How much does a Pattern setter make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Pattern setter
Image that illustrates Pattern setter

Pattern setter

30 400 kr

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

29 400 - 32 200 kr / month

Women earn 95% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Pattern setter

Average salary 30 400 kr
Males 31 200 kr
Females 29 700 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

What does a patternmaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A patternmaker works with preparing and adjusting patterns for textile production within the industry. The tasks include interpreting drawings, transferring patterns to fabric or other materials, and ensuring high-quality pattern matching in the finished product. The work often takes place in a production environment where precision and accuracy are central qualities, as the patternmaker plays a crucial role in the final appearance of textiles, leather, or leather products. Collaboration with designers, machine operators, and quality inspectors is common, and the work environment involves both manual work and machine use.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, patternmakers have experienced steady salary increases. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month, which increased to 29 600 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary is 30 400 SEK. This development corresponds to a total increase of approximately 10% over the period, indicating a positive salary trend despite the profession not being among the highest-paid in the industry. One explanation for this trend could be increased demand for specialized skills and a certain shortage of experienced patternmakers, along with automation and technological advancements demanding higher qualifications. Market changes and an increased focus on quality and sustainable production have also contributed to the profession gradually strengthening its salary position.

Patternmaker salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (women, private sector employee, 3-year high school)
  • Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (men, regional sector, up to 2-year high school)
  • Hourly wage: 183 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 29 700 SEK, men earn 31 200 SEK (women 95% of men)
  • Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector, lowest in the private sector

Education and qualifications

To work as a patternmaker, a high school education in textiles and fashion is usually required, often supplemented with practical experience from the industry. Knowledge of pattern construction, material science, and production technology is central, and experience with both manual and digital methods is advantageous. Some employers also require specialized courses or certifications in textile production.

  • High school education: Textiles and fashion, 3 years
  • Internship: Work-based learning during education
  • Courses: Pattern construction, CAD for textiles
  • Experience: Previous work in textile production is highly valued
  • Prerequisites: Precision, technical interest, and teamwork skills

A patternmaker plays an important role in ensuring that each garment or product has the correct fit and appearance. It requires not only technical skill but also an eye for detail, as small mistakes can affect the entire production chain. The profession often offers opportunities to work closely with both design and production, providing a broad understanding of the entire manufacturing process.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Patternmakers in the textile industry are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, insurance, and extra vacation days. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes flexible working hours depending on the workplace. Shift work may include compensation for inconvenient working hours.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a patternmaker varies regionally and largely depends on local industry structure. In some regions, there is an increasing demand for qualified labor, while others have a more limited number of employers in the textile and leather industries. The industry’s development is influenced by globalization and automation, which require continuous skills development and adaptation to new technological solutions. It can also be challenging to stay updated on digital tools and sustainability requirements, meaning patternmakers who invest in their skills have better prospects in the job market.

Tips for aspiring patternmakers

To succeed as a patternmaker, it’s good to combine technical precision with creative problem-solving skills. Gaining practical experience early on, such as through internships or summer jobs in the textile industry, provides valuable insight into the profession and strengthens technical knowledge. Good teamwork skills facilitate contact with designers and machine operators, while patience and attention to detail are crucial for accurate pattern making. It is also recommended to stay updated on new digital tools and production methods, as the industry changes rapidly. Demonstrating a commitment to quality and sustainability can also make you more attractive on the job market. Finally, curiosity and a willingness to continuously develop your skills in both technology and design are advantageous.

Key facts about patternmakers

  • Education level: High school, often textiles and fashion (3 years)
  • Work environment: Production environment with manual and machine work
  • Demand: 1,437 job openings in 2024
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 95% of men's salaries
  • Occupational group: Other machine operators, textile, leather, and leather industry

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a patternmaker can advance to roles such as supervisor, production planner, or specialist in pattern construction. Further education and experience can also lead to roles as quality manager, technical advisor, or trainer in textile production. According to the Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for patternmakers, but there is stable demand with 1,437 job openings reported in 2024. However, globalization and automation influence the labor market, making ongoing skills development and adaptation to new solutions essential for strengthening future career prospects.

Frequently asked questions about patternmakers

  • What is the average salary of a patternmaker?
    - A patternmaker has an average monthly salary of 30 400 SEK.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Yes, men earn 31 200 SEK while women earn 29 700 SEK, which means women earn 95% of men's salaries.
  • What is required to become a patternmaker?
    - Typically, a high school education in textiles and fashion, along with experience in pattern making and production.
  • What are the future prospects for the profession?
    - There are 1,437 job openings in 2024, but no specific forecast for patternmakers is available.
  • What are the most common tasks?
    - Interpreting drawings, preparing and adjusting patterns, and collaborating with the production team.
  • How wide is the salary variation?
    - The lowest salary is 29,400 SEK and the highest is 32,200 SEK per month, depending on experience, sector, and education.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Precision, technical interest, and teamwork skills are highly valued in the profession.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-13 15:15:11

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Pattern setter is 32200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 30300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Pattern setter is 29400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed officials. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 31000 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 25600 kr 27300 kr
25-34 94% 27400 kr 29500 kr
35-44 95% 28700 kr 29900 kr
45-54 92% 29400 kr 31200 kr
55-64 94% 29900 kr 31300 kr
Snitt 95% 28800 kr 30400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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 Pattern setter has the SSYK code 8159, 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
Show more
Similar occupations

  • Timber bundles

    Operators in sawmills, planing mills and plywood etc.

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 09:55
  • Read more about working as Robot welder

    Robot welder

    Machine setters and machine operators, metal work

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 15:47
  • Read more about working as Tire service man

    Tire service man

    Assemblers, metal, rubber and plastic products

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 09:44
  • Read more about working as Soda burner

    Soda burner

    Process operators, pulp

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 17:11
  • Read more about working as Pavers

    Pavers

    Stonemasons etc.

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 13:30
  • Read more about working as Tire builder

    Tire builder

    Machine operators, rubber industry

    Fri, 5 Dec 2025 - 15:49
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    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

    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

Explore more topics