Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
SOC Code: 51-6092 Job Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Draw and construct sets of precision master fabric patterns or layouts. May also mark and cut fabrics and apparel.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $61,776 | $80,496 | $99,216 | $117,936 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $61,485 | $80,205 | $98,904 | $117,624 |
| Elmira, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Binghamton, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Kingston, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Ithaca, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Syracuse, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $61,693 | $80,122 | $98,571 | $117,000 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Active Listening | 3.4 | |
| Time Management | 3.2 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.2 | |
| Active Learning | 3.1 | |
| Mathematics | 3.1 | |
| Speaking | 3.1 | |
| Monitoring | 3.1 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Design | 4.2 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 |
| English Language | 3.9 |
| Production and Processing | 3.9 |
| Education and Training | 3.4 |
| Engineering and Technology | 2.9 |
| Computers and Electronics | 2.9 |
| Administration and Management | 2.8 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 40.7% |
| Bachelor's degree | 26.4% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 18.6% |
| Some college | 11.5% |
| Less than high school | 2.9% |
Typical Tasks
- Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
- Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
- Determine the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material, and mark fabric accordingly.
- Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
- Draw outlines of pattern parts by adapting or copying existing patterns, or by drafting new patterns.
- Create a paper pattern from which to mass-produce a design concept.
- Position and cut out master or sample patterns, using scissors and knives, or print out copies of patterns, using computers.
- Discuss design specifications with designers, and convert their original models of garments into patterns of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Adobe Creative Cloud software Adobe Illustrator Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Autodesk AutoCAD Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Gerber Technology AccuMark PatternMaker
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