Shoe and Leather Worker and Repairer Salary
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers earn a median $37,800 a year nationally. Production Occupations
What shoe and leather workers and repairers do
Construct, decorate, or repair leather and leather-like products, such as luggage, shoes, and saddles. May use hand tools.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- -6.5% (declining)
- Openings per year
- 1,000
- Self-employed
- 26%
Employment of shoe and leather workers and repairers is projected to shrink 6.5% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 1,000 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Shoe and Leather Worker and Repairer take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$2,356
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,344
- Medicare (1.45%)$548
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$32,552
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,210 | $13.56 | $24,841 |
| 25th percentile | $31,270 | $15.03 | $27,305 |
| Median (50th) | $37,800 | $18.17 | $32,552 |
| 75th percentile | $45,670 | $21.96 | $38,876 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $52,550 | $25.26 | $44,404 |
Shoe and Leather Worker and Repairer salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $52,520 | +3.4% | $44,380 | $34,030 – $52,550 | 330 |
| Washington | $48,310 | −40.1% | $40,997 | $36,420 – $90,210 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $46,790 | +31.8% | $38,738 | $35,000 – $59,340 | 230 |
| Massachusetts | $46,550 | +26.6% | $37,475 | $36,180 – $54,980 | 500 |
| Arizona | $45,510 | +13.0% | $37,818 | $36,570 – $45,510 | 120 |
| Wisconsin | $44,000 | +8.8% | $36,379 | $31,570 – $48,060 | 460 |
| Illinois | $43,730 | +12.7% | $35,297 | $31,200 – $58,920 | 200 |
| Minnesota | $42,940 | +9.1% | $35,204 | $34,030 – $57,970 | 200 |
| New York | $42,100 | −3.7% | $34,331 | $37,280 – $49,850 | — |
| New Hampshire | $40,800 | — | $34,963 | $40,270 – $53,770 | 30 |
| Idaho | $40,000 | — | $33,308 | $18,330 – $50,370 | 40 |
| Missouri | $38,700 | +6.2% | $32,394 | $28,780 – $49,070 | 240 |
| Utah | $38,700 | +6.0% | $32,500 | $33,080 – $49,100 | 70 |
| California | $38,130 | +2.7% | $31,807 | $35,860 – $47,650 | 510 |
| Maine | $38,030 | +3.3% | $31,323 | $36,040 – $46,660 | 160 |
| North Carolina | $38,020 | +0.8% | $31,721 | $30,160 – $47,410 | 300 |
| Virginia | $37,230 | −3.6% | $30,768 | $28,820 – $48,150 | 70 |
| Indiana | $36,810 | +24.2% | $30,700 | $29,420 – $74,940 | 80 |
| Colorado | $36,170 | −3.5% | $30,360 | $32,450 – $46,380 | 60 |
| Alabama | $35,970 | +24.5% | $29,548 | $27,060 – $44,880 | 60 |
| Ohio | $35,950 | +15.7% | $30,860 | $26,480 – $46,210 | 120 |
| Michigan | $35,940 | +9.6% | $29,781 | $30,180 – $48,050 | 150 |
| Florida | $35,540 | +33.8% | $30,736 | $28,760 – $47,610 | 400 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,870 | +8.0% | $29,128 | $28,210 – $53,900 | 120 |
| Georgia | $32,470 | +3.4% | $27,207 | $29,110 – $41,020 | 70 |
| Oklahoma | $30,720 | — | $26,027 | $27,990 – $43,850 | 30 |
| Texas | $30,620 | +5.6% | $26,783 | $17,910 – $42,720 | 1,860 |
| Mississippi | $26,340 | +2.4% | $22,979 | $24,160 – $27,780 | 40 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a shoe and leather worker and repairer make?
The national median salary for shoe and leather workers and repairers is $37,800 a year ($18.17 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $28,210 and the top 10% earn over $52,550. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays shoe and leather workers and repairers the most?
Tennessee has the highest median pay at $52,520.
How many shoe and leather workers and repairers are there in the U.S.?
About 7,450 people work as shoe and leather workers and repairers nationwide.