Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers design, make, alter, repair, and fit garments for individual clients. They work in tailoring shops, dry cleaning establishments, retail stores, or independently from home studios. The work involves precise measurement, pattern creation, sewing, and fitting adjustments to meet each customer's specific needs and preferences.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to discuss alterations or custom orders, taking measurements, and planning designs. Tailors spend significant time at sewing machines constructing garments or modifying existing pieces. Tasks include cutting fabric, stitching seams, attaching fasteners, and conducting fittings to ensure proper fit. They may also manage inventory, maintain equipment, and handle customer communication about project timelines and costs.
Who this work suits
Holland code RAC. 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 likely enjoy this work if you have strong attention to detail and take satisfaction in creating or improving something with your hands. Success comes naturally if you combine artistic sensibility with realistic problem-solving—visualizing how fabric should drape while understanding the practical mechanics of construction and fit.
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
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $47,400 | $60,210 | $79,450 | 1,160 |
| District of Columbia | $57,720 | $57,720 | $84,760 | 80 |
| Washington | $46,260 | $54,300 | $65,230 | 100 |
| Hawaii | $38,160 | $53,680 | $65,700 | — |
| Colorado | $33,840 | $51,110 | $57,050 | 160 |
| Massachusetts | $46,230 | $50,470 | $58,570 | — |
| Nevada | $37,960 | $49,150 | $57,660 | 100 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,760 | $48,310 | $56,770 | 610 |
| Missouri | $35,900 | $48,240 | $48,840 | 200 |
| Maryland | $40,000 | $48,200 | $52,310 | — |
| Utah | $35,450 | $48,040 | $48,780 | 290 |
| Oregon | $34,180 | $47,450 | $62,030 | 100 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Master Sewing and Design Professional (MSDP) — Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
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 tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6052.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.