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Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers in New Jersey

Want to work as a Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers in New Jersey? Here’s what you need to know. Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

What do Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Make in New Jersey?

For fabric and apparel patternmakers working in New Jersey, wages run about $80,860 per year (or about $38.88/hour).Earnings range from $36,750 at the 10th percentile to $109,460 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic	Annual	Hourly
10th percentile	$36,750	$17.67
25th percentile	$42,710	$20.53
Median (50th)	$80,860	$38.88
75th percentile	$109,460	$52.63
90th percentile	$109,460	$52.63

The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in New Jersey relative to the national average — is 0.59, suggesting fewer fabric and apparel patternmakers per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, fabric and apparel patternmakers earn a median of $38,392 per year ($18.46/hour), exceeding the New Jersey median.

Employment Outlook

There are roughly 341,384 fabric and apparel patternmakers nationwide. In New Jersey alone, approximately 50 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 60 fabric and apparel patternmakers.

Top States for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers Employment

The table below shows the states where the most fabric and apparel patternmakers work.

State	Number Employed
California	910
New York	800
North Carolina	260
Texas	120
Florida	60
Mississippi	60
Oregon	50
New Jersey	50
Pennsylvania	50
Virginia	50
Missouri	50
Washington	40

Highest-Paying States for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

These states pay the most for fabric and apparel patternmakers.

State	Annual Median Salary
New York	$100,350
New Jersey	$80,860
California	$77,440
Missouri	$69,180
Florida	$65,570
Oregon	$62,120
Pennsylvania	$55,850
Washington	$50,510
North Carolina	$49,980
Mississippi	$44,740

Skills

Key fabric and apparel patternmakers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Knowledge Areas

Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for fabric and apparel patternmakers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Daily Tasks

Common tasks include:

• Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
• Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
• Draw 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.
• Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
• Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
• Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.
• Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
• Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
• Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
• Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
• Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
• Examine sketches, sample articles, and design specifications to determine quantities, shapes, and sizes of pattern parts, and to determine the amount of material or fabric required to make a product.

Work Activities

• Getting Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Thinking Creatively
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Processing Information
• Working with Computers
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Tools & Technology

Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Adobe Creative Cloud software, Adobe Illustrator In-demand technologies: Adobe Creative Cloud software

Related Careers

Careers similar to fabric and apparel patternmakers include:

• Craft Artists
• Commercial and Industrial Designers
• Fashion Designers
• Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
• Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
• Tool and Die Makers

Also Known As

Apparel Patternmaker, Clothing Pattern Preparer, Clothing Patternmaker, Computer Patternmaker, Cutter, Designer, Draper, Embroidery Operator, Embroidery Patternmaker, Fabric Cutter, Fabric Pattern Grader, Fabric Sourcer, Fashion Patternmaker, Furniture Designer, Garment Patternmaker.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
• O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
• BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-6092.00