Sewing Machine Operators
Sewing machine operators join, reinforce, decorate, or finish garment and nongarment products using industrial sewing machines. They work in manufacturing facilities, textile plants, and apparel factories, following specifications and quality standards to produce items ranging from clothing to home furnishings and technical textiles.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sewing machine operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves setting up sewing machines, threading needles, adjusting tension and stitch length, and operating machines to complete assigned tasks. Operators monitor seam quality, inspect finished work for defects, and may change needles or bobbins as needed. Tasks are often repetitive, with operators completing the same seam or operation on multiple units throughout their shift.
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 likely do well in this work if you prefer structured, hands-on tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. You're detail-oriented, can maintain focus on repetitive work, and appreciate roles where following established methods and quality standards directly shows your competence.
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
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Sewing Machine Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Madison, Wisconsin · $22.83–$26.63
- Sewing Machine Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Las Vegas, Nevada · $25.09–$29.28
- Sewing Machine Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Marion, Indiana · $25.94–$30.26
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $37,080 | $45,750 | $54,870 | 910 |
| Alaska | $36,710 | $43,850 | $56,900 | 40 |
| Colorado | $37,920 | $43,840 | $47,720 | 970 |
| Maine | $38,270 | $43,520 | $47,130 | 700 |
| Washington | $39,130 | $43,360 | $46,470 | 1,600 |
| Massachusetts | $37,620 | $42,910 | $46,160 | 1,540 |
| New Hampshire | $34,790 | $41,740 | $49,860 | 190 |
| Vermont | $36,440 | $40,850 | $44,880 | 220 |
| Wisconsin | $36,620 | $40,370 | $46,960 | 2,370 |
| Arizona | $36,660 | $40,210 | $45,430 | 1,420 |
| Oregon | $36,080 | $39,780 | $47,510 | 1,250 |
| Hawaii | $35,120 | $39,230 | $48,180 | 280 |
All 50 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.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against sewing machine operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-6031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.