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  1. Occupations
  2. Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials

Press or shape articles by hand or machine.

SOC: 51-6021.00

Common Job Titles

  • Ironing Worker
  • Pants Presser
  • Presser
  • Shirt Presser

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate steam pressing machines, hydraulic presses, and hot-head presses following production schedules while maintaining quality standards in textile manufacturing environments.
    Developing
  • Hands-onHandle textile articles and garments positioning materials on pressing equipment to achieve proper shape and finish.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeOperate pressing equipment temperature and pressure controls adjusting settings based on fabric type and manufacturer specifications.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeDistinguish fabric types and appropriate pressing techniques by inspecting material characteristics to prevent damage during processing.
    Developing
  • Hands-onManipulate hand irons and specialized pressing forms to shape detailed garment areas such as collars, cuffs, and pleats.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeAssess finished garment quality against production standards through visual and tactile inspection to ensure customer satisfaction.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeSchedule pressing workflow and production priorities managing time effectively to meet daily output targets in fast-paced laundry or manufacturing settings.
    Developing
  • KnowledgeApply troubleshooting procedures for equipment malfunctions identifying common mechanical or heating issues and determining when to escalate repairs.
    Developing
  • MindsetRespect workplace safety protocols and public safety standards when operating high-temperature equipment and handling chemicals in industrial settings.
    Developing
  • Hands-onPerform routine maintenance on pressing equipment cleaning surfaces, checking steam systems, and replacing worn parts using basic hand tools.
    Emerging

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

26,830

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $24,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,060. 50th percentile: U.S. $33,880. 75th percentile: U.S. $36,830. 90th percentile: U.S. $41,410. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$24,960
10% of workers earn the following or more$41,410
Workers on average earn$33,370

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
  • Production and Processing3.3/5
  • English Language2.9/5
  • Public Safety and Security2.9/5
  • Education and Training2.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Email software

Tools & Equipment

  • Adjustable hand wrenches
  • Digital micrometers
  • Electric fabric cutters
  • Fabric cleaning brushes
  • Fabric shears
  • Flat pressers
  • Guides
  • Hand irons
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Sewing Machine Operators 51-6031.00
  • Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 51-6011.00
  • Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9196.00
  • Machine Feeders and Offbearers 53-7063.00
  • Cutters and Trimmers, Hand 51-9031.00

Moderately Similar

  • Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders 51-6042.00
  • Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9032.00
  • Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders 51-9191.00
  • Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand 51-9022.00
  • Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers 51-6041.00

Related

  • Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders 51-6061.00
  • Sewers, Hand 51-6051.00
  • Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders 51-9111.00
  • Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers 51-6052.00
  • Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 51-7042.00
  • Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic 51-9195.00
  • Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9041.00
  • Print Binding and Finishing Workers 51-5113.00
  • Packers and Packagers, Hand 53-7064.00
  • Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-6062.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateAcademic English Foundations (Noncredit)Issuer: Ventura College
  • CertificateArt Education for ChildrenIssuer: Folsom Lake College
  • Associate's DegreeSocial Justice Studies: GeneralIssuer: Mt San Antonio College
  • Associate's DegreeGLOBAL STUDIESIssuer: Saddleback College
  • CertificateBasic MAC Software SkillsIssuer: Santa Barbara City College
  • Associate's DegreeCommunication StudiesIssuer: Moorpark College
  • Associate's DegreeElementary Teacher EducationIssuer: San Diego Mesa College
  • Associate's DegreeChemistryIssuer: Merced College
  • Associate's DegreeKinesiologyIssuer: Columbia College (CA)
  • CertificatePre-Allied HealthIssuer: Moorpark College