What Do Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer Do?
Position Description Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles.
List of Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Job Duties
- Drill or punch holes and insert or attach metal rings, handles, and fastening hardware, such as buckles.
- Re-sew seams, and replace handles and linings of suitcases or handbags.
- Prepare inserts, heel pads, and lifts from casts of customers’ feet.
- Inspect articles for defects, and remove damaged or worn parts, using hand tools.
- Attach insoles to shoe lasts, affix shoe uppers, and apply heels and outsoles.
- Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
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Things a Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Should Know How to Do
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 for this Occupation:
- Stain Inspector
- Trimming Cutter
- Dyer
- Mender
- Boot Repairer
What Kind of Shoe & Leather Worker or Repairer Job Opportunities Are There?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 800 job openings in this field each year.

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.

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

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

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers Sector

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

Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Shoe and Leather Worker or Repairer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Steven M O’Kelley via Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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