1

Contract Sewing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-23

Contract Sewing information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do contract sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract sewing in California is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract sewing?

Contract sewing refers to the process where a business or individual outsources the sewing and assembly of textile products to a specialized company or contractor. These contractors have the equipment and expertise to produce items such as clothing, bags, upholstery, or industrial fabric products at scale. Companies choose contract sewing to reduce overhead costs, increase production capacity, or access specialized skills and machinery. The contractor typically follows the client’s specifications and can handle anything from prototyping to full-scale manufacturing.

What is a contract sewing job?

Contract sewing jobs focus on the production of clothing and other items using a sewing machine. Your duties and responsibilities as a contractor in this field vary depending on the details of each project on which you work. A client can ask you to sew materials for retail, custom designs, or personal use. However, as a contractor, you are not often responsible for mass production jobs. Your client should supply details for the project, such as the type of fabric, measurements, and required design elements. As a seamstress, you create a price for the project and ensure that you can complete the work by the deadline.

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

To excel as a Contract Sewing Professional, you need strong sewing skills, attention to detail, and experience with garment construction, often supported by vocational training or relevant certification. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, sergers, and pattern-making software like Gerber or CAD systems is typically required. Excellent time management, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication help ensure efficiency and high-quality results when working with clients and teams. These competencies are crucial for meeting production deadlines, maintaining quality standards, and building successful client relationships in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract sewing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract sewing often encounter challenges such as fluctuating workloads, tight deadlines, and the need to adapt to a variety of client specifications. Managing time efficiently and maintaining clear communication with clients are crucial for meeting production targets and ensuring high-quality results. Building strong relationships with suppliers and staying updated on industry standards can also help contract sewers navigate material shortages or changes in project requirements. Collaborating closely with other team members, such as pattern makers and quality inspectors, is essential to address issues quickly and deliver consistent outcomes.

What is the difference between Contract Sewing vs Pattern Maker?

AspectContract SewingPattern Maker
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but experience in sewing and industry knowledge preferredOften requires technical training or certification in pattern making or fashion design
Work EnvironmentFactories, sewing workshops, or production facilitiesDesign studios, pattern rooms, or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageUsed by apparel manufacturers, contractors, and production companiesUsed by fashion designers, apparel companies, and pattern companies
Job FocusAssembling garments based on specificationsCreating and developing patterns for garments

Contract Sewing involves assembling garments in a production setting, focusing on sewing and finishing. Pattern Makers design and develop patterns that guide garment construction. While Contract Sewing emphasizes manufacturing, Pattern Making centers on design and development. Both roles are essential in apparel production but differ in skills, responsibilities, and work environment.

How to get contract sewing jobs?

To get contract sewing jobs, build a strong portfolio showcasing your sewing skills and experience, and register with online freelance platforms or industry-specific job boards. Networking with clothing manufacturers, apparel companies, or sewing contractors can also lead to opportunities, and having proficiency with sewing machines and pattern-making is beneficial.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sewing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Sewing jobs in California?

For Contract Sewing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Sewing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Sewing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Sewing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Sewing job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Sewing job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,339 per year, or $16 per hour.

Temporary Full-Time Operations Material Handler

San Jose, CA • On-site

Goodwill of Silicon Valley
Retail • 501 - 1,000 employees

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Founded in Santa Clara County in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, providing economic independence, and restoring our clients' sense of self-worth. We achieve this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 18 retail stores, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and our Contract Services division, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable lives and communities.
Job Responsibilities
Major Responsibilities:

  • Receives, moves and places carts, containers and barrels containing donations, trash, and as-Is for processing in designated areas. Weighs and tracks where applicable.
  • Unloads trailers and transports products to appropriate departments.
  • Loads trailers and trucks with products for shipping.
  • Place appropriate storage labels on the container.
  • Tracks production output as well as product levels throughout the day.
  • Replenishes unsorted donations at the sorter workstations.
  • Tests electrical products and/or stack and wrap E-waste pallets.
  • Stocks designated departments for processing or sales and removes residual product for transport to compactor or other departments.
  • Setup and breakdown of As-Is sales floor to include movement of product and trash boxes, handling of furniture, receiving donations from the public.
  • While working on the recycle line, extracts recyclable material from the conveyor belt, removes full boxes, and/or operates a "tipper" to feed the line with material.
  • Tracks productivity according to the workstation using proper forms.
  • Handles mattresses, household hazardous waste, metal, furniture, tires, etc, when necessary.
  • Fill cap sacks with clothing, use a bag closer (sewing machine) to close the bag, and prep for shipping.
  • Maintains work areas in a neat and orderly manner with clean-up activities performed throughout the day.
  • Works with clients who are assigned for vocational services as requested.
  • Follows and enforces all company procedures.
  • Performs other duties as requested.
equirements
  • Knowledge of general arithmetic (adding/subtracting) required.
  • Experience in material handling
Preferred Qualifications
  • Basic ability to read and write in English
Equipment Used
  • Pallet jacks, Electric walkie stacker, watermelon boxes, barrels, plastic totes, hand truck, furniture dolly and forklift (if certified to operate), electric and manual hand tools.
Aptitudes/skills/temperament
  • Ability to drive company vehicles.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and/or holidays as required.
  • Ability to follow company dress code, which requires wearing a uniform at all times, including weekends and holidays.
  • Ability to coordinate hand-eye-foot movement to safely maneuver in and out of trucks and trailers, operate vehicle controls, walk up and down ramps and lift and/or stack donations.
  • Ability to understand and accept directions, follow procedures.
  • Ability to perform routine work, but also to adapt to changes as they occur without loss of efficiency.
  • Ability to maintain self-control, deal effectively with the public and work in cooperation with others.
  • Ability to read maps and plan route schedules based on address/locations of scheduled tickets.
  • Ability to understand and speak English, accept directions and follow procedures.
  • Ability to receive a series of tasks and carry them out as instructed.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and work extended shifts based on operational needs.
  • Ability to perform routine work, adapting to change as it relates to workflow.
  • Ability to maintain self-control and work in coordination and with cooperation with co-workers.
  • Ability to examine items and visually differentiate between them based on quality standards.
  • Willingness to learn and take direction from supervisors, leads, and other coworkers.
  • Ability to meet and maintain established standards
  • Being able to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
  • Being respectful of and conform with set limits, tolerances and standards
  • The ability to work independently and in groups, while maximizing time and resources
Working conditions
  • The noise volume is moderately high throughout the day depending on the amount of activity, equipment in operation, radio operation and television testing.
  • Material handling equipment (forklift, hand truck, moveable containers) may be operated in or near work areas.
  • Work is performed outside at loading docks, donation sites, stores and donor's homes. Work is performed inside buildings and inside cabs while driving for brief periods of time. The temperature and exposure to elements will fluctuate depending on weather conditions.
  • There is exposure to dust and dirt, vehicle fumes and other airborne particles. Occasionally drivers must handle household toxic products which are received in donations. There is regular exposure to gasoline, diesel fuel and engine oil.
  • Work is completed independently but in cooperation with others. There is occasional contact with donation station personnel and the public.
  • The noise volume will vary throughout the day with exposure to both truck engine noise and other traffic noise and general noise at the stores, donation stations and plant.
  • Material handling equipment (forklift, hand truck, moveable containers/racks) and trucks may be operated in or near work areas.
Emotional Effort
  • The job is routine with occasional periods of high activity/demand and some short deadlines which may require some overtime to complete the assignment.
Physical Requirements
  • The work pace is steady requiring lifting and/or carrying of up to 50 lbs consistently. On a regular basis heavier items of up to 75 lbs will be lifted. Heavy items will be moved either with assistance from another person or by using appropriate material handling equipment.
  • Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform the required tasks.
  • Mobility required walking up and down ramps and climbing in and out of trucks and walking on uneven ground

Responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally either orally or in writing.
Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law