Shoe machine operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-6042Also known as:
Anchor Operator, Anchorer, Ankle Patch Molder, Apron Trimmer, Arch Cushion Press Operator
Median Annual Salary
$38,160
-3.7% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
4K
Current Jobs
What Shoe machine operators and tenders Do
Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
💰 Salary
$38,160
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-3.7%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
4,100
Projected Employment (2034)
3,900
Related Careers
Sewing machine operators
$36,000 •
-10.8% growth
Shoe and leather workers and repairers
$35,950 •
-3.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% 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
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications.
- Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles.
- Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
- Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels.
- Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls.
- Draw thread through machine guide slots, needles, and presser feet in preparation for stitching, or load rolls of wire through machine axles.
- Study work orders or shoe part tags to obtain information about workloads, specifications, and the types of materials to be used.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines or replacing broken needles.
- Test machinery to ensure proper functioning before beginning production.
- Select and place spools of thread or pre-wound bobbins into shuttles, or onto spindles or loupers of stitching machines.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
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 shoe machine operators and tenders make?
The median annual salary for shoe machine operators and tenders is $38,160.
What education do shoe machine operators and tenders need?
Most shoe machine operators and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming shoe machine operators and tenders a good career choice?
Shoe machine operators and tenders is projected to see -3.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for shoe machine operators and tenders?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to shoe machine operators and tenders?
Shoe machine operators and tenders may also be known as: Anchor Operator, Anchorer, Ankle Patch Molder, Apron Trimmer, Arch Cushion Press Operator, Archer, Back Closer, Back Stayer, Back Strip Machine Operator, Back Wedger, Barrer, Bed Laster, Bed Machine Operator, Binding Dyer, Binding Stitcher, Block Hand, Block Out Machine Operator, Bobbin Winder, Boot Maker, Boot Trimmer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.