What Do Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer Do?
Job Description & Duties Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles.
List of Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Job Duties
- Read prescriptions or specifications, and take measurements to establish the type of product to be made, using calipers, tape measures, or rules.
- Re-sew seams, and replace handles and linings of suitcases or handbags.
- Measure customers for fit, and discuss with them the type of footwear to be made, recommending details such as leather quality.
- Cement, nail, or sew soles and heels to shoes.
- Cut, insert, position, and secure paddings, cushioning, or linings, using stitches or glue.
- Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.
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Qualities of a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer
Below is a list of the skills most Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Leather Lacer
- Mender
- Sewing Machine Operator
- Shoe Repairman
- Leather Stamper
Is There Job Demand for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 11,000 jobs in the United States for Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer. 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.

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.
Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Salary
The typical yearly salary for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers is somewhere between $19,440 and $39,790.

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 each U.S. state?
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 |
What Tools do Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Inventory tracking software
- Bookkeeping software
- Financial accounting software
- Sale processing software
Becoming a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer
Are there Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers work:

Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Steven M O’Kelley via Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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