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Embroidery Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vantage Apparel

Embroidery Machine Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$16.50/hr

The Embroidery Machine Operator is the individual responsible for producing high quality embroidery on various garments and other soft goods. The Embroidery Machine Operator will: * Own all aspects ...

Vantage Apparel

Embroidery Machine Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

The Embroidery Machine Operator is the individual responsible for producing high quality embroidery on various garments and other soft goods. The Embroidery Machine Operator will: * Own all aspects ...

Quince

Embroidery Machine Operator

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$25/hr

THE ROLE Embroidery Machine Operator Quince is hiring Embroidery Machine Operators for our production facility in Santa Fe Springs. This is a shop floor role. You will be assigned to a primary ...

DF Grafix Inc

Embroidery Operator

Poway, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Operate multiple embroidery machines * Full time position starting at 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. * Afternoon shifts available 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. * Must have experience * Spanish speaking welcomed

DF Grafix Inc

Embroidery Operator

Poway, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Operate multiple embroidery machines * Full time position starting at 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. * Afternoon shifts available 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. * Must have experience * Spanish speaking welcomed

511 Inc

Embroidery Operator 1st Shift

Manteca, CA

$19.50/hr

We're looking for an Embroidery Operator to join our Custom Shop team. In this role, you'll operate ... Operate single-head and multi-head commercial embroidery machines to customize apparel, bags, hats ...

New

511 Inc

Embroidery Operator 2nd Shift

Manteca, CA

$19.50 - $20.30/hr

We're looking for an Embroidery Operator to join our Custom Shop team. In this role, you'll operate ... Operate single-head and multi-head commercial embroidery machines to customize apparel, bags, hats ...

5.11 Tactical

Embroidery Operator 2nd Shift

Manteca, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $20.30/hr

We're looking for an Embroidery Operator to join our Custom Shop team. In this role, you'll operate ... Operate single-head and multi-head commercial embroidery machines to customize apparel, bags, hats ...

5.11 Tactical

Embroidery Operator 1st Shift

Manteca, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

We're looking for an Embroidery Operator to join our Custom Shop team. In this role, you'll operate ... Operate single-head and multi-head commercial embroidery machines to customize apparel, bags, hats ...

Varsity Brands

EMB Multi-Machine Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.85/hr

As a member of the Production Team , our Embroidery Operators are responsible for ensuring the ... You'll handle gathering the designs, loading them into the machine, ensuring proper placement of ...

Quince

Embroidery Production Lead

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Own onboarding and training for a team of 15+ operators - bring them to production-ready ... Deep knowledge of commercial embroidery equipment (multi-head machines), digitizing, hooping, and ...

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Embroidery Machine Operator information

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How much do embroidery machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for embroidery machine operator in California is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an embroidery machine operator do?

An Embroidery Machine Operator is responsible for running and maintaining embroidery machines to decorate garments, fabrics, or other materials with specific designs. Their tasks include setting up machines, loading materials, monitoring production for quality, and making adjustments as needed. They may also be responsible for basic machine maintenance and troubleshooting. This role requires attention to detail, a steady hand, and the ability to follow design specifications closely.

What are some common challenges faced by embroidery machine operators and how can they be managed?

Embroidery Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as machine thread breakage, design misalignment, and keeping up with production deadlines. To manage these issues, it's important to regularly maintain and clean the machines, follow precise setup instructions for each job, and communicate closely with team members in design and quality control. Staying organized and attentive to detail helps ensure high-quality results and smooth workflow, making the role both rewarding and dynamic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embroidery machine operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embroidery Machine Operator, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and experience with textile or garment production, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial embroidery machines, digitizing software, and basic machine maintenance is typically required. Good communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help operators efficiently handle custom orders and troubleshoot issues. These skills ensure high-quality embroidered products, minimize errors, and maintain smooth production workflows.

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

AspectEmbroidery Machine OperatorSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsMay require basic training or certification in embroidery techniquesTypically requires basic sewing skills, sometimes certification in industrial sewing
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or textile companies focusing on decorative stitchingGarment factories, upholstery, or textile production
Industry UsageUsed mainly in apparel, promotional items, and decorative textilesUsed in clothing manufacturing, upholstery, and fabric production
Job FocusDesigning and operating embroidery machines for decorative stitchingOperating sewing machines for assembling fabrics and garments

While both roles involve operating sewing-related machinery, Embroidery Machine Operators focus on decorative stitching and embroidery designs, often requiring specific training. Sewing Machine Operators handle general sewing tasks in manufacturing, with a broader focus on garment assembly. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in California are:

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For Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Embroidery Machine Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Embroidery Machine Operator job openings:

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Embroidery Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embroidery Machine Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,876 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Embroidery Machine Operator

Vantage Apparel

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Vantage Apparel is the nation's top source for custom logo apparel, outfitting and decorating for some of the most well-known brands in the world. When you see an employee wearing a shirt with a logo, there is a very good chance the product, or the decoration, was done by Vantage Apparel. Since 1977, the company has been the leading B2B innovator in the promotional industry and has embroidered and printed more than 100 million logos for the corporate, collegiate, golf, resort, and licensed products markets. In 2021, Vantage Apparel was awarded its 25th consecutive PPAI Gold Pyramid Award for Supplier Decorating in the category of embroidery and has been the only company to win the ASI Distributor Choice Award for Decorated Apparel since its inception 12 years ago.
The Embroidery Machine Operator is the individual responsible for producing high quality embroidery on various garments and other soft goods.
The Embroidery Machine Operator will:
  • Own all aspects of production and quality control of the jobs assigned to him or her.
  • Read and understand work order for job being produced. Pick appropriate thread color based on embroidery instructions.
  • Use appropriately sized embroidery hoop and backing size based on the size of the logo.
  • Monitor the embroidery process to detect any potential defects in the process, and notify appropriate personnel of malfunction.
  • Address any concerns over quality or job set-up to Embroidery Team Leader.
  • Follow production schedule, and advise Production Coordinator of any production issues.
  • Ensure safety policies are being followed.
  • Foster a positive work environment and a Vantage work culture.
  • Be trained and ready to jump in any position in case of need or absences and keep abreast for new techniques.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
  • A self-start with problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment, ability to prioritize and multitask.
  • Must be able to read and understand embroidery directions in English.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Related experience preferred.
  • Available work shift: 1st shift

COME JOIN OUR TEAM - WE OFFER:
  • Competitive package
  • Health Benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.) after 30 days
  • PTO (paid time off)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Savings & Retirement

Salary Description
16.50

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