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The differences between sewing machine operators and operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 3-6 months to become a sewing machine operator, becoming an operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an operator has an average salary of $37,928, 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 operator are safety procedures, CDL, and emergency calls.
| Sewing Machine Operator | Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $31,312 | $37,928 |
| Hourly rate | $15.05 | $18.23 |
| Growth rate | - | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 63,884 | 159,077 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
A sewing machine operator works at manufacturing establishments where they are in charge of operating sewing machines to produce garment and non-garment products. Before sewing, they usually meet with clients or managers to discuss and learn project requirements, decide on sewing techniques, and identify other client preferences. Part of their job is to attach buttons and zippers, cut or piece together fabrics, perform alterations on existing garments, and adhere to guidelines and safety policies. There are also times when they must perform maintenance checks on machines and conduct minimal repairs, reporting to managers should there be any complicated issues.
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. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Sewing machine operators and operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Sewing Machine Operator | Operator | |
| Average salary | $31,312 | $37,928 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $27,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Minneapolis, MN | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Gasser Chair | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a sewing machine operator and an operator in terms of educational background:
| Sewing Machine Operator | Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 49% | High School Diploma, 40% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between sewing machine operators' and operators' demographics:
| Sewing Machine Operator | Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 15.7% Female, 84.3% | Male, 73.0% Female, 27.0% |
| 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, 16.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.6% Asian, 2.5% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 4% |