Shoemaker

A shoemaker designs, constructs, and repairs footwear using hand tools, machinery, and specialist materials. Working in a workshop or retail setting, they cut leather and synthetic materials to pattern, assemble shoe components using stitching and adhesive techniques, and fit shoes to customer specifications. They may also restore damaged or worn shoes to extend their serviceable life.

Cut leather, suede, and synthetic materials to pattern using sharp knives, scissors, and die cutters. Construct shoe uppers by hand-stitching or machine-stitching leather panels using waxed thread and specialised needles. Attach soles and heels to shoe uppers using adhesives, nails, or stitching and hammer or sole-attachment equipment. Shape and mould shoe components using wooden lasts, stretchers, and heat to achieve correct fit and form. Repair worn or damaged shoes by replacing soles, heels, insoles, or stitching damaged seams. Sand and finish shoe surfaces and edges using hand sanders, rasps, and polishing compounds to achieve smooth, professional appearance. Measure customer feet and take measurements to fit shoes accurately and identify gait or posture issues affecting shoe construction. Fabricate bespoke or custom shoes from client specifications, including selecting materials and designing shoe patterns.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate IV or Certificate III with at least two years of on-the-job training (ABS skill level 3). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The work is physically demanding with repetitive strain injuries common in the hands, wrists, and shoulders. Pay is modest and unlikely to increase significantly without running your own business. Cheap mass-produced shoes have shrunk the market for repair work, so you'll depend on custom orders or high-end restoration to stay viable. Certification takes time and the skills take years to master properly.

In practice, jobs are scarce and scattered. You'll find some in major city centres where high-end custom shops exist, and occasionally in regional towns. Most shoemakers are self-employed operating small workshops. Remote work isn't an option. Your best bet is building a reputation locally and attracting custom orders, or finding a specialist shoe repair or bespoke shop in a capital city to apprentice with.

• Active Listeningcore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracycore
• Complaint Handlingcore
• Customer Needs Assessmentcore
• Inventory Trackingcore
• Invoicing and Billing Administrationcore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Time Managementcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Administer appointments
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Customer Complaint Resolution
• Process Improvement Identification
• Record Management
• Stock Counting and Stocktake
• Supplier Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026