There are currently an estimated 9,500 shoemakers in the United States. The shoemaker job market is expected to shrink by 3.8% between 2024 and 2034.

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 lose -400 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, California, Massachusetts

Shoemaker job market by state

State Name Employed Shoemakers
Texas 1,860
California 510
Massachusetts 500
Wisconsin 460
Florida 400
Tennessee 330
North Carolina 300
Missouri 240
New Jersey 230
Illinois 200
Minnesota 200
Oregon 200
Maine 160
Michigan 150
Arizona 120
Ohio 120
Pennsylvania 120
Washington 100
Indiana 80
Georgia 70
Virginia 70
Utah 70
Alabama 60
Colorado 60
Mississippi 40
Idaho 40
Oklahoma 30
New Hampshire 30