Embroidery machine operator vs embroiderer

The differences between embroidery machine operators and embroiderers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 3-6 months to become both an embroidery machine operator and an embroiderer. Additionally, an embroiderer has an average salary of $42,655, which is higher than the $31,900 average annual salary of an embroidery machine operator.

The top three skills for an embroidery machine operator include embroidery, stitching and quality standards. The most important skills for an embroiderer are embroidery, stitching, and digitizing.

Embroidery machine operator vs embroiderer overview

	Embroidery Machine Operator	Embroiderer
Yearly salary	$31,900	$42,655
Hourly rate	$15.34	$20.51
Growth rate	-8%	-
Number of jobs	65,211	148
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

Embroidery machine operator vs embroiderer salary

Embroidery machine operators and embroiderers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Embroidery Machine Operator	Embroiderer
Average salary	$31,900	$42,655
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $39,000	Between $22,000 And $81,000
Highest paying City	Fargo, ND	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	World Emblem	-
Best paying industry	Professional	-

Differences between embroidery machine operator and embroiderer education

There are a few differences between an embroidery machine operator and an embroiderer in terms of educational background:

	Embroidery Machine Operator	Embroiderer
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 44%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Embroidery machine operator vs embroiderer demographics

Here are the differences between embroidery machine operators' and embroiderers' demographics:

	Embroidery Machine Operator	Embroiderer
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%	Male, 26.7% Female, 73.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 8.1% White, 65.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.0% Asian, 9.9% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between embroidery machine operator and embroiderer duties and responsibilities

Embroidery machine operator example responsibilities.

Observe sewing operation to detect defects in stitching, repairs defective embroidery, regulates machine settings
Observe sewing operation to detect defects in stitching, and make corrections if need.
Decorate t-shirts and sweat shirts for college bookstores.
Digitize graphics to print and cut for t-shirts and decals.
Replace empty bobbins and doing weekly cleaning such as oiling and dusting.
Create patterns, cut fabric and sew large custom drapes, bedding and cushions for high end homes and businesses.

Embroiderer example responsibilities.

Perform comprehensive equipment checks, service and repairs to ensure safety and maximum production and quality.
Check visuals on parts every hour or as specified and record findings on attribute inspection sheet.
Embroider hats, t-shirts, jackets, blankets, and bags using a 5 head embroider machine.
Operate embroidery machines, quality control, answer telephones, customer service, packed/ship finished orders
Digitize graphics to print and cut for t-shirts and decals.

Embroidery machine operator vs embroiderer skills

Common embroidery machine operator skills

Embroidery, 56%
Stitching, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%
Detect Defects, 4%
Oiling, 4%
Machine Operation, 3%

Common embroiderer skills

Embroidery, 70%
Stitching, 18%
Digitizing, 8%
Machine Operation, 3%
Heat Press, 1%
Screen Print, 1%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Embroidery Machine Operator
Embroidery Machine Operator vs Embroiderer

Updated January 8, 2025

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