Sewing machine operators
SOC Code: 51-6031Also known as:
Appliquer, Apron Operator, Armhole Sewer, Automat Watcher, Automatic Hemmer
Median Annual Salary
$36,000
-10.8% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
124K
Current Jobs
What Sewing machine operators Do
Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.
💰 Salary
$36,000
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-10.8%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
124,000
Projected Employment (2034)
110,700
Related Careers
Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials
$33,880 •
-13.5% growth
Shoe machine operators and tenders
$38,160 •
-3.7% growth
Sewers, hand
$33,760 •
-7.0% growth
Cutters and trimmers, hand
$38,800 •
-18.1% growth
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,700 •
-2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
- Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
- Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
- Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
- Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
- Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
- Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.
- Cut excess material or thread from finished products.
- Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
- Examine and measure finished articles to verify conformance to standards, using rulers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do sewing machine operators make?
The median annual salary for sewing machine operators is $36,000.
What education do sewing machine operators need?
Most sewing machine operators positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming sewing machine operators a good career choice?
Sewing machine operators is projected to see -10.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 13,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for sewing machine operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to sewing machine operators?
Sewing machine operators may also be known as: Appliquer, Apron Operator, Armhole Sewer, Automat Watcher, Automatic Hemmer, Automatic Seamer, Automatic Serging Machine Operator, Automatic Shirring Machine Operator, Automatic Trimming Sewer, Back Facer, Bag Maker, Bag Mender, Band Maker, Bander, Bar Tacker Sewing Machine, Baster, Basting Machine Operator, Bathing Suit Maker, Bead Sewing Worker, Belt Loop Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.