Footwear and leather working trades Salary
Median salary £25,116 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £25,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For footwear and leather working trades, £25,357 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -35% versus the national average.
About this role
Footwear and leather working trades professionals design, make, repair and restore footwear and leather goods using traditional craft skills and modern techniques. They work with leather, synthetics and specialist materials to create bespoke and production items.
Key responsibilities
- Making, repairing and restoring footwear and leather goods
- Cutting, stitching and finishing leather and related materials
- Operating leather working machinery and tools
- Fitting and adjusting footwear for comfort and function
- Sourcing and selecting appropriate materials
Qualifications and entry routes
Traditional apprenticeships, Cordwainers (London College of Fashion) courses or College of Leathercraft training provide entry routes. Heritage Crafts Association recognition for practitioners of endangered crafts.
Career outlook
Traditional leather trades face workforce decline but bespoke and luxury markets provide steady demand. Orthopaedic footwear is a growing specialism.
Key skills
Common industries
- Bespoke shoemaking
- Shoe repair
- Leather goods manufacturing
- Orthopaedic footwear
- Saddlery
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Mid Level
£25,116
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 20.8%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£241
Footwear and leather working trades salary: common questions
How much do footwear and leather working trades earn in the UK?
Is £25,357 a good salary in the UK?
Have footwear and leather working trades salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for footwear and leather working trades?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).