Sewing machine operator vs embroidery machine operator

The differences between sewing machine operators 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 sewing machine operator and an embroidery machine operator. Additionally, an embroidery machine operator has an average salary of $31,900, which is higher than the $31,312 average annual salary of a sewing machine operator.

The top three skills for a sewing machine operator include stitching, industrial sewing machines and single needle. The most important skills for an embroidery machine operator are embroidery, stitching, and quality standards.

Sewing machine operator vs embroidery machine operator overview

	Sewing Machine Operator	Embroidery Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$31,312	$31,900
Hourly rate	$15.05	$15.34
Growth rate	-	-8%
Number of jobs	63,884	65,211
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 44%
Average age	50	50
Years of experience	6	6

Sewing machine operator vs embroidery machine operator salary

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

	Sewing Machine Operator	Embroidery Machine Operator
Average salary	$31,312	$31,900
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $39,000	Between $25,000 And $39,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Gasser Chair	World Emblem
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Professional

Differences between sewing machine operator and embroidery machine operator education

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

	Sewing Machine Operator	Embroidery Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 49%	High School Diploma, 44%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Sewing machine operator vs embroidery machine operator demographics

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

	Sewing Machine Operator	Embroidery Machine Operator
Average age	50	50
Gender ratio	Male, 15.7% Female, 84.3%	Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 10.1% White, 65.3% 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 sewing machine operator and embroidery machine operator duties and responsibilities

Sewing machine operator example responsibilities.

Observe sewing machine operation to detect defects in stitching and machine malfunction and notify supervisor.
Set up programs and operate Tajima embroidery machine and create eye catching looks for ladies and gentlemen's garments
Experience with Tajima 1 , 6 and 8 head machines.
Secure spools of thread on spindles.
Sew binding on government issue t-shirts.
Add stoning to gowns or costumes.

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.

Sewing machine operator vs embroidery machine operator skills

Common sewing machine operator skills

Stitching, 12%
Industrial Sewing Machines, 10%
Single Needle, 8%
Machine Operation, 8%
Safety Rules, 7%
Machine Malfunctions, 7%

Common embroidery machine operator skills

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

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Sewing Machine Operator
Sewing Machine Operator vs Embroidery Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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