How much does a Pattern designer make

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  2. Pattern designer
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Pattern designer

30 900 kr

Tailors and atelier seamstresses etc.

30 800 - 30 900 kr / month

Hantverksyrken

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pattern designer

Average salary 30 900 kr
Males 0 kr
Females 30 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

What does a pattern maker do? – Tasks and work environment

Pattern makers work on developing and refining patterns for clothing and other textile products. Tasks range from interpreting designer sketches to creating technical drawings and prototypes, as well as adjusting fit and details to ensure the finished garment meets design and functional requirements. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with designers, seamstresses, and production teams. The work environment typically combines atelier, office, and sometimes workshop settings, involving both computer-aided and manual tasks.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for pattern makers has shown a relatively stable trend. In 2022, the average salary was 28,800 SEK per month, increasing to 31 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary slightly decreased to 30 900 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 7.3% over the period, with a marginal decline in the most recent year. This development can partly be explained by high competition within the profession and a relatively unchanged demand on the job market, where the supply of trained pattern makers is good and many seek careers in the field. Despite the small salary decrease between 2023 and 2024, the profession has generally experienced positive salary growth in recent years, but future increases may be influenced by technological development and market needs.

Pattern maker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 30 900 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 28,800 SEK/month (2022 level)
  • Highest salary: 31 000 SEK/month (2023 level)
  • Hourly wage: 186 SEK
  • Women: 30 800 SEK/month
  • Gender pay gap: Specific salary data for men is not available
  • Regional differences: No detailed data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a pattern maker, a post-secondary education in textiles, fashion, or pattern construction is usually required. Many employers also value experience from internships or work in ateliers, as well as good knowledge of pattern construction software and technical sewing. Education is offered at several vocational colleges and folk high schools, and it is common to combine formal education with practical experience to strengthen skills.

  • Formal degree: Vocational college education in pattern construction (2 years)
  • Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in CAD for pattern construction
  • Internships: Often mandatory part of the education
  • Prerequisites: Basic textile competence or equivalent experience
  • Self-study: Possible via online courses and workshops

Pattern makers often become specialists in translating creative ideas into technically feasible garments. The ability to collaborate and communicate with both designers and production teams is crucial for success in the profession—and can open doors to international collaborations and fashion houses.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for pattern makers include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for skills development through courses or trade fairs. Many workplaces also offer staff discounts on clothing and textile products, as well as collective insurance and pension schemes.

Competition and challenges

The job market for pattern makers is characterized by high competition, where the number of trained professionals often exceeds available positions. There is an oversupply of labor in the profession, and job opportunities are considered limited according to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts. The industry’s development is influenced by globalization, automation, and increased digitalization, which require continuous skills development. To stand out in the job market, specialized knowledge or experience from larger fashion companies and the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and methods are often necessary.

Tips for those wanting to become a pattern maker

To succeed as a pattern maker, it’s good to develop a strong sense of detail and precision, as small differences can significantly affect the final garment. Creativity is an important trait, and it pays to continually explore new techniques and materials. Being communicative and able to collaborate with different professional roles facilitates project work. Flexibility is crucial, as tasks vary and sometimes require quick adjustments. Building a strong network within the industry, for example through internships or trade fairs, is advisable. Mastering digital tools and CAD programs also increases employment chances, as does the ability to work independently and take initiative.

Key facts about Pattern Maker

  • Education level: Vocational or folk high school, 1–2 years
  • Work environment: Atelier, office, or textile production
  • Job market: High competition and oversupply of labor
  • Number of available jobs: 341 within the profession
  • Special skills: CAD, pattern construction, and technical sewing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, pattern makers can advance to roles such as chief or senior pattern maker, production manager, or technical project leader within the fashion and textile industry. Some choose to specialize further, for example in digital pattern construction or fit development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, job opportunities are limited and the recruitment situation is characterized by an oversupply of labor, with unchanged demand over five years. Despite this, there are good opportunities for those with niche skills or experience from larger companies and international projects. For those wishing to broaden their skills, related professions such as technical designer or product developer in textiles may be relevant career options.

Common questions about Pattern Maker

  • What does a pattern maker earn?
    - A pattern maker earns an average of 30 900 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary difference between women and men look?
    - Women earn an average of 30 800 SEK; specific data on men is not available.
  • What education is required to become a pattern maker?
    - Typically, a vocational college education or equivalent in textiles and pattern construction.
  • What is the state of the job market?
    - The job market is characterized by high competition and oversupply of labor, with limited opportunities.
  • What does work as a pattern maker involve?
    - Creating and developing patterns for clothing based on sketches and technical requirements.
  • Are there salary differences between regions?
    - No detailed data available on regional salary differences for the profession.
  • What career opportunities are there?
    - After a few years, advancement to leading roles or specialization in digital pattern construction is possible.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-14 00:26:13

Occupation
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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
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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 Pattern designer has the SSYK code 7531, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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