Sewing Machine Operator

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  Career Profile

Sewing Machine Operator

What they do

Operate or tend sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacture of garment or nongarment products.

Also Called: Line Closer, Machine Operator, Prototype Sewer, Sample Maker, Seamer, Seamstress, Sew On Operator, Sewer, Sewing Machine Operator, Zipper Machine Operator, Line Closer, Machine Operator, Prototype Sewer, Sample Maker, Seamer, Seamstress, Sew On Operator, Sewer, Sewing Machine Operator, Zipper Machine Operator

$25,360
Starting Salary (2023)
$34,440
Median Salary (2023)
-15.2%
Projected Job Growth
116,130
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
Select supplies such as fasteners and thread, according to job requirements.
Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.
Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Self-Control
Cooperation
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis

Expected Knowledge

English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Common Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

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