Seamstress vs embroidery machine operator

The differences between seamstresses and embroidery machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 3-6 months to become both a seamstress and an embroidery machine operator. Additionally, a seamstress has an average salary of $33,724, which is higher than the $31,900 average annual salary of an embroidery machine operator.

The top three skills for a seamstress include customer service, punctuality and industrial sewing machines. The most important skills for an embroidery machine operator are embroidery, stitching, and quality standards.

Seamstress vs embroidery machine operator overview

	Seamstress	Embroidery Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,724	$31,900
Hourly rate	$16.21	$15.34
Growth rate	-	-8%
Number of jobs	1,259	65,211
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

Seamstress vs embroidery machine operator salary

Seamstresses and embroidery machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Seamstress	Embroidery Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,724	$31,900
Salary range	Between $22,000 And $50,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Somerville, MA	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	CoxHealth	World Emblem
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Professional

Differences between seamstress and embroidery machine operator education

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

	Seamstress	Embroidery Machine Operator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 34%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Graphic Design	Business
Most common college	-	-

Seamstress vs embroidery machine operator demographics

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

	Seamstress	Embroidery Machine Operator
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 5.8% Female, 94.2%	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 10.0% White, 67.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	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%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between seamstress and embroidery machine operator duties and responsibilities

Seamstress example responsibilities.

Place spools of thread on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
Sew cushions and upholstery for furniture
Deconstruct and reinforce clothing, repair t-shirts, hats, etc.
Place spools of thread on spindles, ensure machine is threaded properly.
Operate a Juki pattern tact machine and an auto matrix cutting table.
Use vinyl plotter to create designs and press on to t-shirts etc.

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.

Seamstress vs embroidery machine operator skills

Common seamstress skills

Customer Service, 67%
Punctuality, 18%
Industrial Sewing Machines, 3%
Stitching, 2%
Embroidery, 1%
Inventory Control, 1%

Common embroidery machine operator skills

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

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Seamstress vs Embroidery Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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