There are currently an estimated 9,800 shoemakers in the United States. The shoemaker job market is expected to shrink by -11.2% between 2022 and 2032.

How employable are shoemakers?

CareerExplorer rates shoemakers with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 4,400 shoemakers. That number is based on the retirement of 5,500 existing shoemakers.

Are shoemakers in demand?

For most people, wandering the earth barefoot is not an option, or at least not a consistent option. Therefore, the job of a shoemaker or ‘cobbler’ would appear to be secure. However, the threat to the livelihood of a shoemaker is the modern-day availability of relatively low-cost footwear, causing consumers to opt for purchasing new shoes over having custom ones made, or repairing those they already own.

What’s the supply of shoemakers?

The shoemaker industry is concentrated in Texas, New York, California

Shoemaker job market by state

State Name Employed Shoemakers
Texas 1,240
New York 660
California 660
Missouri 560
Maine 300
Ohio 300
Tennessee 230
Illinois 230
Wisconsin 200
Michigan 190
Pennsylvania 190
North Carolina 190
Virginia 170
New Jersey 110
Indiana 100
Arkansas 100
South Carolina 70
Washington 70
Idaho 70
Mississippi 60
Colorado 50
New Hampshire 50
Oregon 50
Kentucky 40
New Mexico 40
Oklahoma 30
Montana 30