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Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer

What is a Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer?

Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Job Description Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles.

Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Responsibilities

  • Shape shoe heels with a knife, and sand them on a buffing wheel for smoothness.
  • Read prescriptions or specifications, and take measurements to establish the type of product to be made, using calipers, tape measures, or rules.
  • Dress and otherwise finish boots or shoes, as by trimming the edges of new soles and heels to the shoe shape.
  • Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose.
  • Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.
  • Select materials and patterns, and trace patterns onto materials to be cut out.

What Every Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Should Know

When polled, Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Types of Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer

  • Back Shoe Cutter
  • Shoe Stitcher
  • Orthopedic Shoe Maker
  • Hand Bootmaker
  • Repairer

Are There Job Opportunities for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?

There were about 11,000 jobs for Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer. The BLS estimates 800 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer are Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, Indiana, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Make?

The average yearly salary of a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer ranges between $19,440 and $39,790.

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Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers who work in Minnesota, Nevada, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Arizona $23,290
California $32,210
Colorado $30,720
Georgia $19,140
Idaho $30,900
Illinois $29,170
Indiana $31,310
Maine $30,710
Massachusetts $31,180
Michigan $32,360
Minnesota $35,320
Mississippi $26,830
Missouri $28,260
Montana $21,010
Nevada $36,360
New Hampshire $35,090
New Jersey $37,050
New York $27,580
North Carolina $25,790
Ohio $26,700
Oklahoma $22,520
Oregon $28,590
Pennsylvania $22,930
South Carolina $27,790
Tennessee $28,230
Texas $28,200
Utah $24,880
Virginia $31,740
Washington $32,450
Wisconsin $28,360

Tools & Technologies Used by Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Inventory tracking software
  • Bookkeeping software
  • Financial accounting software
  • Sale processing software

How to Become a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer

What education is needed to be a Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer?

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What work experience do I need to become a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer?

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Those who work as a Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Steven M O’Kelley via Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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