Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers Salary in U.S.
In U.S., tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers earn $40,860 at the median — $19.64 an hour. The range runs from $27K at the entry level to $62K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $41K get you in U.S.?
About tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers (10th percentile) start around $27K. Mid-career wages sit at $41K.Top earners bring in $62K or more - a $35K 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much do tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers make in U.S.?
The median is $40,860 a year - that works out to about $19.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,110, and experienced tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers can clear $62,490. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $41K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,906/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 48.6% 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 U.S.?
U.S. 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 $40,860 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.