Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Shoe and leather workers construct, decorate, and repair leather products including shoes, luggage, and saddles. They work primarily in repair shops, manufacturing facilities, and custom leather goods businesses, using hand tools and specialized equipment to cut, stitch, shape, and finish leather materials.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shoe and leather workers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves measuring and cutting leather pieces, stitching components together using machines or hand tools, and applying finishes or decorative details. Workers may repair damaged shoes or bags, replace soles or heels, or construct new items from pattern to completion. Tasks require attention to detail and precision, with output checked for quality before delivery to customers.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work where you can see tangible results from your efforts. You work methodically and follow established procedures well, taking satisfaction in craftsmanship and the durability of well-made leather goods.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Bowling Equipment Repairer · Air Force Materiel Command · Robins AFB, Georgia · $22.56–$26.31
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER · Army National Guard Units · Havre de Grace, Maryland · $24.5–$38.41
- SURFACE MAINTENANCE REPAIRER (TITLE 32) · Army National Guard Units · Harrisonville, Missouri · $33.04–$38.55
- Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer · Defense Logistics Agency · New Cumberland Defense Logistics Center, Pennsylvania · $28.06–$32.72
- Electrical Equipment Repairer-Wheelchair Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Aurora, Colorado · $30.48–$35.53
- Surface Maintenance Repairer (Title 32) (Permanent) · Army National Guard Units · Troutville, Virginia · $24.44–$31.73
- Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Supervisor (Utility Systems Repairer-Operator Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Milan, Michigan · $45.13–$52.7
- SMALL ARMS REPAIRER (T32) · Army National Guard Units · Montgomery, Alabama · $25.49–$29.74
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $40,200 | $52,520 | $52,550 | 330 |
| Washington | $36,780 | $48,310 | $59,880 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $36,650 | $46,790 | $59,340 | 230 |
| Massachusetts | $45,150 | $46,550 | $54,890 | 500 |
| Arizona | $42,290 | $45,510 | $45,510 | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $36,620 | $44,000 | $46,210 | 460 |
| Illinois | $36,000 | $43,730 | $58,680 | 200 |
| Minnesota | $35,560 | $42,940 | $45,860 | 200 |
| New York | $38,330 | $42,100 | $45,670 | — |
| New Hampshire | $40,440 | $40,800 | $46,670 | 30 |
| Idaho | $29,570 | $40,000 | $45,410 | 40 |
| Missouri | $35,420 | $38,700 | $43,700 | 240 |
All 28 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against shoe and leather workers and repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.