Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
The short answer
This job is expected to meaningfully change. AI can already assist with or automate many of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 93 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. That doesn't mean the job goes away—it means more of its tasks are the kind AI can help with.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second most 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
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 81% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Create a master pattern for each size within a range of garment sizes, using charts, drafting instruments, computers, or grading devices.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Input specifications into computers to assist with pattern design and pattern cutting.
AI could do much of this on its own
Draw details on outlined parts to indicate where parts are to be joined, as well as the positions of pleats, pockets, buttonholes, and other features, using computers or drafting instruments.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Make adjustments to patterns after fittings.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Compute dimensions of patterns according to sizes, considering stretching of material.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Test patterns by making and fitting sample garments.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Trace outlines of paper onto cardboard patterns, and cut patterns into parts to make templates.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Trace outlines of specified patterns onto material, and cut fabric, using scissors.
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.
Fashion Designers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay574 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$101,400 vs your $103,543 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Design
- Originality
- Near Vision
- Visualization
- Oral Expression
New skills to build
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Sales and Marketing
- Persuasion
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination