Sewing Machine Operator
Run industrial sewing machines to make clothing, upholstery and products.
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- A few weeks on the job
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Shoe Machine Operator
Also called: Footwear Operator · Lasting Machine Operator · Shoe Stitcher · Sole Attacher
What shoe machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a shoe machine operator do?
Shoe machine operators and tenders operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce or finish shoes and shoe parts. The median pay is $35,650 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few weeks on the job, and employment is projected to grow -6.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$35,650$17.14/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-6.9%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few weeks on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs4,600Employment, 2025
What shoe machine operators do
Shoe machine operators make footwear. They run machines that cut leather, stitch uppers, last uppers onto forms, attach soles and finish shoes, mostly at domestic boot, work shoe and specialty footwear makers.
A high school diploma and short training are typical. It is a small occupation, and BLS projects decline.
Typical duties
- Cut shoe parts
- Stitch uppers
- Last shoes
- Attach soles
- Finish shoes
- Inspect quality
- Maintain machines
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in footwear factories.
Schedule: Full-time day shifts.
A day in the life
- Set up the stitcher.
- Stitch boot uppers.
- Move to lasting.
- Cement soles.
See a full day in the life of a shoe machine operator →
Shoe Machine Operator salary
Half of shoe machine operators earned more than $35,650 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $26,560 for the lowest 10% to $47,700 for the top 10%.
Full shoe machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a shoe machine operator
- Finish high school
- Apply to a footwear plant
- Learn a station
- Cross-train
- Advance
A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a shoe machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Shoe stitching
- Lasting
- Sole attachment
- Cutting
- Finishing
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Reliability
- Focus
- Teamwork
All shoe machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Craft products
- No degree needed
- Short training
- Day shifts
Cons
- Small, declining field
- Repetitive
- Adhesive fumes
- Modest pay
Certifications and licenses
- Footwear training: Employer.
- Safety training: Employer.
- Sewing course: Helpful.
- Leatherworking course: Helpful.
Career path
- Operator: Entry.
- Skilled Operator: Multiple stations.
- Lead: Lead.
- Supervisor: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Shoe Machine Operator training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as last a shoe upper and cement a sole, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Shoe Machine Operator vs. Sewing Machine Operator · Shoe Machine Operator vs. Hand Sewer · Shoe Machine Operator vs. Upholsterer · Shoe Machine Operator vs. Production Assembler
Shoe Machine Operator FAQ
Are shoes still made in the U.S.?
Yes, mainly boots, work shoes and specialty footwear.
Do I need experience?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
How much does a shoe machine operator make?
The median annual wage for shoe machine operators was $35,650 ($17.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,560 and the highest 10% earned more than $47,700.
How long does it take to become a shoe machine operator?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a shoe machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More shoe machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-6042 (Shoe machine operators and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Shoe machine operators and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.