Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 36 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 15% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Estimate the costs of requested products or services such as custom footwear or footwear repair, and receive payment from customers.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Select materials and patterns, and trace patterns onto materials to be cut out.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Prepare inserts, heel pads, and lifts from casts of customers' feet.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Dress and otherwise finish boots or shoes, as by trimming the edges of new soles and heels to the shoe shape.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Attach insoles to shoe lasts, affix shoe uppers, and apply heels and outsoles.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Clean and polish shoes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Cement, nail, or sew soles and heels to shoes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
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What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
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New skills to build
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Sewing Machine Operators
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What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Print Binding and Finishing Workers
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
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New skills to build
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Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
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New skills to build
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Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
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What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
Furniture Finishers
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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