What is a Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer?
Job Description & Duties Design, make, alter, repair, or fit garments.
List of Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer Job Duties
- Remove stitches from garments to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
- Assemble garment parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
- Put in padding and shaping materials.
- Maintain garment drape and proportions as alterations are performed.
- Confer with customers to determine types of material and garment styles desired.
- Let out or take in seams in suits and other garments to improve fit.
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Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers 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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Time Management: Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer
- Hand Loom Weaver
- Alterations Specialist
- Alteration Hand
- Fitter
- Coat Cutter
Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer Employment Estimates
There were about 44,300 jobs for Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer. The BLS estimates 4,800 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer are Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers is somewhere between $20,720 and $53,990.

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers who work in Minnesota, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $28,990 |
Alaska | $35,930 |
Arizona | $40,830 |
Arkansas | $25,640 |
California | $43,200 |
Colorado | $35,500 |
Connecticut | $39,620 |
Delaware | $29,680 |
District of Columbia | $44,810 |
Florida | $28,810 |
Georgia | $39,400 |
Hawaii | $31,420 |
Idaho | $31,300 |
Illinois | $38,710 |
Indiana | $29,470 |
Iowa | $34,260 |
Kentucky | $31,820 |
Louisiana | $31,350 |
Maryland | $35,270 |
Massachusetts | $39,000 |
Michigan | $35,530 |
Minnesota | $45,060 |
Mississippi | $24,320 |
Missouri | $33,420 |
Nebraska | $31,000 |
Nevada | $34,880 |
New Hampshire | $28,190 |
New Jersey | $33,870 |
New York | $39,700 |
North Carolina | $26,600 |
North Dakota | $33,350 |
Ohio | $35,130 |
Oklahoma | $28,920 |
Oregon | $33,800 |
Pennsylvania | $35,740 |
South Carolina | $31,130 |
Tennessee | $29,170 |
Texas | $28,870 |
Utah | $35,400 |
Virginia | $27,340 |
Washington | $32,620 |
Wisconsin | $29,790 |
What Tools do Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Google Docs
- Inventory tracking software
- Bookkeeping software
How do I Become a Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer?
Learn what Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer?

Where do Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers Work?

The table below shows the approximate number of Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Are you already one of the many Tailor, Dressmaker, or Custom Sewer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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