Sewing Machine Operators

At a Glance

Most produce clothing
Many perform only specialized tasks
Have a low level of social interaction
May work day or evening shifts
Train on the job

Career summary

Sewing machine operators run or tend machines that join parts of garments and form other items.

#No alternate titles

Most sewing machine operators produce items such as:

Clothing
Drapes
Towels
Sheets

Operators select materials such as fabric, thread, or bindings based on work orders. They set up machines with the proper threads and adjust machine settings.

Operators start the machine and guide the material to sew parts together. If the machine is automatic, operators observe it for malfunctions or defects. They make adjustments to the machine, or notify the supervisor if there are problems.

When the item is completed, operators inspect it for defects to determine if it meets standards.

Many sewing machine operators specialize in tasks such as:

Buttonholes
Fasteners

Operators repair items that have been inspected and rejected. Operators record the number of items they process in logs.

Operators often maintain their machines. They may replace needles or oil parts.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to sewing machine operators.

Baste edges of material to align and secure parts for final assembly.
Select supplies, such as binding, fasteners, and thread, according to directions or fabric characteristics.
Thread needle and mount attachments, such as cutting blades or pattern plates.
Position item under needle. Position item under clamps if using automatic machines.
Adjust machine settings according to the needs of the item.
Guide material under needle to sew parts together. May fold or stretch edges to make sewing easier.
Start and operate machine, or tend automatic sewing machine. Notify supervisor if they detect malfunctions.
Inspect garments or finished products for defects.
May attach tape, trim, elastic, or appliqu� to garment, according to item needs.
May attach buttons or fasteners to fabric.
Record number of garments, parts, or materials processed in production logs.
Examine repair tags and markings. Add replacement parts or missing stitches.
Replace sewing machine needles and perform basic maintenance of sewing machines.

Common work activities

Sewing machine operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Handle and move objects
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Control machines and processes
Identify objects, actions, and events
Get information needed to do the job
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, sewing machine operators:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a low level of social contact. They work mainly with machines and sewing materials.
Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
Usually communicate with others in person.
May work as part of a team of sewing machine operators.

Physical work conditions

Always work indoors.
Often share work space with others.
May sometimes wear protective devices such as gloves. Garment workers are more likely to wear protective devices.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause injuries to workers.
Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which daily deadlines must be met.
Must allow the work pace to be determined by the speed of the machinery.
Usually work under the direction of a supervisor, who sets the tasks and goals for the day.

Hours/travel

May work day or evening shifts for manufacturers that have multiple shifts.
Schedules are usually established.

Physical demands

Sewing machine operators frequently:

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Sit for long periods of time.
Repeat the same movements.
Bend or twist their body.

It is important for sewing machine operators to be able to:

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for sewing machine operators to be able to:

Determine the distance between objects.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Sewing machine operators need to:

Reason and problem solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Perceive and visualize

Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a sewing machine operator, you typically need to:

complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Some professional-technical schools offer courses in apparel production. This training may help you get a job. As sewing machines become more automated, training in computer technology and electronics is also helpful.

On-the-job training

Many sewing machine operators learn their skills on the job. Either experienced workers or sewing machine manufacturers teach you how to run the machines. This type of training usually lasts one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements (external link) . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Clothing Design and Sewing
Family and Consumer Sciences
Textiles

Many sewing machine operators are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Some employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants who have previous sewing experience. Employers prefer operators with good hand-eye coordination. In addition, knowledge of fabrics is sometimes required.

Some employers may test applicants' sewing skills to see if they have the abilities and speed to do the job. The ability to read and write English may be required by employers.

#Serta Mattress making company in Puyallup ad said workers must be able to read and write English, 4/30/13 cj.

Tips

Sewing machine operators who can operate several types of machines may have a better chance of getting and holding a job of their choice. If you lack experience, look for jobs with employers who have training programs for new employees.

Costs to workers

Workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

Sewing Machine Operators

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage of sewing machine operators is $10.95 per hour ($1,898 per month).

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Sewing machine operators (SOC 51-6031)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$11.80	$12.36	$14.74	$18.67	$22.87
	Monthly	$2,045	$2,142	$2,554	$3,236	$3,963
	Yearly	$24,550	$25,720	$30,660	$38,830	$47,560
Bellingham	Hourly	$12.79	$14.15	$16.75	$19.01	$22.13
	Monthly	$2,217	$2,452	$2,903	$3,294	$3,835
	Yearly	$26,595	$29,426	$34,851	$39,551	$46,042
Bremerton-Silverdale	Hourly	$11.86	$12.01	$14.57	$17.41	$19.06
	Monthly	$2,055	$2,081	$2,525	$3,017	$3,303
	Yearly	$24,680	$24,968	$30,294	$36,218	$39,626
Longview	Hourly	$12.27	$13.15	$14.49	$16.41	$18.10
	Monthly	$2,126	$2,279	$2,511	$2,844	$3,137
	Yearly	$25,537	$27,354	$30,154	$34,117	$37,646
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$13.28	$16.06	$19.28	$23.84	$27.95
	Monthly	$2,301	$2,783	$3,341	$4,131	$4,844
	Yearly	$27,611	$33,400	$40,113	$49,601	$58,149
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$12.93	$14.86	$18.23	$21.24	$24.02
	Monthly	$2,241	$2,575	$3,159	$3,681	$4,163
	Yearly	$26,892	$30,912	$37,922	$44,180	$49,959
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$12.06	$12.56	$14.99	$18.95	$23.22
	Monthly	$2,090	$2,177	$2,598	$3,284	$4,024
	Yearly	$25,086	$26,132	$31,192	$39,431	$48,302
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$12.07	$13.16	$15.78	$22.36	$24.80
	Monthly	$2,092	$2,281	$2,735	$3,875	$4,298
	Yearly	$25,110	$27,376	$32,827	$46,502	$51,597
Vancouver	Hourly	$11.10	$12.10	$13.57	$15.19	$17.74
	Monthly	$1,924	$2,097	$2,352	$2,632	$3,074
	Yearly	$23,085	$25,175	$28,226	$31,598	$36,901
Wenatchee	Hourly	$12.17	$12.83	$14.32	$16.61	$18.34
	Monthly	$2,109	$2,223	$2,482	$2,879	$3,178
	Yearly	$25,316	$26,675	$29,785	$34,551	$38,151
United States	Hourly	$9.16	$10.56	$12.03	$14.71	$18.21
	Monthly	$1,587	$1,830	$2,085	$2,549	$3,156
	Yearly	$19,040	$21,970	$25,030	$30,590	$37,880

Wages vary by industry and area of the country. In addition, many sewing machine operators are paid according to the number of acceptable pieces they or their group produce. Therefore, total earnings can depend on skill, speed, and accuracy.

Benefits also vary. Full-time sewing machine operators may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. However, some small firms offer limited benefits. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance. Some large employers provide child care. Some operate company stores where employees can purchase apparel at discount rates.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Sewing Machine Operators (SOC 51-6031)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	3,029	1.4%	16.1%	329
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	89	-6.7%	13.4%	8
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	31	6.5%	8.6%	3
Benton and Franklin Counties	14	0.0%	15.0%	1
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	125	4.8%	11.9%	14
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	173	6.4%	15.2%	22
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	115	-4.3%	14.1%	10
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	95	-5.3%	14.6%	8
King County	1,594	0.0%	19.6%	166
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	12	25.0%	13.8%	2
Pierce County	337	-1.5%	15.2%	34
Snohomish County	214	4.7%	12.4%	25
Spokane County	213	15.0%	13.9%	32
United States	151,600	-11.9%	5.2%	14,200

National employment

About 10% of sewing machine operators are self-employed.

Most jobs for sewing machine operators are in the apparel and textile industries. These jobs are concentrated in California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Major employers:

Apparel manufacturers
Textile products manufacturers
Household furniture manufacturers

National outlook

The apparel industry has been declining for years. This trend will continue. However, some job openings will occur each year as current sewing machine operators leave the occupation.

Many factors affect this decline. One is the increase in imported products from other countries. Many companies have moved their operations to Mexico and China to reduce costs. This trend will continue. In addition, many larger firms have automated simple sewing procedures. As a result, automatic machines have increased output and reduced the need for workers.

Other resources

Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
2885 Sanford Ave SW #19588
Grandville, MI 49418
877.755.0303

Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

Manufacturing

Career path

Realistic (Technical)

O*Net occupation

Sewing Machine Operators (51-6031.00)

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.