Production · SOC 51-6052
Tailoring and dressmaking is client-driven, requires physical fitting, and involves judgment calls that AI design tools cannot replicate.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: AI styling tools may assist with design suggestions, but physical fitting and bespoke alteration will remain a human craft skill for at least 15 years.
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$40,790 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$48,970 median pay
$37,940 median pay
AI job-risk card
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Taking and recording customer measurements digitally, Estimating garment costs based on time and materials, Logging alteration instructions on tags. Harder to automate: Physical fitting and alteration judgment for individual clients, Maintaining garment drape and proportion during alterations, Hand stitching and assembly requiring trained dexterity, Diagnosing fit problems and devising solutions.
Lean into Garment construction and alteration, Pattern making and draping, Client fitting and interpersonal communication, Sewing machine and hand-sewing techniques, Textile and fabric knowledge. Consider roles such as Custom Clothing Designer or Costume Designer (Theater/Film) or Fashion Design Assistant.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.