Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
Median pay: $37,800/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -3.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes.
• Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses.
• Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
• Repair and recondition leather products such as trunks, luggage, shoes, saddles, belts, purses, and baseball gloves.
• Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.
• Inspect articles for defects, and remove damaged or worn parts, using hand tools.
• Drill or punch holes and insert or attach metal rings, handles, and fastening hardware, such as buckles.
What's the median pay for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
The median pay for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers is $37,800 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
Employment for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers is projected to change -3.8% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.