Tailors and dressmakers Pay Data UK — 2024

Tailors and dressmakers roles in the UK earn a median of £22,277 per year, equivalent to £12.00 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 3.2% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £19,057 to £33,757 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Tailors and dressmakers roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Tailors and dressmakers

Tailors and dressmakers prepare patterns and make, fit and alter tailored garments, dresses and other articles of clothing.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• takes customer’s measurements and discusses required style and material
• prepares individual or adapts stock pattern
• examines fabrics or skins for flaws and prepares materials for cutting
• arranges pattern on correct grain of fabric, marks position and cuts out garment parts with hand shears, electric knife or cutting machine
• pins/tacks and fits garment on customer or dummy model and makes any necessary alterations
• sews garment parts together by hand or machine, makes buttonholes and sews on fasteners and trimmings
• shapes garment by pressing seams, pleats, etc.
• makes alterations to finished garments according to customer’s requirements

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. A variety of relevant vocational courses, including apprenticeships in some areas, are available leading to qualifications up to level 3.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.