The best Garments jobs can pay up to $111,000 per year.

The garment industry employs millions of people around the world and is a major contributor to the global economy.

The garment industry is a broad categorization that includes the production and trade of clothing and apparel. There are many sectors of the garment industry, including the textile sector that oversees fabric manufacturing practices, the production sector that focuses on sewing and other methods for creating clothes, and the fashion sector that designs and sells retail clothing. The garment industry employs millions of people around the world and is a major contributor to the global economy.

As a textile chemist or technician, those who work in the textile sector may research and develop different types of fabrics. Or they may work in product development to make more durable materials. Fashion designers utilize a variety of fabrics to create apparel for the industry; some designs are high-end, others are for mass audiences.

The designs are sent to production in sewing operations, which can be with a small group of dressmakers or in a large manufacturing facility with an assembly line. Quality control inspectors make sure the clothing meets company specifications. Retail sales, marketing, and management are all involved in attracting customers to buy off-the-rack clothing from their stores.

The qualifications for working in the garment industry vary depending on the position. For entry-level production positions, such as dressmakers, there are no formal education requirements, but corporate-level positions, including marketing and retail management, typically require a bachelor’s degree. To develop different textiles and fabrics, a science degree and an innovative approach to creating textiles is required.

Different materials require different handling when it comes to fashion design – a fashion designer should be well-versed in the diverse array of materials available. Along with this, they should also have an understanding of who their clothing is for. Who will be wearing it? What kind of event? etc. Similarly, retail buyers must be in tune with the needs of their market and customers. Knowing how to collect and analyze sales statistics is another important skill for merchandisers, as it allows them to understand which garments and trends are resonating with the public.

High Paying Garments Jobs

1. Pattern Developer

Salary range: $45,000-$111,000 per year

Across the United States, Pattern Developer salaries range from $45,000 (25th percentile) to $111,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. The Pattern Developer job market is very active in the United States, with many companies hiring.

2. Textile Engineer

As a textile engineer, you will be responsible for helping design and create fabric, including the equipment and materials needed for fabrication. You will determine the best way to develop a type of fiber, help process raw materials, determine the best way to add graphic designs to completed textiles, and otherwise ensure smooth production during each project.

The field of textile engineering applies mechanical engineering principles to the design of textiles and textile-related products. Textile engineers work to create products that meet the specific needs of their clients, such as heat-resistant or breathable fabrics. In some cases, textile engineers may also support marketing and sales efforts, conduct research on new materials, and ensure that all final products meet safety and quality standards.

3. Garment Manufacturer

Salary range: $30,500-$76,000 per year

The average annual salary for garment manufacturers in the United States currently falls between $30,500 (25th percentile) and $76,000 (75th percentile). There is a wide range of salaries in this field, suggesting that there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. The job market for garment manufacturers in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

4. Intermediate Designer

Most Intermediate Designer salaries in the United States currently fall between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $73,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests that pay in this role will be consistent regardless of skill level, location or years of experience; though some advancement is possible. According to recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Intermediate Designer job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

5. Apparel Designer

The majority of Apparel Designer salaries across the United States currently range between $45,000 (25th percentile) and $73,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience. Although some advancement is possible, recent job postings on ZipRecruiter suggest that the Apparel Designer job market is only moderately active in the United States, with several companies hiring.

6. Costume Designer

As a costume designer, you will be responsible for acquiring, renting, or making costumes for actors. You will need to consult with other staff members to discuss design choices, sew new outfits from a pattern, decide what is practical for the physical demands of a performance, and perform fittings to ensure each costume fits.

As a costume designer, you can work in a variety of fields, including movies, television, theatre, and other performing arts. In many cases, you spend time researching the fashion trends of the past, manage a costume budget, and interpret the producer’s creative vision. You must also confirm when and where costumes need to change during a performance to ensure everyone has enough time to do so.

7. Textile Designer

As a textile designer, you will be responsible for creating designs for different types of fabrics, including knit, woven, and printed fabrics. You will need to use computer design software to produce the textile designs, as well as meet with suppliers and manufacturers of textile materials. Additionally, it will be important to keep up with industry trends. Two of your main responsibilities will be producing quality textile designs for your employer and maintaining your own art and design portfolio.

8. Pattern Maker

The duties of a pattern maker are to create master patterns or samples that manufacturers can use in the production of garments, shoes, and other types of apparel. Pattern makers also work in other manufacturing industries that require translating designs into correctly dimensioned, technically sound patterns. They use plans or blueprints created by designers to draft a pattern that has the proper fit.

A patternmaker’s responsibilities also include grading, which involves changing the dimensions of the design in marker areas so that it can adjust to different sizes while keeping the same appearance.

9. Apparel Pattern Maker

As an apparel pattern maker, you will be responsible for translating the ideas of a fashion designer into a workable design for clothing samples and production. This will involve taking the original specifications and drawings and turning them into a pattern that can be used to create the garment. It is important to ensure that the clothing product has the proper fit, so you will need to adjust the pattern as necessary. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all the details required for production are included in the pattern.

10. Weaving Supervisor

Salary range: $35,500-$54,500 per year

As a weaving supervisor, you will be responsible for overseeing a shift at a textile production facility. This will involve inspecting all fabric to ensure that workers are following manufacturer instructions. Additionally, you will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining all equipment, such as the loom and other textile knitting machinery. You will typically report to a plant manager. Finally, you will also be expected to engage in company-wide efforts to improve the efficiency of the facility.

11. Shoe Designer

As a shoe designer, you will be working in the fashion industry to design different types of footwear. Your job duties will include developing shoe concepts, creating prototypes and testing designs. Usually, shoe designs are created as hand drawings first; however, some designers may use computer software instead. If you work for a larger company, you will have to present your ideas to management for approval before moving forward.

12. Sewing Supervisor

Most Sewing Supervisor salaries in the United States currently fall between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless of skill level, location, and years of experience. Some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Sewing Supervisor job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

13. Marker Maker

The salaries of marker makers in the United States currently range from $29,000 to $48,500 per year. The large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the job market for Marker Makers in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

14. Saddle Stitch Operator

As a saddle stitch operator, you are responsible for setting up equipment under the direction of a bindery department supervisor. You will be operating a saddle-stitch production line to produce products such as books, while also meeting quality standards and specifications set by the client. Reviewing each job before starting is essential to ensure understanding of everything that needs to be completed, this includes special instructions and procedures to set-up the machine or line.

Other responsibilities include maintaining quality control of products, removing pieces that do not meet standards, and keeping accurate production records. You perform daily and periodic maintenance on equipment, as well as assist with repairs or rebuilds. Additional duties include employee training and reporting unusual activities to your supervisor.

15. Stitcher

Salary range: $26,500-$37,500 per year

A stitcher is a professional who works in the performing arts industry. As a stitcher, you are responsible for taking the costume pieces prepared by the cutter and assembling and sewing them together into full costumes. It is important for stitchers to know how to sew both by hand and with a machine. Hand sewing is a vital skill because period costumes often require a handmade look that sewing machines cannot replicate. Stitchers also need to be able to accommodate the specific wardrobe needs of the actors who wear the attire; they must know how to add hidden snaps, buttons, or zippers. Outside of film and theater, a stitcher may also work on upholstery.

16. Dyer

Salary range: $25,000-$37,500 per year

The responsibilities of a dyer include adding color to fabric and apparel. Dyers usually work in the textile industry and their job duties include weighing, measuring, and mixing dyes so that the resulting color is accurate. They may add water, additional color, or substances like bleach to adjust the color tones. They operate dyeing equipment and inspect the final product after it dries to ensure quality and that any patterns required in the fabric are visible.

17. Shear Operator

The salary range for Shear Operators in the United States is $27,500 to $35,000 annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests that pay in this role will be consistent, regardless of skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. The Shear Operator job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.

18. Autoclave Operator

Autoclaves are specialized machines that use high pressure and temperatures, such as steam sterilization, for chemical reactions. Autoclave operators are responsible for operating and monitoring the machine in different settings. They may work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities sterilizing surgical devices and other medical instruments. Alternatively, they may work for a manufacturer of rubber products or yarn, utilizing the machine to vulcanize rubber or cure rubber composites and preset and preshrink yarn.

19. Industrial Seamstress

The role of an industrial seamstress or sewer is to sew large amounts of fabric for manufacturing or wholesale production. Responsibilities include operating a sewing machine; a serger, which is used to cut edges on material, such as heavyweight or garment fabric; and a hemmer, which is a specialized sewing machine for making hems. As a sewer, you are responsible for maintaining your machines in good working order, and being able to perform routine maintenance and calibrations on the equipment.

20. Weaver

As a weaver, you will create fabrics, textiles, or other types of woven products using looms or industrial weaving machines. As an artisan weaver, you may knit fabrics by hand or use a non-automated loom. Your duties in this career will vary depending on your employer. In a commercial textile factory, your responsibilities will include setting an automated machine that creates woven fabric. This process often requires you to enter settings into a computer and then monitor progress as the device weaves the fabric.

21. Leather Cutter

Salary range: $23,500-$32,000 per year

A leather cutter is responsible for working with a variety of materials to layout, mark, and trim a pattern for articles such as furniture or garments. They may work with skins or tanned hides using shears or a cutting table. Positions exist in a range of industries, such as clothing and furniture manufacturing. Duties vary with the type of job and level of expertise.

22. Sewing Machine Operator

As a sewing machine operator, your duties include sewing, joining, gathering, hemming, and reinforcing materials using an industrial sewing machine. You may select a pattern for sewing, determine what type of fabric to use, and adjust your equipment to ensure it is capable of creating the intended product. If you work as a seamstress on an industrial scale, your responsibilities include producing a significant number of garments while adhering to your company’s quality standards.

When working independently or at a tailor shop, you may sew original garments or perform alterations on existing clothes. In some positions, you may be asked to make decisions about sewing garments, such as what type of stitch to use, or help your company create a plan for other dressmakers to follow.

23. Fabric Cutter

A fabric cutter’s duties include measuring, marking, and cutting fabric or textiles to specifications. Fabric cutters may work in different environments and handle various materials.

The process of cutting fabric into yards or following a pattern may require different set of skills depending on the material, but generally, you work with a set of sheers or cutting machines.

24. Textile Worker

The majority of Textile Worker salaries across the United States currently range between $23,000 (25th percentile) and $29,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Textile Worker job market in the United States is somewhat active.

25. Creeler

As a creeler in the textile industry, your duties usually focus on setting up equipment that creates yarn and other products. You ensure proper materials are in place and meet the requirements of each production run.

After setting up the machines, you monitor them as they twist, weave, or spool the product. Your responsibilities include making adjustments during a production run if necessary. The type of machinery that you use can vary, but you often operate a loom or other machine used for tufting or twisting yarn and similar materials. You also oil and maintain your loom or tufting machine.

26. Illustrator

National average salary: $27,213 per year

Primary duties:

An illustrator is responsible for creating visual images, particularly illustrations. In the textile industry, illustrators can design patterns and prints for textiles or for a company that incorporates their pictures into a more extensive advertising campaign. An illustrator usually produces individual images and may specialize in certain types of art.

27.  Color specialist

National average salary: $44,754 per year

Primary duties:

A colorist is responsible for recommending color combinations to complement a design. Colorists may mix and design their own colors. They also ensure consistency in colors across a line of clothing or other fabrics.

28. Graphic designer

National average salary: $50,721 per year

Primary duties:

A graphic designer is responsible for the creation of visual communications, generally in the form of images or text. Their responsibilities can include the design of packaging, posters, billboards, vehicles, print ads, or web content. In some cases they may specialize in a particular area, such as textile print design or the creation of visuals for advertising campaigns. Graphic designers typically focus on the overall layout and design of a given visual.

29. Fashion designer

National average salary: $54,675 per year

Primary duties:

A fashion designer is responsible for creating clothing designs. They often collaborate with a team of other designers, pattern makers, and sample sewers to choose the materials, create the patterns for each garment, and put together the finished product that is presented in fashion shows or print ads. They may design for boutiques, niche sellers, large commercial retailers, and private clients.

30. Textile design engineer

National average salary: $79,699 per year

Primary duties:

A textile design engineer’s responsibilities include combining the visual qualities of a design with its functional purpose, as well as developing and testing fabrics to meet client specifications.

31.  Clothing presser

National average salary: $28,682 per year

Primary duties:

A clothing presser is responsible for using irons or specialized machinery to remove wrinkles from fabric. They may work in the manufacturing area of textile production by preparing cloth or clothing items during the construction process. After construction finishes for an item like a garment, the presser removes its wrinkles to prepare it for shipping to retailers or customers.

32. Line supervisor

National average salary: $46,971 per year

Primary duties:

A line supervisor is a manufacturing professional who is responsible for safety and output quality in a particular manufacturing area. Line supervisors usually need experience and expertise in their specific manufacturing work process, which is referred to as the line. They manage and mentor the other employees on their line and ensure their line meets its productivity metrics. In the textiles industry, a line supervisor could work in facilities such as garment manufacturing factories or textile plants.

33. Textile machine operator

National average salary: $56,464 per year

Primary duties:

A machine operator is responsible for operating machinery in a safe and correct manner. In the textile industry, their responsibilities may include working on machines that process fibers, braid, spin, knit or weave materials, print patterns or designs, dye textiles, dry textiles and finish or wash textiles. Machine operators also ensure that the machinery works efficiently and produces good quality products.

34. Production manager

National average salary: $73,602 per year

Primary duties:

The production manager is responsible for ensuring the manufacturing equipment runs smoothly and efficiently, monitors output quality and operator staff performance. They also work with their team to set and achieve organizational goals.

35. Fashion merchandiser

National average salary: $37,595 per year

Primary duties:

As a fashion merchandiser, you are responsible for the items stocked in a fashion retail store. You may identify and predict trends in the fashion industry and choose the products to sell that best fit the aesthetic of your store. Fashion merchandisers also focus on their store’s layout, advertising and interior design strategies to ensure consistency across the store’s marketing and in-person experiences.

36. Brand ambassador

National average salary: $42,563 per year

Primary duties:

A brand ambassador is a marketing position in which an individual promotes a product or service to potential customers through personal interaction or appearance in promotional material. In the textiles industry, brand ambassadors may promote a particular brand of clothing or accessories. For example, a brand ambassador for a sportswear company may wear that company’s attire to a trade show or in social media photographs at a gym. Brand ambassadors also work to embody and represent their brand’s values.

37. Retail store manager

National average salary: $47,271 per year

Primary duties:

A retail store manager is a retail professional who supervises a specific retail store. They oversee the store’s employees, facilities and product inventory, and provide customer service. In the textiles industry, retail store managers could work in any store selling items made from textiles, such as craft stores and fashion retailers.

38. Sales associate

National average salary: $48,456 per year

Primary duties:

A sales associate is a retail professional who helps customers identify and purchase the best items for their needs. In the textile industry, they may work to sell products like fabrics, upholstery and clothing. Sales associates usually need to be knowledgeable about the major trends around the textiles they’re selling. They may also assist with store upkeep, display design and marketing.

39. Fashion buyer

National average salary: $57,380 per year

Primary duties:

As a fashion buyer, you will be responsible for selecting clothing items to sell in a retail store. It is important to focus on identifying, sourcing and procuring items for your store, as well as monitoring current and future fashion trends to ensure you purchase items your customers want.

40. Wholesale manager

National average salary: $59,196 per year

Primary duties:

A wholesale manager is responsible for supervising the purchasing and sales of large quantities of goods to retailers, ensuring that shipments are correct in terms of items, amount and timing. In the textiles industry, wholesale managers could work for various organizations, including textiles manufacturing plants, garment factories and fashion brands.

41. Fashion model

National average salary: $74,903 per year

Primary duties:

A fashion model is a person who wears clothing or accessories in live shows or print and video advertisements to promote them. Fashion models keep a portfolio of their past work and often work with agents to get new contracts. Models may specialize in modeling particular types of clothes or advertising, and they may use their whole bodies or specific body parts, such as their hands, for modeling.