian gown, cuts the real fabric, and leads stitchers who sew it together.
Approximate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Costume technology degree or apprenticeship.
Ways in: 4-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Costume Technology, Fashion Design.
Growing slowly. Small, skilled niche in theater, opera, and film.
Low risk for 10 years. Digital pattern software helps, but draping fabric on a form to fit a real performer stays skilled handwork.
Classes: Sewing or fashion design CTE, Geometry, Art, Theater tech crew.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-6092.
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.