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Contract Embroidery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serena Embroidery

Embroidery Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Company Description Serena Embroidery is a small contract embroidery studio in the PDX Metro area. Role Description The Embroidery Operator is a full-time, on-site role. Responsible for setting up ...

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Embroidery Central

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Embroidery Machine Operator

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Embroidery Central is a fast growing company that offers wholesale contract embroidery and heat transfer decoration service across the United States. We create custom items for a variety of clients ...

Devereux

Apparel/Embroidery Production Specialist

Devon, PA · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Being a Production Specialist in Apparel and Embroidery at Devereux Adult Services has its ... Responsible to research and recommend business enhancements and/or contract opportunities. Ensure ...

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Contract Embroidery information

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How much do contract embroidery jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract embroidery in the United States is $16.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract embroidery?

Contract embroidery is a service where businesses or individuals outsource the embroidery of logos, designs, or text onto apparel and other fabric items to a specialized company. These companies have the equipment and expertise to handle large or complex orders efficiently and to meet quality standards. Contract embroidery is commonly used by promotional products companies, clothing brands, and organizations that require custom-branded uniforms or merchandise. The process typically involves providing digitized artwork, choosing thread colors, and selecting garments to be embroidered. Outsourcing embroidery allows businesses to focus on sales and customer service while ensuring high-quality finished products.

What are some common challenges faced in a contract embroidery role, and how can they be addressed?

Contract embroidery professionals often encounter challenges such as meeting tight client deadlines, ensuring consistent quality across large orders, and managing a variety of fabrics and designs. Staying organized, maintaining open communication with clients, and routinely calibrating and maintaining embroidery machines are key to overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, collaborating closely with design and production teams helps ensure that client specifications are met efficiently and accurately.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract embroidery specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Embroidery Specialist, you need expertise in machine embroidery techniques, fabric knowledge, and attention to detail, often supported by experience or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with embroidery machines (such as Tajima or Barudan), digitizing software (like Wilcom or Pulse), and quality control systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective client communication help maintain production schedules and ensure customer satisfaction. These skills and qualities ensure precise, high-quality output and smooth business operations in a deadline-driven industry.

What is the difference between Contract Embroidery vs Embroidery Machine Operator?

AspectContract EmbroideryEmbroidery Machine Operator
CredentialsMay require basic sewing or embroidery experience, sometimes certifications in machine operationTypically requires experience with embroidery machines, possibly certifications in machine operation
Work EnvironmentOften works for multiple clients or companies, may be freelance or independentUsually employed by a specific employer or embroidery shop, working on-site
Industry UsageCommon in apparel, promotional products, and custom embroidery servicesPrimarily in manufacturing or production settings within embroidery shops

Contract Embroidery involves providing embroidery services on a freelance or contractual basis, often serving multiple clients. Embroidery Machine Operators typically work in a fixed environment, operating embroidery machines for an employer. While both roles require machine operation skills, Contract Embroidery offers more flexibility and varied projects, whereas Embroidery Machine Operators focus on production within a company.

More about Contract Embroidery jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Embroidery jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Embroidery jobs?

The most popular types of Embroidery jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Embroidery jobs?

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Contract Embroidery jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Embroidery job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,326 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Embroidery Operator

Serena Embroidery

Portland, OR • On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Company Description Serena Embroidery is a small contract embroidery studio in the PDX Metro area.

Role Description The Embroidery Operator is a full-time, on-site role. Responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring embroidery machines in a production environment create designs on various fabrics and garments. Day-to-day tasks include reading and interpreting work orders, loading and unloading materials, hooping garments, selecting threads, and running sew outs to ensure accurate colors, placement, and tension. The role involves performing routine machine maintenance, troubleshooting minor technical issues, and keeping the work area organized, clean, and safe. The Embroidery Operator collaborates with the General Manager and Production Manager to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and ensure orders are completed accurately and on time.

Qualifications

  • Experience operating commercial or industrial embroidery machines and familiarity with basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read and interpret design files, work orders, and specifications, with strong attention to placement, color accuracy, and detail.
  • Basic computer skills and comfort with embroidery software or design transfer tools.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple jobs and prioritize tasks in a production environment.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift and move boxes of garments, and perform repetitive tasks safely.
  • Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset to work well with team members and supervisors.
  • Prior experience in apparel decoration, print shops, or textile production is beneficial but not required.

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