SOC 5413 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades

Tailors and dressmakers Salary

Salary data from ONS ASHE. Some figures may be unavailable due to small sample sizes.

For tailors and dressmakers, £25,212 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average.

About this role

Tailors and dressmakers design, cut, sew and alter clothing to individual customer measurements. They create bespoke garments, perform alterations and ensure garments fit precisely, working with a range of fabrics and construction techniques.

Key responsibilities

Taking customer measurements and discussing design requirements
Cutting fabric patterns and constructing garments
Fitting garments and making adjustments for perfect fit
Performing alterations to existing clothing
Advising on fabric selection, style and construction

Qualifications and entry routes

City & Guilds, BTEC or degree in fashion, tailoring or garment technology. Traditional apprenticeships with established tailors (particularly Savile Row). No formal qualification is mandatory but skills and experience are essential.

Career outlook

Bespoke tailoring retains a prestige market, particularly in Savile Row. Alterations services provide steady community-based demand. Costume and theatrical work offers additional opportunities.

Key skills

Pattern cutting Garment construction Fitting and alteration Fabric knowledge Hand and machine sewing

Common industries

Bespoke tailoring
Bridal wear
Alterations services
Costume production
Fashion manufacturing

Data coverage

SOC code 5413

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Median Salary

N/A

Mean Salary

£23,993

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

11 years

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +0.0%Real growth: +0.0%

Tailors and dressmakers salary: common questions

How much do tailors and dressmakers earn in the UK?

Tailors and dressmakers earn a median of £25,212 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £25,212 a good salary in the UK?

For tailors and dressmakers, £25,212 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average.

Have tailors and dressmakers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median tailors and dressmakers pay has risen from £24,422 to £25,212 — +3.0% in cash terms, or -25% after CPIH inflation. That is behind inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).