Career Profile

Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers

What they do:

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

Also Called:

Boot Maker, Cobbler, Leather Worker, Saddle and Harness Maker, Shoe Cutter, Shoe Maker, Shoe Repairer, Shoe Repairman, Stitcher, Boot Maker, Cobbler, Leather Worker, Saddle and Harness Maker, Shoe Cutter, Shoe Maker, Shoe Repairer, Shoe Repairman, Stitcher
$30,620
Starting Salary (2025)
$37,900
Median Salary (2025)
-3.8%
Projected Job Growth
440
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
Inspect articles for defects, and remove damaged or worn parts, using hand tools.
Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.
Drill or punch holes and insert or attach metal rings, handles, and fastening hardware, such as buckles.
Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Cooperation
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Persistence
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Judgment and Decision Making

Expected Knowledge

Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 56%
  • Less than high school 44%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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