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What is an apprentice pattern maker and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being an apprentice pattern maker. For example, did you know that they make an average of $25.74 an hour? That's $53,538 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 1% and produce 3,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreApprentice Pattern MakerUS Average
Salary
4.2

Avg. Salary $53,538

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate 1%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.39%

Asian 2.31%

Black or African American 3.94%

Hispanic or Latino 6.25%

Unknown 5.56%

White 80.56%

Gender

female 7.89%

male 92.11%

Age - 43
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 - 43
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an apprentice pattern maker

  1. Explore apprentice pattern maker education requirements

    Most common apprentice pattern maker degrees

    Bachelor's

    42.9 %

    Associate

    35.7 %

    High School Diploma

    14.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific apprentice pattern maker skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Drill Presses100.00%
  3. Complete relevant apprentice pattern maker training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 4-10 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New apprentices pattern maker 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 apprentice pattern maker based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real apprentice pattern maker resumes.
  4. Research apprentice pattern maker duties and responsibilities

    • Manage team processes and production of costumes with other pattern makers and technical designers to ensure deadlines are meet.
    • Duplicate vintage apparel and adapt patterns for modern construction techniques, whilst maintaining integrity of original designs.
    • Duplicate vintage apparel and adapt patterns for modern construction techniques, whilst maintaining integrity of original designs.
  5. Apply for apprentice pattern maker jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an apprentice pattern maker job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first apprentice pattern maker job

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Average apprentice pattern maker salary

The average apprentice pattern maker salary in the United States is $53,538 per year or $26 per hour. Apprentice pattern maker salaries range between $33,000 and $84,000 per year.

Average apprentice pattern maker salary
$53,538 Yearly
$25.74 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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