Leather Technologist
Applies scientific and engineering principles to convert raw or artificial materials into leather, handling processing, chemistry and machinery.
Overview
Leather Technologists apply scientific and engineering principles to convert natural (raw hides, apple skins or discarded leaves of pineapple plant) or artificial (polymers) materials to leather. They also handle all aspects of leather processing, materials, chemistry, manufacturing and machinery.
Where they work
- Companies involved in leather goods manufacturing such as upholstery, footwear, clothing, fashion and retail
Work environment
While you may or may not have to handle a team, you will have to collaborate with different stakeholders. You may usually work 5 to 6 days a week and a minimum of 8 to 9 hours every day. However, you can expect long irregular working hours.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are a creative person
- You pay attention to details
- You like to have clear instructions to follow
- You like to build or assemble things
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics).
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Tech./B.E.) in Leather Technology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Diploma in Leather Technology.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and follow it up with a Master's degree in the same or allied field.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions the card says you must qualify an entrance examination at national level (JEE Main, JEE Advanced etc.), state level (WBJEE, AP EAMCET etc.) or institute level (VET, IP etc.). AP EAMCET is now held as AP EAPCET. Exam names, eligibility and dates change — check the official notification.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Engineering. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC and AICTE before applying.
Government institutes
- Harcourt Butler Technological University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Government Polytechnic, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology (MIT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar
- Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna, Bihar
- Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Kashmir Government Polytechnic College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Government Leather Institute, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Government Leather Institute, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Alagappa College of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Kar Polytechnic College, Ambur, Tamil Nadu
- Mangalore Institute of Fashion Technology, Karnataka
- CMJ University, Jorabat, Meghalaya
- Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Sai University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Leather Technologist
- 2Production Manager, Tannery
- 3General Manager, Tannery
Related careers to explore
Oil Technologist
Evaluates and tests crude oil to understand its properties, and maintains quality control in a refinery or lubricant manufacturing plant.
Rubber Technologist
Transforms rubber and other elastic materials into useful products such as automobile tyres, rubber mats and exercise bands.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to building.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sangeetha — A leather cutter, trained at the Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC) under the aegis of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Following her training at LSSC she works at Mohib Shoes as a leather cutter. She says: 'Today I work in Mohib Shoes as a leather cutter, I am able to provide education to my children and take care of my basic household needs. I am a confident woman today.'
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 953 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/leather-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
This card is printed on page 953, as the contents list gives. Chandigarh University, listed under private institutes as being in Chandigarh, is a private university in Mohali district, Punjab. The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) named on the card has been discontinued, and AP EAMCET is now held as AP EAPCET.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.