Image that illustrates Dressmaker

Dressmaker

30 900 kr

Tailors and atelier seamstresses etc.

30 800 - 30 900 kr / month

Hantverksyrken

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dressmaker

Average salary 30 900 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 30 800 kr

What does a Ladies' Tailor do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Ladies' Tailor works with creating, customizing, and repairing clothing for women, often focusing on high-quality, tailored garments. Tasks include taking measurements, selecting fabrics, sewing, adjusting, and decorating garments according to customer wishes. Ladies' Tailors may work in own ateliers, fashion houses, theater costume departments, or larger apparel companies. The work environment is characterized by craftsmanship in a calm but detailed setting where precision and accuracy are crucial for the final result.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, salary development for Ladies' Tailors has shown a slightly positive trend, although recent changes have been marginal. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the salary increased to 31 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 7%. In 2024, the salary has stabilized at 30 900 SEK, which is a very slight decrease compared to the previous year. This development reflects a relatively stable job market where demand for skilled tailors is limited, while the profession’s status and specialized skills keep the salary level high. Limited market growth and an oversupply of trained professionals may explain the stagnation in wage increases.

Ladies' Tailor salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Varies depending on workplace and experience
  • Hourly wage: 186 SEK
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 30 800 SEK, data on men is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a Ladies' Tailor, a vocational education in textiles and fashion is generally required, often focusing on sewing and tailoring. Education can be obtained through high school craft programs or post-secondary courses, often supplemented with internships or apprenticeships. Many tailors also choose to further their skills through specialized courses or certifications in advanced sewing and pattern construction.

  • Formal education: Craft program (textile design/sewing), 3 years
  • Post-secondary education: YH training, folk high school, or private tailoring schools, 1–3 years
  • Internship/Apprenticeship: Often mandatory to gain work experience
  • Certifications: Possible within certain specializations
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of sewing and pattern making recommended

Many Ladies' Tailors get the opportunity to work on unique and creative projects, such as stage costumes or wedding dresses, providing variety in daily work and a chance to develop their personal expression.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Ladies' Tailors are often offered benefits such as flexible working hours, part-time or freelance work options, as well as discounts on materials and tools. Some employers also provide wellness allowances, educational support, and pension schemes. In smaller businesses, bonuses or performance-based compensation may occur for particularly successful projects.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of Ladies' Tailor is high, largely due to an oversupply of trained professionals relative to the limited demand on the job market. According to national forecasts, opportunities for employment are expected to remain small over the next five years, with unchanged demand. Many tailors choose to start their own businesses or specialize in areas like costume or wedding fashion to increase their chances of employment. Digitalization and cheaper ready-to-wear clothing have also contributed to reducing the need for custom-made garments, demanding flexibility and entrepreneurship within the profession.

Tips for aspiring Ladies' Tailors

To succeed as a Ladies' Tailor, it’s beneficial to combine meticulousness with creativity and a genuine interest in textile materials. Patience and an eye for detail are essential when performing advanced sewing tasks. Early internships or part-time jobs help build experience and networks in the industry. Good communication skills facilitate customer interactions and understanding of their wishes. Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques are important, especially if you want to specialize or start your own business. Following trends and further education in pattern construction can also open more career opportunities. Finally, an entrepreneurial mindset enhances the ability to find your niche in a competitive job market.

Key facts about Ladies' Tailors

  • Education level: High school or YH training in textiles/sewing
  • Work environment: Atelier, fashion house, or own business
  • Typical employment form: Full-time, part-time, or freelance
  • Demand: Limited opportunities, unchanged forecast
  • Special skills: Custom sewing, pattern construction, customer contact

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Ladies' Tailor can advance to atelier manager, specialist in areas like pattern construction or costume design, or start their own business. Some move into educational roles or combine work with design assignments. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, opportunities for employment are small nationwide and expected to remain unchanged for the next five years. However, there is still a demand for skilled craftsmen in certain niches, especially where high-quality, custom work is valued. In the profession, there were 341 job openings during the latest survey, indicating some mobility in the job market despite high competition.

Frequently asked questions about Ladies' Tailors

  • What does a Ladies' Tailor earn?
    - The average salary is 30 900 SEK per month, with an hourly rate of 186 SEK.
  • Is education required to become a Ladies' Tailor?
    - Yes, usually a vocational qualification in textiles/sewing or equivalent YH education is required.
  • What is the job market like for Ladies' Tailors?
    - Opportunities are limited, and the outlook is unchanged for the next five years.
  • What are common work environments?
    - They often work in ateliers, fashion houses, or as self-employed professionals.
  • Are there gender pay differences?
    - Women earn an average of 30 800 SEK per month; data on men is unavailable.
  • What benefits are common in the profession?
    - Flexible hours, material discounts, and sometimes wellness allowances or training support.
  • How can one develop within the profession?
    - Through further education, specialization, or starting your own business.

Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
Snitt 30800 kr 30900 kr
Salary per sector
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.


Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Dressmaker has the SSYK code 7531, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest
    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden
    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes