Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

SOC code 51-6021 · O*NET-SOC 51-6021.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$35,060

a year

Hourly

$16.85

per hour

10th$27,180Median$35,06090th$43,050

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$34,640

$16.65 per hour

Middle 50%

$29,870 – $37,940

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$27,180 – $43,050

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

26,120

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $27,180; $13.07/hr
25th percentile: $29,870; $14.36/hr
Median percentile: $35,060; $16.85/hr
75th percentile: $37,940; $18.24/hr
90th percentile: $43,050; $20.70/hr

What do pressers, textile, garment, and related materials do?

Press or shape articles by hand or machine.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Hang, fold, package, and tag finished articles for delivery to customers.
Operate steam, hydraulic, or other pressing machines to remove wrinkles from garments and flatwork items, or to shape, form, or patch articles.
Straighten, smooth, or shape materials to prepare them for pressing.
Remove finished pieces from pressing machines and hang or stack them for cooling, or forward them for additional processing.
Finish pleated garments, determining sizes of pleats from evidence of old pleats or from work orders, using machine presses or hand irons.
Lower irons, rams, or pressing heads of machines into position over material to be pressed.
Identify and treat spots on garments.
Shrink, stretch, or block articles by hand to conform to original measurements, using forms, blocks, and steam.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma59%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)26%
Doctoral Degree14%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree1%

Common questions

How much does a pressers, textile, garment, and related materials earn?

The national median is $35,060 a year. The full range runs from $27,180 at the 10th percentile to $43,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a pressers, textile, garment, and related materials without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking2.5/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
English Language2.9/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Education and Training2.6/5
Administration and Management2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Time Management.