Pattern maker vs pattern grader

The differences between pattern makers and pattern graders can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a pattern maker and a pattern grader. Additionally, a pattern maker has an average salary of $57,140, which is higher than the $53,020 average annual salary of a pattern grader.

The top three skills for a pattern maker include sketch, CAD and CNC. The most important skills for a pattern grader are market research, , and .

Pattern maker vs pattern grader overview

	Pattern Maker	Pattern Grader
Yearly salary	$57,140	$53,020
Hourly rate	$27.47	$25.49
Growth rate	-5%	-
Number of jobs	7,387	374
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

Pattern maker vs pattern grader salary

Pattern makers and pattern graders have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pattern Maker	Pattern Grader
Average salary	$57,140	$53,020
Salary range	Between $34,000 And $93,000	Between $25,000 And $108,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	-
Highest paying state	Pennsylvania	-
Best paying company	General Motors	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between pattern maker and pattern grader education

There are a few differences between a pattern maker and a pattern grader in terms of educational background:

	Pattern Maker	Pattern Grader
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 40%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Graphic Design
Most common college	Cornell University	Cornell University

Pattern maker vs pattern grader demographics

Here are the differences between pattern makers' and pattern graders' demographics:

	Pattern Maker	Pattern Grader
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 56.2% Female, 43.8%	Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.0% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 17.3% White, 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 12.9% White, 56.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between pattern maker and pattern grader duties and responsibilities

Pattern maker example responsibilities.

Manage team processes and production of costumes with other pattern makers and technical designers to ensure deadlines are meet.
Design and create women's apparel production patterns including dresses, tops, pants, and jackets.
Knock offs, draping, and digitizing.
Work with Lesage embroidery and Lemarie feather supplier.
Plot markers stencils for contractor's cutting production.
Work with denim and twills for bottoms and jeans.

Pattern grader example 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.

Pattern maker vs pattern grader skills

Common pattern maker skills

Sketch, 22%
CAD, 9%
CNC, 9%
Blueprint Specifications, 6%
Tech Packs, 6%
Apparel, 5%

Common pattern grader skills

Market Research, 100%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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