- Salary statistics
- Dimensional cutter
Dimensional cutter
30 800 - 30 900 kr / month
Hantverksyrken
Salary progression Dimensional cutter
What does a pattern cutter do? – Tasks and work environment
A pattern cutter works with measuring, marking, and cutting textiles and other materials according to precise measurements and templates. The profession is mainly found within the clothing manufacturing industry, tailoring shops, and ateliers where precision and accuracy are crucial for the final product. Tasks include interpreting drawings, working with patterns, and ensuring that every detail matches customer requirements or production standards. Pattern cutters use both manual tools and modern machines, often working in environments that require strong concentration and collaboration with other roles in textile production.
Salary development over time
The salary for pattern cutters has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 kronor per month. In 2023, it increased slightly to 31 000 kronor, representing an increase of just over 7 %. In 2024, the average salary has stabilized at 30 900 kronor per month, which is a marginal decrease compared to the previous year. This trend reflects a somewhat cautious market where demand for pattern cutters remains relatively constant, and the profession is part of a highly competitive trade. Salary changes are mainly linked to general wage adjustments within crafts rather than increased demand or skills shortage.
Pattern cutter salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage (average): 186 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 30 800 SEK, data for men is unavailable
- Regional differences: No detailed statistics available
Education and qualifications
To work as a pattern cutter, a vocational education in textiles, sewing, or tailoring is typically required. Many obtain their training through high school craft programs specializing in textile design or sewing, but there are also adult vocational courses and training. Practical experience is valuable and often a requirement from employers, along with a good understanding of materials and pattern construction.
- Vocational training: Craft program – textile design (3 years)
- Adult education: Supplementary courses in textiles and sewing
- Internships: Internships during training are common
- Prerequisites: Interest in crafts and precision, basic knowledge of patterns and materials
- Certifications: Some employers may require industry-specific certificates
Working as a pattern cutter often involves close collaboration with designers and seamstresses, making the role central in the entire production chain from idea to finished product. The ability to quickly interpret and adapt to different customer requests is a valued trait.
Common benefits and compensations
Pattern cutters are often offered benefits such as collective agreement-based occupational pension schemes, wellness allowances, and sometimes subsidized work clothing. In some cases, opportunities for skill development and further training are available, especially with larger employers in the clothing industry. Working hours are usually daytime, but shift work may occur during larger production runs.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a pattern cutter is relatively high, characterized by an oversupply of labor in the profession. According to the Employment Service's prognosis, job opportunities are limited and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. This is partly due to automation and changing consumption patterns in the textile industry. Many employers seek pattern cutters with both technical skills and experience with modern machinery, which can be challenging for recent graduates. Flexibility and the ability to quickly learn new tasks are therefore important to meet the demands of the job market.
Tips for those wishing to become a pattern cutter
To succeed as a pattern cutter, it is beneficial to have a combination of accuracy, patience, and creativity. Developing a sense for details and precision is crucial, especially when working with exact measurements and patterns. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and clients, often leading to better results and more satisfied customers. Being flexible and eager to learn new techniques provides advantages in a rapidly evolving industry. It can also be helpful to establish contacts early through internships or part-time work in textile production. Finally, a positive attitude and stress management skills are important, especially when working under tight deadlines.
Key facts about pattern cutters
- Education level: Vocational training or craft program (3 years)
- Work environment: Atelier, clothing factory, or tailoring shop
- Employment type: Full-time, part-time, or hourly
- Demand: Limited opportunities, according to the Employment Service
- Job vacancies: 341 within the profession
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a pattern cutter can develop their skills and take on more advanced tasks, such as pattern design or management within textile production. Some choose to specialize in a particular material or product type, while others start their own business or move into roles like atelier manager. According to the Employment Service's forecast for tailors and atelier seamstresses, job opportunities are small nationwide and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Automation and global competition influence demand, but individuals with broad skills and experience in modern textile production still have opportunities for development.
Frequently asked questions about pattern cutters
- What is the average salary of a pattern cutter?
- A pattern cutter has an average salary of 30 900 kronor per month. - What is the hourly wage for a pattern cutter?
- The hourly wage averages 186 kronor. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Women earn 30 800 kronor on average, data for men is unavailable. - What education is required to become a pattern cutter?
- Vocational training in textiles, sewing, or craft programs is recommended. - What is the job market like for pattern cutters?
- Opportunities are limited and competition is high according to the Employment Service. - What work environments are common for pattern cutters?
- The most common environments are ateliers, tailoring shops, and clothing manufacturing industries. - Is there potential for career development within the profession?
- Yes, for example towards management, pattern design, or starting your own business.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30800 kr | 30900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30400 kr | 32000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 30700 kr | 30800 kr |
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 Dimensional cutter has the SSYK code 7531, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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