SOC 51-6041
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ45/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ7,640
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$36K
$25K โ $48K
Projected Growth
๐-3.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers face a risk score of 45/100 โ 1 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $36K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 45/100, Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated cnc programming and machine operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 7,640 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes.
Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses.
Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.
Repair and recondition leather products such as trunks, luggage, shoes, saddles, belts, purses, and baseball gloves.
Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.
๐ป Technology Skills
Accounting software
Inventory management software
Spreadsheet software
Point of sale POS software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
Mechanical
Sales and Marketing
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 84% |