The median hourly wage of hand sewers was $11.13 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.31, and the top 10 percent earned more than $17.57.
The median annual wage of tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers was $12.77 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.48, and the top 10 percent earned more than $20.21.
Most sewers and tailors work full time. Some work nights and weekends to accommodate customers’ schedules. Self-employed workers may need to work longer hours to run their business and complete customer orders.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition