As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Tailor I in the United States is $37,075 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Tailor I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Recruit with AI
Smart Recruiting
A Tailor 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 a Tailor 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 Tailor I | $36,373 |
| Intermediate Level Tailor I | $37,075 |
| Senior Level Tailor I | $38,573 |
| Specialist Level Tailor I | $38,777 |
| Expert Level Tailor I | $39,117 |
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 Tailor 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
|
$41,153 |
11%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$40,041 |
8%
|
|
Talent Acquisition
|
$39,300 |
6%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$39,300 |
6%
|
|
Planning
|
$38,929 |
5%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$38,558 |
4%
|
Tailor I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $40,702. While startup companies pay approximate $34,396.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $34,396 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $36,383 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $39,300 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $40,702 |
For Tailor 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, Tailor positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Tailor I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $48,198 | $23.0 | 30% |
| MFG Nondurable | $40,782 | $20.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Tailor 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 a Tailor I with a No Diploma is between $39,768 and $43,591).
Tailor 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 a Tailor 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Tailor 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Barber | $35,971 | -3% |
| Spa Supervisor | $46,995 | 27% |
| Tailor II | $71,022 | 92% |
Salaries for a Tailor 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 Tailor 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
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Tailor I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Tailor I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Tailor I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Tailor I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Tailor I is $46,763.
The highest pay for Tailor I is $45,789.
The lowest pay for Tailor I is $29,592.
Responsible for constructing, altering, repairing, or modifying garments for customers based on their specifications, needs, and preferences. Reads patterns, uses measuring tools, and works with different fabrics and embellishments. Presses and finishes altered clothes and linens. Completes work within deadlines to ensure altered merchandise is sewn, pressed, and checked for imperfections. May require a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
The Retail & Wholesale industry offers the highest average compensation for Tailor I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
