Footwear Product Tester Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook
What does a Footwear Product Tester do?
A Footwear Product Tester or Footwear Technician provides fit and wear-testing feedback that contributes to making the best sneakers. As a result, they are critical to launching successful product lines for consumers. They also require a unique entrepreneurial aptitude for translating a customer’s needs into desired and functional sneakers. In addition, they must be capable of supporting the efforts of the Design, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams. Furthermore, Footwear Product Testers use their strong communication skills and technical development skills for product creation and provide insights to help assist with product messaging.
How much does a tester make?
According to Glassdoor, Footwear Technicians make a national average of $43,305 annually or $20.82 an hour in 2021. Moreover, entry-level footwear technicians make around $28,000 annually, with senior-level footwear technicians making $68,000 a year.
What impact does this career have towards the sneaker industry?
Footwear Product Testers are the voice of the sneaker consumer. Since they spend significant time on the field or around sneaker and streetwear culture, they become an expert on the needs of the sneaker consumer by helping inform the Product Development team with future briefs and the Design team in making product decisions.
What is the job outlook for a Footwear Product Tester?
The Footwear market is expected to show a volume growth of 4.0% in 2022. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth in the fashion design industry (including Footwear Product Testers) is projected to grow one percent during the 2018-2028 decade (www.bls.gov).
How to kick-off your career:
- Research and watch Footwear assembly videos on YouTube.
- Research and get familiar with new forms 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:
Kyle Riggle
Sneaker Essentials contributor, Director
Experiences: Shopify, UBIQ, YEEZY, Garrixon, SNIPES, The Shoe Surgeon
Related Careers:
Product Development Manager | Product Developer | Design Engineer | Athletic Footwear Designer | Machine Operator | Footwear Factory Operative | Quality Control Specialist | Sample Coordinator | Product Manager
