Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers Make?
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers earn a median annual salary of $35,950 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $25,170 at the 10th percentile to $48,090 at the 90th percentile — a range of $22,920. The highest-paying state is Washington at $80,670.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $25,170 |
| 25th percentile | $29,400 |
| Median (50th) | $35,950 |
| 75th percentile | $41,400 |
| 90th percentile | $48,090 |
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $80,670 |
| Tennessee | $50,790 |
| Iowa | $48,010 |
| New York | $43,740 |
| Wisconsin | $40,440 |
| Arizona | $40,260 |
| Oregon | $39,680 |
| Minnesota | $39,350 |
| Montana | $39,250 |
| Illinois | $38,790 |
| Kentucky | $38,790 |
| Virginia | $38,630 |
| North Carolina | $37,710 |
| Colorado | $37,480 |
| California | $37,120 |
| Maine | $36,800 |
| Massachusetts | $36,770 |
| Utah | $36,500 |
| Missouri | $36,430 |
| New Jersey | $35,500 |
| Arkansas | $34,620 |
| Michigan | $32,790 |
| Pennsylvania | $32,280 |
| Georgia | $31,400 |
| Ohio | $31,060 |
| Indiana | $29,630 |
| Texas | $28,990 |
| Alabama | $28,890 |
| Florida | $26,560 |
| Mississippi | $25,720 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$25,170 – $29,400 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$35,950 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$41,400 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $48,090+ |
How to Earn More as a Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers in Tennessee earn $50,790 — $14,840 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($41,400) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairerthis career | $35,950 |
| Timing Device Assemblers and Adjuster | $40,790 |
| Patternmaker | $54,540 |
| Print Binding and Finishing Worker | $39,820 |
| Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Material | $33,880 |
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SOC: 51-6041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.