Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers Salary in California
In California, tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers earn $45,390 at the median — $21.82 an hour. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $81K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $45K get you in California?
About tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $45K.Top earners bring in $81K or more - a $44K spread from bottom to top.
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57K | +40% | N/A |
| New York | $57K | +40% | 1,400 |
| Maryland | $52K | +27% | 260 |
| Washington | $51K | +25% | 140 |
| Oklahoma | $51K | +24% | 120 |
| Pennsylvania | $49K | +21% | 500 |
| Connecticut | $47K | +16% | 180 |
| Hawaii | $47K | +15% | N/A |
| Nevada | $46K | +13% | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $46K | +12% | 490 |
| Oregon | $46K | +12% | 130 |
| New Jersey | $46K | +11% | 710 |
| California | $45K | +11% | 2,240 |
| New Hampshire | $45K | +10% | N/A |
| Arizona | $45K | +10% | 40 |
Track tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers make in California?
The median is $45,390 a year - that works out to about $21.82 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,330, and experienced tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers can clear $80,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $45K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,125/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 70.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers salary is worth about $45,390 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.