Pattern Master Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Pattern Master do?
Footwear Pattern Master or Pattern Maker is responsible for creating beautiful, proportioned patterns that fit tightly to the shoe last. They have knowledge of the shell pattern library and can determine when a new last has to be created, as well as be able to grade the pattern pieces for all the remaining shoe sizes once the sample is created. Footwear Pattern Masters ensure they can translate the sneaker design into a 2D pattern for sneaker production.
How much does a Pattern Master make?
According to Glassdoor, Footwear Technicians make a national average of $76,293 annually or $36.68 an hour. In general, entry-level footwear pattern makers make around $65,472 annually, with senior-level footwear pattern masters making $92,959 a year.
What impact does this career have towards the sneaker industry?
Footwear Pattern Masters are the first part of the manufacturing process and are critical to the entire operation. Moreover, their specs and translation of design are imperative in making sure the final sneaker is of quality and meets the vision of the Design team.
What is the job outlook for a Pattern Master?
There is a projected volume growth of 4.0% in the footwear market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in the fashion design industry (including Pattern Maker, Footwear) is projected to grow one percent during the 2018-2028 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Research footwear styles and silhouttes to understand the limitation and considerations of a sneaker.
- Research and get familiar with new silhouettes or trending footwear technology.
- Pinpoint your skillset with The Ultimate Sneaker Career Guide.
- Explore the Sneaker Essentials online course to understand Production & Manufacturing processes.
Learn from:
Jon Tang
Sneaker Essentials contributor, Fronteer
Experiences: Founder & Creative Director, Fronteer
Senior Designer, Collaborations & Special Projects, K-Swiss
Related Careers:
CAD Engineer, Footwear | Footwear Factory Operative | Quality Control Specialist
