How To Become An Alterations Tailor: What It Is and Career Path

What is an alterations tailor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Alterations tailors, as the name suggests, alter a particular garment's various dimensions and aspects. From stitching to measuring to repairing, they do it all.

Some of the responsibilities and duties that they undertake in this capacity include altering clothing to fit client's requirements, repairing garments with defects, removing stitching as needed, resewing for custom fit, and working on ready-to-wear departments. Skills that applicants will need to succeed in this position include attention to detail, time management, communication, customer service skills, good hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Sound knowledge of various garments and fabrics is greatly desirable, since different fabrics require different stitching methods.

To qualify for this position, applicants will need to have at least a high school diploma or a GED. What is essential is their prior work experience in a related position. The average hourly pay for this position is $15.51, which amounts to over $32,000 annually.

ScoreAlterations TailorUS Average

Salary

2.7

Avg. Salary $34,125

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

1.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.73%

Asian 17.67%

Black or African American 6.53%

Hispanic or Latino 20.54%

Unknown 4.65%

White 49.89%

Gender

female 72.73%

male 27.27%

Age - 57

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 57

Stress level

8.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.2

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an alterations tailor

Explore alterations tailor education requirements

Most common alterations tailor degrees

Bachelor's

54.2 %

Diploma

16.7 %

Associate

16.7 %

Start to develop specific alterations tailor skills

Skills	Percentages
Customer Service	99.95%
Coats	0.05%

Complete relevant alterations tailor training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New alterations tailors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an alterations tailor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real alterations tailor resumes.

Research alterations tailor duties and responsibilities

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Prepare your alterations tailor resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your alterations tailor resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable alterations tailor resume templates

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