The U.S. Department of Labor reports that leather tanning and finishing workers earned mean annual salaries of $47,330 in May 2023, plus extra pay for overtime, weekend, and holiday work. This was lower than the average ($65,470) for all U.S. occupations. Salaries ranged from minimum wage ($15,080 a year) to $75,000 or more. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following mean annual earning...

Tanners work indoors and are employed throughout the year. Tannery production processes often are accompanied by unpleasant odors, and many workers must get used to lifting heavy objects such as soaked hides. These workers, and those involved in chemical processes, may wear protective boots and clothing to guard against the acids and other chemicals used. Other leather work, however, is clean a...

Suppliers of leather and leather goods from most developing countries have substantial cost advantage over U.S. producers because they pay much lower wages. U.S. imports of leather and leather goods have increased, leading to tannery closures and movement of tanneries to the developing countries. Employment of leather workers generally is expected to decline through the next decade, primarily b...