Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
SOC: 51-6042.00
Common Job Titles
Boot Maker
Inseamer
Side Laster
Stitcher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onCoordinate multiple machine operations in sequence to maintain production flow and meet daily output targets.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate industrial sewing machines, shoe nailers, and leather pressing equipment in production environments following established manufacturing protocols.
Developing
Hands-onHandle shoe parts and materials throughout assembly processes using precision hand tools and positioning equipment on production lines.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain machine operating procedures and production standards when training new operators on manufacturing equipment.
Developing
Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance on shoe manufacturing machinery using hand tools and following maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze machine malfunctions and production quality issues to troubleshoot equipment problems and implement corrective actions.
Developing
KnowledgeCompare finished shoe products against quality specifications during inspection processes to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.
Developing
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to select appropriate machine settings for different shoe materials and styles.
Developing
KnowledgeDistinguish material defects and workmanship errors through visual and tactile inspection during manufacturing processes.
Developing
MindsetEngage with production teams and supervisors to communicate workflow status and coordinate task prioritization.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,270
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $24,160. 25th percentile: U.S. $30,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,160. 75th percentile: U.S. $43,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $47,860. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$24,160
10% of workers earn the following or more
$47,860
Workers on average earn
$37,230
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.3/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
Education and Training2.7/5
Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
Personnel and Human Resources2.4/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
