Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners
(NOC 6342)
in All Sales and ServiceTailors, dressmakers and furriers make, alter and repair tailored clothing, dresses, coats and other made-to-measure garments. Milliners make, alter and repair hats. This group also includes workers who fit, alter and repair clothes. They work for clothing retailers, clothing alteration shops, dry cleaners and garment manufacturing companies or they may be self-employed.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$15.65
Median$19.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$1,943
Minimum$17,787
Median$36,996
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.00
Median$25.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Tailors, dressmakers and furriers make, alter and repair tailored clothing, dresses, coats and other made-to-measure garments. Milliners make, alter and repair hats. This group also includes workers who fit, alter and repair clothes. They work for clothing retailers, clothing alteration shops, dry cleaners and garment manufacturing companies or they may be self-employed.
Job duties
Tailors:
- Make made-to-measure clothing like suits and coats according to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications and fit.
- Design patterns to fit measurements.
- Mark, cut and sew fabric.
- May alter and repair clothes as needed.
Dressmakers:
- Make women's clothing.
- Select and modify commercial patterns to customers' and clothing manufacturers' specifications.
- Fit, mark, cut and sew fabric.
- May alter and repair clothes as needed.
Furriers:
- Make, alter, restyle and repair natural fur garments and accessories.
Milliners:
- Design, lay out, cut, sew and press fabric, leather and other materials into hats and related accessories.
- Alterationists:
- Fit, alter and repair garments according to customers' requests by hand or using sewing machines.
Sample job titles
- alterations dressmaker
- custom furrier
- custom tailor
- dressmaker
- furrier
- garment alterationist
- milliner
- seamstress
- tailor
Skills
- Creating garments requires good eyesight, patience, and the ability to perform detailed and intricate work. You must be able to follow directions closely and accept instructions from both clients and supervisors. Artistic imagination and craft skills are important for turning an idea into a garment. However, it is just as important to be capable of adapting your ideas to the tastes of others. You must have good hand-eye coordination. Accuracy and a sense of proportion are also necessary. Many jobs within this group need demonstrated ability to perform the technical tasks of the job like sewing and tailoring and on-the-job training may be provided.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- Tailors and dressmakers need demonstrated ability to sew, style and fit men's or women's clothing and may need college or other courses in tailoring or dressmaking.
- Furriers need several years of experience in selecting pelts and making, fitting, styling and altering fur garments and accessories.
- Milliners need a demonstrated ability to sew, style and fit hats and caps.
- Alterationists need demonstrated ability to sew, alter and repair garments.
Other considerations
- Many tailors and dressmakers work under contract with several clothing stores. Their earnings and ability to stay in business depend upon the quality of their work and their ability to attract and keep clients. Movement to higher level positions including supervisory is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$23,525 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$17,253 median annual incomeSouthern
$11,755 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other services (except public administration)
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Health care and social assistance
Professional, scientific and technical services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$10,812 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$24,757 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,917 median annual incomeBachelor
$23,879 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.