As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Alterations Specialist I in the United States is $37,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, an Alterations Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Alterations Specialist I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Alterations Specialist I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Alterations Specialist I | $36,378 |
| Intermediate Level Alterations Specialist I | $37,080 |
| Senior Level Alterations Specialist I | $38,577 |
| Specialist Level Alterations Specialist I | $38,781 |
| Expert Level Alterations Specialist I | $39,122 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Alterations Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | 30.26% |
| Work Ethic | 1.87% |
| Inventory Management | 0.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Innovation
|
$41,159 |
11%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$40,046 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$39,305 |
6%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$39,305 |
6%
|
|
Planning
|
$38,934 |
5%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$38,563 |
4%
|
Alterations Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $40,771. While startup companies pay approximate $34,466.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $34,466 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $36,457 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $39,367 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $40,771 |
For Alterations Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Retail & Wholesale and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Alterations Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Alterations Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $48,204 | $23.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $40,788 | $20.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Alterations Specialist Is enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Alterations Specialist I with a No Diploma is between $39,674 and $43,859).
Alterations Specialist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.5% |
| High School | 37.5% |
| Associates | 12.5% |
| Bachelors | 31.3% |
| Masters | 6.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Alterations Specialist I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Alterations Specialist I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Men's Hair Stylist | $36,101 | -3% |
| Spa Guest Services Assistant Manager - Casino | $47,000 | 27% |
| Alterations Specialist II | $71,100 | 92% |
Salaries for an Alterations Specialist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $29,866 in 2023 to around $29,961 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Alterations Specialist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $29,866 |
| 2024 | $30,190 |
| 2025 | $29,961 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Alterations Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Alterations specialists utilize tailoring skills to adjust the fit of ready-made clothing. They also mend and restore garments, performing tasks like sewing on buttons or replacing zippers. The salary for this role ranges from $38,010 to $52,860, with a median salary of $44,630, reflecting the expertise and craftsmanship involved in their work.
Alterations Specialists are well-compensated, with salaries ranging from $38,010 to $52,860, depending on experience and expertise. Their role in ensuring quality alterations is vital, making them some of the higher-paid professionals in the field.
While there are approximately 33,900 tailors in the U.S., the job market for this profession is projected to decline by 13.6% from 2022 to 2032. Tailors, including alterations specialists, typically earn between $38,010 and $52,860, with a median salary of $44,630. This trend may impact job opportunities and salary potential in the field.
How much does a Quality Specialist make? The salary for an Alterations Specialist ranges from $38,010 to $52,860, with a mid-salary of $44,630 per year. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this role, providing a clear picture of the compensation landscape for specialists in this field.
The salary for an Alterations Specialist typically ranges from $38,010 to $52,860, with a mid-range salary of $44,630. This reflects the expertise and skill level required for alterations, which can vary in cost depending on the complexity of the garment.
As of January 2025, Alterations Specialists in the USA earn between $38,010 and $52,860 annually, with a median salary of $44,630. This reflects a range of hourly wages, with the majority falling between approximately $18.27 and $25.38, depending on experience and location.
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