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Sewing Machine Operator

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Life As a Sewing Machine Operator

Career Description Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.

List of Sewing Machine Operator Job Duties

  • Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
  • Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
  • Inspect garments, and examine repair tags and markings on garments to locate defects or damage, and mark errors as necessary.
  • Tape or twist together thread or cord to repair breaks.
  • Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
  • Turn knobs, screws, and dials to adjust settings of machines, according to garment styles and equipment performance.

What Every Sewing Machine Operator Should Know

These are the skills Sewing Machine Operators say are the most useful in their careers:

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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  • Seamstress
  • Strap Maker
  • Chainstitch Felled Seam Operator

Job Opportunities for Sewing Machine Operators

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 153,900 jobs in the United States for Sewing Machine Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Sewing Machine Operator. The BLS estimates 12,300 yearly job openings in this field.

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The states with the most job growth for Sewing Machine Operator are Nevada, Alaska, and Wyoming. Watch out if you plan on working in New York, Pennsylvania, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Sewing Machine Operators Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Sewing Machine Operators is somewhere between $19,040 and $37,880.

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Sewing Machine Operators who work in Alaska, District of Columbia, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Sewing Machine Operators make in each U.S. state?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $23,960
Alaska $38,270
Arizona $29,940
Arkansas $24,270
California $26,670
Colorado $28,820
Connecticut $35,120
Delaware $28,530
District of Columbia $35,830
Florida $27,060
Georgia $24,760
Hawaii $27,450
Idaho $25,360
Illinois $29,010
Indiana $28,180
Iowa $28,320
Kansas $28,530
Kentucky $23,530
Louisiana $24,540
Maine $29,910
Maryland $27,910
Massachusetts $30,980
Michigan $27,860
Minnesota $29,610
Mississippi $27,910
Missouri $24,390
Montana $27,750
Nebraska $25,570
Nevada $29,340
New Hampshire $31,700
New Jersey $24,370
New Mexico $23,600
New York $30,020
North Carolina $27,990
North Dakota $26,960
Ohio $26,190
Oklahoma $23,120
Oregon $28,290
Pennsylvania $26,670
Rhode Island $30,870
South Carolina $24,570
South Dakota $27,130
Tennessee $24,470
Texas $23,850
Utah $27,500
Vermont $27,500
Virginia $25,640
Washington $33,320
West Virginia $25,390
Wisconsin $28,750
Wyoming $28,910

What Tools do Sewing Machine Operators Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Sewing Machine Operators:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Email software

How to Become a Sewing Machine Operator

Individuals working as a Sewing Machine Operator have obtained the following education levels:

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What work experience do I need to become a Sewing Machine Operator?

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Sewing Machine Operators Sector

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Sewing Machine Operators work in the following industries:

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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