A sewing operator sews pieces of cloth together to make clothing or other items, using an industrial sewing machine. They may also perform alterations and maintain their machine. Most work in factories or industrial environments, with on-the-job training. The job is declining due to outsourcing, with the highest concentration in California and southern states. The best paying jobs are in Alaska, Nevada, and Connecticut.
A sewing operator, also known as a sewing machine operator, is responsible for sewing together pieces of cloth to make clothing or other items; edging cloth; attach fabric accessories such as buttons or zippers; or complete garment alterations using an industrial sewing machine. Depending on the job location or specialization, a sewing mechanic’s job may include all the steps necessary to produce a garment or consist of repeatedly performing one or two steps in the mass production process of an assembly line. While a sewing mechanic’s primary responsibility is sewing, she may also be responsible for the general maintenance of her assigned sewing machine, such as oiling parts or sharpening needles. Other responsibilities include changing types and colors of threads, bobbins or other machine accessories to complete work tasks.
The largest proportion of workers employed in the textile industry are sewing machines. Most employees in this position work in a factory or industrial environment under conditions that vary with the size of the factory, the age and philosophy of the owners. Training is usually done on the job, with a more experienced mechanic showing a new employee how to perform the job, although some vocational schools teach these skills to students and provide certifications. Employers prefer and often look for experienced sewing machinists, but consider newcomers to the occupation. Salaries are below average and often based on production.
A small number of sewing mechanic positions are located in department stores, dry cleaning stores and sewing businesses. Hemming and limited alterations are sometimes offered by department stores for new apparel purchases. Dry cleaning shops often offer hemming, alteration and repair services along with the usual cleaning work provided. Tailors, some clothing stores, and haute couture houses are the only types of businesses where a sewing mechanic can produce a garment from start to finish. These very limited slots are also the most highly compensated.
In the industrialized world, sewing machinist positions are on the decline due to the outsourcing of industry to less expensive workforces in developing countries. The decline in overall US job openings is expected to continue at a much faster than average rate when compared to other jobs. The majority of new vacancies will be the result of approaching retirement in the current workforce. The US states with the highest concentration of sewing machine jobs include California and the southern states of Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama and Kentucky. The best paying jobs in the USA for sewing machinists are found in Alaska, Nevada and Connecticut.
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