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Career

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure

What they do

Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.

Kinds of work

  • Realistic: Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals, often outdoors.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $37,800 Median per year · $18.17/hr Most earn $28,210–$52,550

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Nail heel and toe cleats onto shoes.
  • Make, modify, and repair orthopedic or therapeutic footwear according to doctors' prescriptions, or modify existing footwear for people with foot problems and special needs.
  • Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
  • Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose.
  • Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.
  • Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.

Job outlook

United States
7% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 1,000 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Leather and allied product manufacturing56.6%
  • Self-employed (their own business)26.4%
  • Personal and household goods repair and maintenance5.3%
  • Apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers3.4%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: None

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: NoneEntry-level

This is an entry-level job. Most people start with a high school diploma and learn the craft on the job, usually in under a year, since no prior experience is typically needed.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Build basic skills in math, art, and hands-on shop or sewing classes, which help with measuring, cutting, and working with tools.

  2. On-the-job training at a shoe repair or leather shop

    Under 1 year

    Learn to use leather tools, stitching, and repair methods from experienced workers while you handle real repair and making tasks.

  3. Shoe and Leather Worker and Repairer

    Ongoing

    Work independently on shoes, luggage, saddles, and other leather goods, building speed, accuracy, and a skilled eye over time.

Where it can lead

  1. Upholsterer

    1-2 years of experience first

    Move into a related craft that uses similar sewing and materials skills, working on furniture and other padded items instead of footwear and leather goods.

  2. Shoe Repair Shop Owner

    Several years of hands-on experience of experience first

    Many experienced repairers open or take over their own shop, which adds customer service, pricing, and business management to the repair work.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take shop, woodworking, or sewing classesThese classes teach you to use hand tools and work carefully with materials, which are the core skills in leather work.
  • Take art or design classesDrawing and design help you understand shape, detail, and finishing, which matter when decorating or repairing leather goods.
  • Find a part-time or summer job at a repair shop, tailor, or leather storeReal shop experience shows employers you are reliable and gives you a head start on learning the trade.
  • Make small leather or sewing projectsSimple projects like a wallet or belt let you practice stitching and cutting, and give you something to show future employers.
  • Talk with a local cobbler or leather workerAsking questions about their work can help you learn what the job is really like day to day.

In college

  • Take courses in sewing, textiles, or product designThese classes build hands-on skills with materials and construction methods that apply directly to leather work.
  • Get a part-time job at a repair shop or leather goods makerPaid experience helps you learn repair techniques and shows employers you can work with customers and tools.
  • Look for workshops or short courses in leatherworkingCommunity colleges and craft centers often offer short hands-on classes that can strengthen your skills.
  • Build a portfolio of finished workPhotos of repaired shoes, bags, or custom leather pieces help show your skill to shop owners and employers.
  • Join a craft or maker club on campusClubs for sewing, crafts, or design give you a place to practice, get feedback, and meet people who share your interest.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for a part-time or summer job at a local shoe repair shop, tailor, or leather goods store, even if it's just sweeping and helping at the counter. Watching skilled workers is one of the best ways to learn.
  • Practice basic hand sewing and leatherwork at home with inexpensive materials. Showing a few finished projects can help you stand out when you apply.
  • Ask a local cobbler or repair shop if you can visit or shadow them. Seeing the daily work up close will help you decide whether the craft fits you.

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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