Skip to content
AffordMap
Production & Manufacturing · Illinois

How to Become a Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers in Illinois

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers in Illinois earn a median salary of $38,340/year, which is 6% below the national average. Illinois has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers takes home approximately $1,167/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$38K
Median salary in Illinois
-6%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
360
Employed in Illinois

What a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers can afford in Illinois

Gross annual salary$38,340
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$2,579/mo
Median 2BR rent (Illinois)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home54.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$38,340/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,167/mo

Becoming a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in Illinois

1

Meet education requirements

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Illinois. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers positions in Illinois require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Illinois licensure or certification

Illinois may require specific licensing or professional certification for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Illinois Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Illinois

Illinois employs 360 tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers. The highest concentrations are in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin.

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers salary by metro area in Illinois

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin$45K$21.69/hr250

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers salary range in Illinois

10th percentile (entry)
$30K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$38K
75th percentile
$46K
90th percentile (senior)
$64K
View jobs for Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
More openings for Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
Currently hiring in Illinois
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers salary breakdown in Illinois
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Illinois
After federal + 5.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Illinois cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers make in Illinois?

The median tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers salary in Illinois is $38,340 per year ($18.43/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $40,860. Salaries range from $30,490 to $63,660.

What are the requirements to become a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in Illinois?

Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers positions in Illinois typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Illinois may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Illinois licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers afford to live in Illinois?

At the median salary of $38,340, a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in Illinois would take home approximately $2,579/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 54.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in Illinois?

The highest paying metro areas for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers in Illinois are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin ($45,110). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Illinois have state income tax for tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers?

Yes, Illinois has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.0%. On a $38,340 salary, this means roughly $1,898/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.