How to hire an embroidery machine operator

How to hire an embroidery machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step embroidery machine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an embroidery machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new embroidery machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post an embroidery machine operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an embroidery machine operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An embroidery machine operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, embroidery machine operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of embroidery machine operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Embroidery Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Embroidery Machine Operator		$12-18
   Seamstress	A seamstress designs, repairs, and alters clothing as well as fashion accessories like hats and purses. Your duties and responsibilities may vary depending on your employer, including taking a customer's body measurements to fit clothes to their specifications, constructing garments specified by the customer, and advising customers on the appropriate types of patterns and fabrics that meet their needs... Show more	$10-24
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Embroidery
   • Stitching
   • Quality Standards
   • Detect Defects
   • Oiling
   • Machine Operation
   • Customer Orders
   • Head Embroidery Machine
   • Digitizing
   • Machine Malfunctions
   • Tajima
   • Computer System
   • Customer Service
   • Machine Guides

   Check all skills

   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.

   More embroidery machine operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the embroidery machine operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. An embroidery machine operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for an embroidery machine operator in Arkansas may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level embroidery machine operator. Additionally, an embroidery machine operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average embroidery machine operator salary

   $15.34hourly

   $31,900 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level embroidery machine operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

   Average embroidery machine operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	North Dakota	$39,541	$19
   2	Washington	$37,668	$18
   3	Maine	$36,890	$18
   4	Oregon	$36,802	$18
   5	California	$36,227	$17
   6	New Hampshire	$35,833	$17
   7	Utah	$35,781	$17
   8	Massachusetts	$35,482	$17
   9	Connecticut	$35,408	$17
   10	Maryland	$34,035	$16
   11	Wisconsin	$32,992	$16
   12	Arizona	$32,703	$16
   13	Pennsylvania	$32,618	$16
   14	Ohio	$31,541	$15
   15	Michigan	$31,518	$15
   16	Kansas	$30,842	$15
   17	Tennessee	$30,203	$15
   18	North Carolina	$30,144	$14
   19	Georgia	$30,007	$14
   20	Texas	$29,935	$14

   Average embroidery machine operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	World Emblem	$38,572	$18.54	3
   2	New Era Cap	$38,490	$18.50	1
   3	Namify	$37,177	$17.87
   4	Volt Systems LLC	$35,648	$17.14
   5	Ahead USA	$35,290	$16.97	6
   6	L.L.Bean	$35,107	$16.88
   7	Alliance Co	$32,927	$15.83	4
   8	Visual Marking Systems	$32,570	$15.66
   9	Scott Electric Co.	$31,938	$15.35
   10	INDEPENDENT PRINTING CO INC	$31,712	$15.25
   11	ManpowerGroup	$31,457	$15.12	166
   12	Radians	$31,113	$14.96	4
   13	Cutter & Buck	$30,906	$14.86
   14	Randstad North America, Inc.	$30,768	$14.79	7
   15	Qurate Retail	$30,690	$14.75
   16	Callaway Golf	$30,609	$14.72
   17	Hanes Companies, Inc.	$30,469	$14.65	1
   18	Tyndale	$30,372	$14.60	3
   19	Acushnet Holdings	$30,223	$14.53
   20	Hanesbrands	$30,001	$14.42

4. Writing an embroidery machine operator job description

   A job description for an embroidery machine operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's an embroidery machine operator job description:

   Embroidery machine operator job description example

   Embroidery Machine Operator $17/hr. Greenspoint Area 2 nd Shift 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm M – F Contract to Hire Resource Staffing is looking for an experienced Embroidery Machine Operator that offers exceptional skills and experience to join a busy client located in North Houston near Greenspoint Mall. Our client is a leading player in flame-resistant clothing and accessories and one of the three largest flame-resistant suppliers in the market, outfitting over 325,000 wearers. If you have experience using embroidery machines to design logos and names, apply today and join an exceptional team. Embroiler’s Qualifications:
   

   • Excellent hand-eye coordination is needed for small movements
   • Meticulous attention to detail
   • Familiar with all materials including cotton, leather, fleece , etc.
   • Organized in work orders
   • Able to read, interpret and fulfill well-written orders correctly without the need for direction

   Embroider Machinist’s Requirements:
   

   • Experience in embroidery machinery (Tajima is a huge plus)
   • High school diploma or equivalent
   • Must be able to pass a drug screen and background screening
   • Experience as a machine operator
   • Knowledge of production procedures
   • Ability to read blueprints, schematics, and manuals
   • Analytical skills and attention to detail.
   • Teamwork and the ability to accept design recommendations/revisions
   • Physical stamina and strength
   • Hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and attention to fine embroider details

   Benefits:
   

   • Direct Pay options
   • Weekly pay Periods
   • Temp to Hire opportunity
   • Gain valuable embroider experience
   • Free parking

   About Resource Staffing Resource Staffing is an affiliate of The Reserves Network, a family-owned and veteran-founded company. Since 1989, we have been bringing employers and job seekers together in a variety of industries and positions throughout the great state of Texas. As an equal opportunity employer, we value our employees and foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment. However you identify and whatever your background, we encourage you to apply today. #HN

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find embroidery machine operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any embroidery machine operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level embroidery machine operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your embroidery machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit embroidery machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit embroidery machine operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new embroidery machine operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the embroidery machine operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new embroidery machine operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an embroidery machine operator?