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Boston Career Explorer

Production

Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers

Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.

Also called: Cutter, Designer, Fabric Cutter, Pattern Designer, Pattern Maker, Pattern Technician

Median pay in Greater Boston
$55,540
$26.70/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
30
Massachusetts 2024–2034
Not published
Typical U.S. entry requirement
High school diploma or equivalent
plus Moderate-term on-the-job training

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$47,100$47,110$55,540$68,290$80,120

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
  • Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
  • Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
  • Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
  • Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
  • Mark samples and finished patterns with information, such as garment size, section, style, identification, and sewing instructions.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure39 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 44
  • Language-model AIOE 37
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 36

Observed AI use today: Little or none (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is moderate, but observed AI use is little or none so far. Computer-based tasks like entering specifications, sizing patterns, and calculating dimensions are where AI tools could help most. Adjusting patterns after fittings and judging how fabric stretches and hangs still rely on a person's eye and hands.

Likely to change

  • Entering specifications into pattern software
  • Calculating dimensions for each garment size

Still relies on people

  • Adjusting patterns after live fittings
  • Judging how fabric stretches and drapes

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Machinists

    Precise measuring and calculating dimensions carry over directly. Machinists earn $72,060 in Boston and have lower AI exposure than your current job.

    Pay difference
    +$16,520 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +2.2%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Carpenters

    Measuring and marking materials accurately carries over. Carpenters train through an apprenticeship and earn $75,210, with 6.3% projected growth.

    Pay difference
    +$19,670 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +6.3%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Structural Iron and Steel Workers

    Reading specifications and blueprints carries over. This apprenticeship-based job pays $120,840 and has very low AI exposure.

    Pay difference
    +$65,300 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +6.1%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

No college programs near Boston map to this job. Many people enter through on-the-job training or apprenticeship.

Talk to a career coach at the Office of Workforce Development about apprenticeships and City partner programs.

Related occupations

Talk to a career coach

A coach at the Office of Workforce Development can help you plan your next step, and connect you with training, apprenticeships and City partner programs that are not listed here.

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