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The role of a pattern maker is crucial in several sectors, particularly in fashion and manufacturing. As of October 2025, the average salary for pattern makers in the United States is approximately $57,140 annually, which translates to about $27 per hour. Salary can significantly differ based on factors such as experience, specific industry, and geographical location.
For instance, pattern makers in states like California and New York often see higher salaries due to the cost of living and industry demand. Additionally, as you gain experience, your earning potential typically increases. Many pattern makers start in entry-level positions but can advance to senior roles or specialize in areas like digital pattern making, which may offer even higher compensation.
To maximize your earning potential as a pattern maker, consider acquiring additional skills such as CAD software proficiency or knowledge of emerging materials and techniques. Continuous learning and professional development can set you apart in this competitive field.
The demand for pattern makers is projected to grow, with various job openings available across different industries. Exploring job boards and networking within the industry can help you find opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.
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The average pattern maker salary in Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average pattern maker salary states are Wisconsin, Indiana, and Maine.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | $79,246 | $38.10 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $83,743 | $40.26 |
| 3 | New York | $82,534 | $39.68 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $77,045 | $37.04 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $72,700 | $34.95 |
| 6 | North Carolina | $71,686 | $34.46 |
| 7 | Ohio | $71,563 | $34.41 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | $75,896 | $36.49 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $70,522 | $33.90 |
| 10 | Delaware | $76,575 | $36.81 |
| 11 | West Virginia | $71,433 | $34.34 |
| 12 | Massachusetts | $74,617 | $35.87 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $72,067 | $34.65 |
| 14 | Tennessee | $65,638 | $31.56 |
| 15 | Maryland | $75,928 | $36.50 |
| 16 | Texas | $67,401 | $32.40 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $64,677 | $31.09 |
| 18 | New Mexico | $69,153 | $33.25 |
| 19 | Nevada | $69,431 | $33.38 |
| 20 | Wyoming | $61,990 | $29.80 |
| 21 | Alabama | $63,257 | $30.41 |
| 22 | Oregon | $69,429 | $33.38 |
| 23 | Vermont | $68,847 | $33.10 |
| 24 | District of Columbia | $75,564 | $36.33 |
| 25 | Florida | $62,661 | $30.13 |
| 26 | Illinois | $62,784 | $30.18 |
| 27 | Arkansas | $63,113 | $30.34 |
| 28 | Oklahoma | $63,086 | $30.33 |
| 29 | Alaska | $69,453 | $33.39 |
| 30 | Georgia | $63,882 | $30.71 |
| 31 | Missouri | $60,901 | $29.28 |
| 32 | California | $68,150 | $32.76 |
| 33 | South Carolina | $60,406 | $29.04 |
| 34 | Utah | $59,267 | $28.49 |
| 35 | Nebraska | $59,998 | $28.85 |
| 36 | South Dakota | $60,572 | $29.12 |
| 37 | North Dakota | $61,839 | $29.73 |
| 38 | Iowa | $58,962 | $28.35 |
| 39 | Wisconsin | $44,944 | $21.61 |
| 40 | Indiana | $44,524 | $21.41 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $60,379 | $29.03 |
| 42 | Virginia | $48,408 | $23.27 |
| 43 | Kansas | $54,885 | $26.39 |
| 44 | Idaho | $39,737 | $19.10 |
| 45 | Montana | $58,857 | $28.30 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $58,267 | $28.01 |
| 47 | Colorado | $56,226 | $27.03 |
| 48 | Hawaii | $54,194 | $26.05 |
| 49 | Arizona | $43,702 | $21.01 |
| 50 | Maine | $44,233 | $21.27 |
| 51 | Washington | $41,642 | $20.02 |
The highest-paying cities for pattern makers are New York, NY, Roseville, MI, and Newark, DE.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $82,705 | $39.76 |
| 2 | Roseville, MI | $79,977 | $38.45 |
| 3 | Newark, DE | $76,607 | $36.83 |
| 4 | Providence, RI | $75,831 | $36.46 |
| 5 | Cleveland, OH | $74,047 | $35.60 |
| 6 | San Francisco, CA | $71,471 | $34.36 |
| 7 | Saint Paul, MN | $70,649 | $33.97 |
| 8 | Wilmington, NC | $70,146 | $33.72 |
| 9 | Chattanooga, TN | $65,511 | $31.50 |
| 10 | Arlington, VA | $49,758 | $23.92 |
| 11 | Elkhart, IN | $46,071 | $22.15 |
A pattern maker's salary ranges from $34,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $93,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $93,000 | $7,750 | $45 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,000 | $6,167 | $36 |
| Average | $57,140 | $4,762 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,000 | $3,583 | $21 |
| 10th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
Top companies hiring pattern makers now:
Pattern maker salaries at General Motors and Xylem are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average pattern maker salary at companies like Ralph Lauren and Spark Talent Acquisition are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Motors | $103,961 | $49.98 |
| 2 | Xylem | $79,930 | $38.43 |
| 3 | Ralph Lauren | $61,268 | $29.46 |
| 4 | Spark Talent Acquisition | $60,010 | $28.85 |
| 5 | Pyramid Case Co | $59,057 | $28.39 |
| 6 | HNI | $58,512 | $28.13 |
| 7 | University of Delaware | $57,241 | $27.52 |
| 8 | Amer Sports | $53,061 | $25.51 |
| 9 | Harrison Steel | $52,546 | $25.26 |
| 10 | McWane | $50,673 | $24.36 |
| 11 | Wilson | $42,713 | $20.54 |
| 12 | Area Temps | $34,740 | $16.70 |
The average pattern maker salary has risen by $11,363 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average pattern maker earned $45,777 annually, but today, they earn $57,140 a year. That works out to a 25% change in pay for pattern makers over the last decade.
Compare pattern maker salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare pattern maker salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $57,100 | $27.47 | +9.3% |
| 2024 | $51,800 | $24.92 | +10.0% |
| 2023 | $46,700 | $22.43 | +0.2% |
| 2022 | $46,500 | $22.37 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $45,600 | $21.93 | -10.7% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vlaunchu | Pattern Maker-1St. Shift | Syracuse, NY | 06/27/2025 | $70,000 |
| Eaton Corporation | Pattern Maker-1St. Shift | Syracuse, NY | 06/21/2025 | $72,753 |
| Emerson | Journeyman Pattern Maker | South Milwaukee, WI | 06/14/2025 | $63,862 |
| Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry | Pattern Maker | Manitowoc, WI | 05/26/2025 | $77,219 |
| Eaton Corporation | Pattern Maker-1St. Shift | Syracuse, NY | 05/09/2025 | $72,753 |
| Emerson | Journeyman Pattern Maker | South Milwaukee, WI | 05/03/2025 | $62,005 |
| Emerson | Journeyman Pattern Maker | South Milwaukee, WI | 04/28/2025 | $62,005 |
| Eaton Corporation | Pattern Maker-1St. Shift | Syracuse, NY | 04/25/2025 | $72,753 |
| General Motors | Pattern Maker Journeyperson-Smco | Saginaw, MI | 04/24/2025 | $79,264 |
| GM | Pattern Maker Journeyperson-Smco | Saginaw, MI | 04/24/2025 | $79,264 |
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