The ROI of Pattern Maker occupation

I have a relative lives in New York, She has an unusual occupation as a pattern maker for apparel and sewn products. Typically, pattern makers have degrees in fashion or design, familiar with garments industry and garment construction, and good pattern knowledge. Sounds a decent job to me. But when I asked her about the ROI (Return On Investment) of her occupation, or in another word, the ratio of investment in learning the trade compared to the financial return, She said "it isn't there".

She told me it takes a long time to become skilled pattern maker. People won't suddenly become pattern makers for the money. It's not as though you can do a week end seminar, a semester or even a couple years of school to be qualified. It's closer to the time period of medical school and internship to be qualified. You don't do this for the money, that's for sure.

I did some search on the job search site indeed.com, it appears the average salary in this field is close to $40,000.

During the internet bubble period, 1998 - 2001, I believe the IT jobs have the best ROI, few months of classroom training can get you a $60,000 - $80,000 job. However, it didn't last long, the economy simply will not work in that way.

How aboout the ROI of your profession? Which career track has the best ROI ? Anybody care to share the opinion ?