Sewing Machine Operators

SOC code 51-6031 · O*NET-SOC 51-6031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Sewing Machine Operators pay

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

Median pay

$36,670

a year

Hourly

$17.63

per hour

10th$27,860Median$36,67090th$47,840

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

Average pay

$37,600

$18.08 per hour

Middle 50%

$31,960 – $42,830

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$27,860 – $47,840

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

104,880

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $27,860; $13.39/hr
25th percentile: $31,960; $15.37/hr
Median percentile: $36,670; $17.63/hr
75th percentile: $42,830; $20.59/hr
90th percentile: $47,840; $23.00/hr

What does a sewing machine operator do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
Cut materials according to specifications, using blades, scissors, or electric knives.
Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
Match cloth pieces in correct sequences prior to sewing them, and verify that dye lots and patterns match.
Fold or stretch edges or lengths of items while sewing to facilitate forming specified sections.

How to become a sewing machine operator

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 53% 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 Diploma53%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)41%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Post-Secondary Certificate1%

Common questions

How much does a sewing machine operator earn?

The national median is $36,670 a year. The full range runs from $27,860 at the 10th percentile to $47,840 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 sewing machine operator 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

Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.8/5
Reading Comprehension2.6/5

Knowledge areas

English Language2.7/5
Production and Processing2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Operation and Control.