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.
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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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Pocket Closer
- Lockstitch Machine Operator
- 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.

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.

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:

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

Sewing Machine Operators Sector

Sewing Machine Operators work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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