Sewers, Hand
Hand sewers use needles and thread to join, reinforce, or finish manufactured items like garments, upholstery, and textiles. They work in factories, warehouses, and small production shops, performing detailed stitching work that requires precision and attention to seams and material quality.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sewers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves repetitive stitching tasks at a workstation. Hand sewers might reinforce seams on jackets, attach labels to garments, or finish edges on fabric goods. Work follows production schedules and quality standards, with breaks built into shifts. Tasks remain fairly consistent day to day, allowing workers to develop speed and efficiency in their assigned stitching operations.
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 do well in this work if you prefer hands-on tasks with clear, concrete goals and established procedures. People who are detail-oriented, methodical, and comfortable with repetitive work find satisfaction in the measurable output and steady rhythms of hand sewing production.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $41,850 | $47,600 | $48,580 | — |
| Washington | $41,600 | $45,170 | $45,170 | — |
| California | $34,850 | $42,420 | $52,200 | 110 |
| Iowa | $39,570 | $42,290 | $44,730 | 40 |
| South Carolina | $39,580 | $39,690 | $41,600 | — |
| Nevada | $39,440 | $39,440 | $39,780 | — |
| Massachusetts | $31,200 | $38,680 | $42,240 | 40 |
| Florida | $29,570 | $38,480 | $40,810 | 140 |
| Georgia | $35,380 | $38,210 | $46,140 | 120 |
| New York | $36,510 | $37,380 | $39,420 | 120 |
| North Carolina | $32,520 | $36,550 | $39,720 | 70 |
| Illinois | $36,450 | $36,480 | $44,420 | — |
All 17 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Master Sewing and Design Professional (MSDP) — Association of Sewing and Design Professionals
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 sewers, hand and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.