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What is a pattern finisher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a pattern finisher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $15.98 an hour? That's $33,234 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePattern FinisherUS Average
Salary
2.6

Avg. Salary $33,234

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.4

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.70%

Asian 6.69%

Black or African American 10.61%

Hispanic or Latino 18.37%

Unknown 3.92%

White 59.71%

Gender

female 50.00%

male 50.00%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress level
8.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.4

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pattern finisher

  1. Explore pattern finisher education requirements

    Most common pattern finisher degrees

    Associate

    40.0 %

    High School Diploma

    20.0 %

    Bachelor's

    20.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific pattern finisher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Hand Tools82.02%
    WAX Patterns10.50%
    Quality Standards7.48%
  3. Complete relevant pattern finisher training and internships

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

    • Develop patterns using AutoCAD while working closely with manufacturing to ensure the customer order is processed accurately with minimum lead time.
    • Follow and demonstrate the significance of FDA code of regulations during audits to identify recommendations and non-conformances.
  5. Apply for pattern finisher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a pattern finisher 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 pattern finisher job

Zippi

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Average pattern finisher salary

The average pattern finisher salary in the United States is $33,234 per year or $16 per hour. Pattern finisher salaries range between $26,000 and $42,000 per year.

Average pattern finisher salary
$33,234 Yearly
$15.98 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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