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Leather Work Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chrome Hearts

Cutter - Leather Shop

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20.25/hr

They may work with skins or tanned hides using shears or a cutting table. The Leather Cutter is responsible for inspecting the leather, selecting areas to be cut, positioning pieces on the leather ...

Singer Vehicle Design

Trimmer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$26 - $38/hr

General knowledge of leather work, sewing, and automotive upholstery techniques * Must pass Singer Interior Skills Test Bonus points for Certifications and/or technical automotive program graduate ...

Chrome Hearts

Sewer - Leather

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE As a Leather Sewer at Chrome Hearts, your role is pivotal in the crafting of our ... Work Area Maintenance : Maintain a clean and orderly work area, strictly adhering to safety ...

Seat Air Systems, INC.

Upholsterer

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

If you enjoy working with leather, vinyl, and fabric and want to build beautiful aircraft interiors ... Work safely and as part of a team. Qualifications * Minimum 3 years of upholstery experience.

Seat Air Systems

Experienced Upholsterer

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

If you enjoy working with leather, vinyl, and fabric and want to build beautiful aircraft interiors ... Work safely and as part of a team. Qualifications * Minimum 3 years of upholstery experience.

Seat Air Systems

Experienced Upholsterer

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

If you enjoy working with leather, vinyl, and fabric and want to build beautiful aircraft interiors ... Work safely and as part of a team. Qualifications * Minimum 3 years of upholstery experience.

safariland

Product Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

Work with Research & Development technicians & Technical Specialists to create innovative & safe ... Design cowhide leather holsters, pouches and accessories * Design molded foam/nylon holsters, belts ...

safariland

Product Designer

Ontario, CA

Work with Research & Development technicians & Technical Specialists to create innovative & safe ... Design cowhide leather holsters, pouches and accessories * Design molded foam/nylon holsters, belts ...

Safariland

Product Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

Work with Research & Development technicians & Technical Specialists to create innovative & safe ... Design cowhide leather holsters, pouches and accessories * Design molded foam/nylon holsters, belts ...

Patricia Nash Designs

Be Seen First

Merchandising for Patrica Nash Designs at Macy's Riverside

Riverside, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The ability to work independently with minimal supervision * The ability to work varied hours/days ... Product line includes handbags, backpacks, luggage, men's leather goods, jewelry, footwear, scarves ...

Living Spaces

Be Seen First

Furniture Repair Technician- $2,000 Sign On Bonus

Visalia, CA · On-site

$22.79 - $29.50/hr

Will work inside the shop or on the dock ensuring outbound shipments are accurate and free of ... Upholstery / Leather products to include stitching, panel replacement, mechanism, frame repair ...

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Leather Work information

What is leather work?

Leather work, also known as leathercraft, is the art and practice of creating items from leather through various techniques such as cutting, shaping, stitching, dyeing, and tooling. Leatherworkers make a wide range of products including belts, wallets, bags, saddles, and shoes. The craft involves both hand and machine tools and can range from simple repairs to intricate, decorative designs. Leather work requires skill, creativity, and knowledge of different types of leather and finishing methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a leather worker?

To thrive as a Leather Worker, you need strong craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of leather types and techniques, often supported by vocational training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with specialized tools such as cutting knives, sewing machines, stamping tools, and finishing agents is essential, as well as knowledge of design software for custom work. Creativity, patience, and good hand-eye coordination are valuable soft skills that set excellent leather workers apart. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure the production of high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing leather goods that meet client specifications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in leather work, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in leather work often encounter challenges such as sourcing high-quality materials, maintaining consistency in craftsmanship, and managing time effectively for custom projects. Working with leather requires precision and patience, especially when hand-stitching or dyeing, as mistakes can be difficult to correct. Building strong relationships with reliable suppliers and continuously refining technical skills through practice and training can help overcome these obstacles. Additionally, joining leatherworking communities or workshops can provide valuable support and knowledge sharing.

What is the difference between Leather Work vs Leather Craftsperson?

AspectLeather WorkLeather Craftsperson
CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but experience and skills are valuedOften requires specialized training or certification in leather crafting
Work EnvironmentWorkshops, factories, or studios focused on manufacturing or repairArtistic studios, custom shops, or craft markets
Industry UsageUsed broadly in manufacturing, repair, and production of leather goodsUsed in artistic, custom, and high-end leather products

Leather Work generally refers to the practical aspects of working with leather, such as manufacturing, repairing, or assembling leather products. Leather Craftsperson often emphasizes artistic design and custom craftsmanship. While both roles involve working with leather, Leather Work is more production-oriented, whereas Leather Craftsperson focuses on creative and bespoke projects.

How hard is it to get into leather work?

Leather work is a craft that typically requires developing skills in cutting, stitching, and finishing leather, often through apprenticeships, classes, or self-study. Entry can be accessible for those willing to learn and practice, but building proficiency may take time and patience, especially to produce high-quality products or work professionally.

How much do leather workers get paid?

Leather workers typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $20, depending on experience, skill level, and location. Skilled artisans with specialized tools or certifications may earn higher wages, and some work in custom or high-end markets. Salaries can also vary based on whether they are self-employed or work for a company.

What do leather workers make?

Leather workers create a variety of products such as belts, wallets, handbags, shoes, saddles, and other leather accessories. They often use tools like cutting machines, sewing machines, and dyes, and may work in workshops or factories specializing in leather craftsmanship.

What profession works with leather?

A leather worker, such as a leather craftsman or artisan, specializes in creating products from leather, including belts, bags, and shoes. This profession often requires skills in cutting, stitching, and finishing leather, and may involve using tools like knives, needles, and sewing machines.

What are popular job titles related to Leather Work jobs in California?

For Leather Work jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Leather Work jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Leather Work jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Leather Work jobs?

Cities in California with the most Leather Work job openings:

Leather Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Leather Work job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Cutter - Leather Shop

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Chrome Hearts
Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Chrome Heartsexternal

$20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

CHROME HEARTS®, the Fine Jewelry, Accessories, Shoes, Fragrance & Home Goods company renowned for its sophisticated life-inspired designs, was conceived in 1988 by Richard Stark in Los Angeles. Honoring a commitment to quality materials and timeless design, CHROME HEARTS® now has thirty+ stores across North America, Europe, and Asia, and can be found in the most exclusive boutiques around the world.
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
The Leather Cutter works with a variety of materials to layout, mark, and trim a pattern for articles such as furniture, apparel, or accessories. They may work with skins or tanned hides using shears or a cutting table. The Leather Cutter is responsible for inspecting the leather, selecting areas to be cut, positioning pieces on the leather and other materials, matching leather good components (pieces) and checking cut pieces against specifications and quality requirements.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Prepare work to be accomplished by gathering and sorting leather rolls and patterns
  • Roll leather and patterns on to the cutting table
  • Lays out, marks, and cuts leather or skins into parts for articles, for example garments and garment trim using leather knife or shears
  • Lays leather or skins on cutting table and positions pattern pieces on leather or skins to determine number of cuts.
  • Lays leather side on table, positions dies on leather to obtain maximum number of cuts from side, and strikes die with mallet to cut out part.
  • May also punch holes in parts, using kick press.
  • Approve materials by inspecting materials for flaws
  • Uses various machines to size and cut leather and patterns according to specifications
  • Maintain quality by inspecting finished product
  • Maintain a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive routine
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area and follow safety protocols
  • Contribute to the teams' efforts by accomplishing related results as needed

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Some experience in leather goods manufacturing preferred.
  • Candidates are expected to learn all responsibilities in an adequate time frame
  • Must be able to work well with others and have excellent communication skills
  • Must possess basic measuring skills
  • Must possess the ability to read and write
  • Ability to handle a physical workload
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Eager to take on responsibility with a personal sense of accountability
  • Perform work in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and laws or regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time, some walking. Employees are regularly required to talk and/or hear. Employees will be expected to repeat much of the physical motions throughout the shift that may include use of their feet, legs, arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. This work will involve a variety of hand operations requiring a high degree of manual dexterity and close visual attention. The employee must be able to carry and/or lift up to 50 lbs if needed.
BENEFITS
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

The pay range for this role is:
$20.25 + (plus) per hour depending on level of experience
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Chrome Hearts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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