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Sample Maker Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Marker Maker

Portland, OR · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Were looking for a detaildriven Marker Maker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, math ... samples and bulk production * Translate digital marker plans into clear, accurate spreading ...

If you have a "maker" mindset and love figuring out how machines work, this is your spot. This is a ... Support prototype and sample builds * Prepare materials, tooling, and machine setups * Adjust ...

Lab Technician

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

If you have a "maker" mindset and love figuring out how machines work, this is your spot. This is a ... Support prototype and sample builds * Prepare materials, tooling, and machine setups * Adjust ...

Sample Maker information

See Oregon salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do sample maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for sample maker in Oregon is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Sample Makers?

Sample Makers are skilled professionals who create prototypes or samples of products, typically in industries like fashion, manufacturing, or product design. They interpret design specifications, select appropriate materials, and construct sample items that serve as models for mass production. Their work is crucial for testing product concepts, refining designs, and ensuring quality before full-scale manufacturing begins. Sample Makers often collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and production teams to ensure the final product meets all requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Sample Makers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Sample Makers often encounter challenges such as working with tight deadlines, adapting to last-minute design changes, and ensuring precise execution of prototypes. Managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with designers and production teams, and flexibility in problem-solving. Being proactive in requesting feedback and maintaining organized documentation can also help streamline the sample-making process and improve collaboration.

What Does a Sample Maker Do?

A sample maker most commonly works for a fashion company and tests a sample pattern on a piece of fabric before it goes into large-scale production. As a sample maker, your responsibilities include creating fabric samples for clothing or garment makers and sending these partial samples or prototypes for different apparel products to your supervisor or other technical directors. Other duties include ensuring that the technical aspect of the production is free of flaws and that garment factory owners clearly understand the directions for large-scale production of the patterns.

What is the difference between Sample Maker vs Pattern Maker?

AspectSample MakerPattern Maker
Primary RoleCreates physical prototypes or samples of garments based on design specifications.Develops and drafts patterns used to cut fabric for garment production.
Required SkillsSewing, fabric knowledge, and sample construction techniques.Pattern drafting, grading, and technical drawing skills.
Work EnvironmentSeamstress workshops, fashion studios, or sample rooms.Design studios, pattern departments, or technical design offices.
Industry UsageUsed in fashion, apparel, and costume design for creating prototypes.Used in apparel manufacturing, pattern development, and technical design.

The main difference between a Sample Maker and a Pattern Maker lies in their focus: Sample Makers build physical garment samples, while Pattern Makers develop the patterns used to produce those garments. Both roles are essential in the fashion industry, often working closely together to bring design concepts to life efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sample Maker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sample Maker, you need strong technical skills in pattern making, garment construction, and a solid understanding of textiles, usually supported by experience or vocational training in fashion or manufacturing. Familiarity with sewing machines, CAD software, and measuring tools is often required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately interpreting design specifications and collaborating with designers. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality prototypes that meet design intent and production requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Sample Maker jobs in Oregon? For Sample Maker jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sample Maker jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Sample Maker jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Sample Maker jobs in OR? For Sample Maker jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sample Maker job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,183 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Marker Maker

A&K Designs, Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$21 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

A&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly serving the Portland community for the last 35 years. We have a strong company culture that is committed to fostering an environment for every teammate thats welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. Everything we produce has high visibility and we take pride in our quality, innovation, and on-time delivery.
We are moving forward, searching for new ways to improve what we do and who we are, and looking for energetic and engaged people to join our team.
Turn Fabric Into Precision - Where craftsmanship meets cutting-edge production
Behind every great garment is a perfectly planned markerand behind every perfect marker is someone who understands fabric, pattern, and efficiency at a deep level. Were looking for a detaildriven Marker Maker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, math, and manufacturing precision.
What Youll Do
Youll own the marker-making process from digital planning to production execution:
  • Create efficient, production-ready markers using industrystandard CAD software
  • Analyze fabric width, shrinkage, nap, shading, and defects to produce the most effective layouts for both samples and bulk production
  • Translate digital marker plans into clear, accurate spreading instructions so physical fabric lays match the marker exactly
  • Collaborate with the team members to align order schedules, estimate weekly workloads, and hit cutting deadlines
  • Convert Optitex marker files into Gerber plotting and cutting files
  • Inspect and print garment plots, ensuring accuracy before anything reaches the cutting floor
  • Maintain meticulous, wellorganized digital file storage for markers and styles within the company network
What Makes You a Great Fit
You bring both technical skill and sharp attention to detail:
  • Excellent math and spatial skills, including:
    • -Fractiontodecimal conversions
    • -Yardstometers calculations
    • -Yield and efficiency percentages
  • Confident using Microsoft Excel for data entry and material tracking
  • Comfortable with Microsoft Outlook for daily communication with production teams
  • A sharp eye for spotting small errors in pattern orientation or piece counts before they become costly mistakes
  • Creative problemsolver when working around fabric flaws or irregular material widths
  • Clear and respectful communicator, comfortable working with teammates from diverse backgrounds
  • Associates or bachelors degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Production, or Industrial Engineering is preferred, but not required
  • 3+ years of experience in apparel manufacturing, specifically in marker making and working in a Cutting department
  • Advanced knowledge and proficiency in apparel CAD systems - Optitex or Gerber is highly desirable
  • Previous experience in apparel manufacturing or production environment a plus
Why This Role Matters
Your work directly impacts cost efficiency, production timelines, and garment quality. The markers you create shape how fabric is used, how smoothly production runs, and ultimately how successful each style becomes.
Our regular schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm, Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am.
If youre someone who takes pride in precisionand enjoys seeing your planning turn into real, finished garmentswed love to meet you.
What you'll get:
  • Medical, dental and vision with generous employer contribution
  • 401k with employer match
  • Two weeks of paid time off per year
  • 8 company paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
Compensation: $21.00 - $29.00 per hour