Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
Pressers use hand tools or machines to press, shape, and finish textile garments and related materials. They work in garment factories, dry cleaning facilities, and textile manufacturing plants, applying heat and pressure to remove wrinkles, set creases, or shape fabric and finished clothing items.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pressers, textile, garment, and related materials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating pressing machines or using hand pressing equipment on various garment types. Pressers inspect items for quality, adjust machine settings for different fabrics, load and unload pressing equipment, and monitor temperature and pressure levels. They may work with steam presses, industrial flat presses, or specialized shaping equipment, handling multiple items throughout shifts to meet production schedules.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCA. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer hands-on work with tangible results and prefer following established procedures and standards. You work well in structured environments with clear guidelines, take satisfaction in performing tasks consistently and correctly, and appreciate work that produces visible, finished products.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $35,810 | $40,230 | $46,740 | — |
| California | $37,720 | $39,300 | $43,160 | 3,850 |
| New Hampshire | $35,410 | $38,540 | $39,410 | 100 |
| Colorado | $36,590 | $38,300 | $39,440 | 320 |
| Maine | $35,600 | $38,020 | $38,460 | 60 |
| New Jersey | $35,460 | $37,920 | $38,200 | 870 |
| Washington | $36,320 | $37,620 | $45,500 | 460 |
| Arizona | $35,510 | $36,870 | $37,520 | 360 |
| Oregon | $36,360 | $36,860 | $42,520 | 230 |
| New York | $35,050 | $36,510 | $40,760 | 1,730 |
| Massachusetts | $35,320 | $36,410 | $37,650 | 470 |
| Rhode Island | $34,530 | $36,390 | $36,950 | 170 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Garment Care Professional (CGCP) — Drycleaning & Laundry Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against pressers, textile, garment, and related materials and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.