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 is required, along with experience in pattern making and production.

What are the future prospects for the profession?

There are 1,437 job openings within the profession in 2024, but no specific forecast for patternmakers is available.

What are the most common job tasks?

Interpreting drawings, preparing and adjusting patterns, and collaborating with the production team.

How wide is the salary range?

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?

Accuracy, technical interest, and teamwork skills are highly valued in the profession.

Pattern setter salary

32 200 SEK

Other machine operators, textile, leather and leather industry

Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.

31 300 - 34 400 SEK / month

Women earn 94% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

Average salary 32 200 SEK/month Monthly gross salary

Salary range 31 300 - 34 400 SEK Latest available range Data year 2025 Latest published dataset

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Salary trend About the role What does a patternmaker do? – Tasks and work environment Salary development over time Patternmaker salary – comprehensive overview Open jobs Related occupations About the data FAQ

Salary progression Pattern setter

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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 30 400 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average monthly salary is 32 200 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: 32 200 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 31 300 SEK, men earn 33 200 SEK (women 94% 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 94% 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 32 200 SEK.
Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, men earn 33 200 SEK while women earn 31 300 SEK, which means women earn 94% 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 - 2025-07-13 15:15:11

Occupation

Salary distributed by age and sector

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29100 kr	31500 kr
35-44	95%	29900 kr	31800 kr
45-54	92%	30900 kr	32600 kr
55-64	93%	31200 kr	33000 kr
Snitt	94%	30300 kr	32200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
25-34		29600 kr	32500 kr
35-44	95%	29800 kr	32500 kr
45-54	92%	31800 kr	34000 kr
55-64	93%	31700 kr	34500 kr
Snitt	94%	30500 kr	33200 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 kr

Age	Women's salary as a percentage of men's	Base salary	Monthly salary
35-44	95%	30000 kr	30900 kr
45-54	92%	30200 kr	31400 kr
55-64	93%	30900 kr	32000 kr
Snitt	94%	30000 kr	31300 kr

* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.

Salary per sector

Salary based on education

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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 setter has the SSYK code 8159, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.