Tailors are skilled artisans who specialize in designing, altering, mending, and custom-making garments. They work with a variety of fabrics and materials to create clothing that fits perfectly to an individual's body.
Education: No formal educational credential
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: -13.6% (negative growth)
Annual job openings: 5,000
Direct AI exposure: 0% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 14% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $42K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $30K per year | $35K per year | $42K per year | $50K per year | $64K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $9.34K below the national average. | ||||
Tailors typically work in retail clothing stores, dry cleaners, or run their own tailoring businesses. The environment is detail-oriented, requiring precision and patience, often in a studio or workshop setting.
Tailoring is an art that combines creativity with technical skill. Tailors must have a deep understanding of fabrics, sewing techniques, and fashion trends. They often start by consulting with clients to understand their needs and preferences. This is followed by taking precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
Creating a garment involves selecting the right fabric, cutting materials based on patterns, and sewing pieces together with great attention to detail. Tailors need to be adept at using various sewing machines and hand-stitching techniques. Bespoke tailoring requires a higher level of skill, as it involves creating unique patterns and designs from scratch.
The work can be highly rewarding, offering the satisfaction of transforming ideas into tangible garments. It allows for creative expression and personal interaction with clients, often resulting in a high level of client gratitude and loyalty.
Formal education is not strictly required to become a tailor. Many tailors develop their skills through vocational training programs, apprenticeships, or extensive on-the-job experience. Some may also complete an associate's degree or diploma in fashion design, garment construction, or a related field.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.