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Embroidery Machine Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator - Embroidery

Arcola, IL ยท On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

MACHINE OPERATOR Location: ARCOLA, ILLINOIS Starting Pay for position: 18.00 JOIN OUR TEAM! About Herff Jones: Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational ...

Seamstress

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

Candidates with experience operating Juki sewing machines and Barudan embroidery machines are highly preferred. Individuals with similar experience, such as those working in upholstery, custom ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Crestwood, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

THE ROLE The Sewing Machine Operator completes custom sewing and tackle twill work accurately ... This role reports to Production Leadership and works closely with the sewing, embroidery, heat ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Crestwood, IL ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

THE ROLE The Sewing Machine Operator completes custom sewing and tackle twill work accurately ... This role reports to Production Leadership and works closely with the sewing, embroidery, heat ...

Seamstress

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

Candidates with experience operating Juki sewing machines and Barudan embroidery machines are highly preferred. Individuals with similar experience, such as those working in upholstery, custom ...

CTL Operator

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$29.25/hr

CTL Operator Req Id: 3015 Workplace Type: On-Site Job Shift: 2nd Brand: Ryerson Job Location: Elgin ... Machine set-up, potential CNC Machine set-up. Roles and Responsibilities * Feedstock material ...

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Inventory Manager

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... ship packages with machines and product 7. Ability to work well in a group, as well as ... embroidery community for almost 60 years. We are proud to be a family-owned and operated small ...

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Inventory Manager

Arlington Heights, IL ยท On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... ship packages with machines and product 7. Ability to work well in a group, as well as ... embroidery community for almost 60 years. We are proud to be a family-owned and operated small ...

Operator Level I

Gurnee, IL ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

KALLE USA LLC is a manufacturer of food packaging in the North Suburbs that has an immediate need for a Machine Operators. This position will perform as a member of the Operations Team. Maintain a ...

Operator I

Kankakee, IL ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Job Purpose To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Operator I

Kankakee, IL ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Job Purpose To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Operator II

Kankakee, IL ยท On-site

$25/hr

Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed.

Operator II

Kankakee, IL ยท On-site

$25/hr

Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed.

Fill Operator

South Holland, IL ยท On-site

$29.54/hr

Job duties include contact with other employees, operating heavy machinery, and access to proprietary information, raw materials, finished merchandise, and/or other items of value, and such access ...

Showing results 21-40

Embroidery Machine Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do embroidery machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for embroidery machine operator in Illinois is $15.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.69 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 Illinois?

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

What job categories do people searching Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Embroidery Machine Operator jobs in IL?

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

Infographic showing various Embroidery Machine Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 56% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,263 per year, or $16 per hour.

Machine Operator - Embroidery

Arcola, IL โ€ข On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Title: MACHINE OPERATOR

Location: ARCOLA, ILLINOIS

Starting Pay for position:ย 18.00

JOIN OUR TEAM! ย 

About Herff Jones:

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jonesโ€™ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com.ย 

Your Opportunity:ย 

The Herff Jones Cap and Gown team, based in Arcola IL, is looking for a Machine Operator to join our team.

  • Impact
    • Reporting to the Manufacturing Supervisor, you will be responsible for learning the machines to provide optimal production in the department.
    • At Herff Jones we may have been around for 100 years, but we still have the mentality of a scrappy startup. For you, that means your job may grow and change over time. But donโ€™t worry, we would never ask an employee to take on an assignment they didnโ€™t already have the right skill sets they needed to succeed. As we see it for right now, however, here are the challenges that we want you to tackle:
      • Will learn to inspect all component parts to make certain they meet our quality standards and correspond to the bundling ticket.
      • Will learn how to operate the automated machinery in your department.
      • Will learn about all product lines.
      • Responsible for finished product meeting all quality standards.
      • Responsible for cleaning machine, etc. to meet the machineโ€™s needs.
      • Work in other departments and work areas/machinery as needed.

What Youโ€™ll Be Doing On A Daily Basis:

  • Lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
  • Standing on a fatigue mat in a specific area throughout a 10 hour+ shift.
  • Be able to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
  • Standing for 8 hours a day or longer.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above moderate.
  • Ability to work in an environment with repetitive motions of the arms, wrists, and elbows.
  • Physical strength and dexterity to perform essential job functions.

What Youโ€™ll Bring to the Table:ย 

  • Must have strong communication skills.
  • Must be self-motivated.
  • Reading, writing and math skills commensurate with job duties.
  • Must be able to recognize colors and different cloth styles.
  • Must be able to work all mandatory overtime.

ย Education / Certifications Required:ย 

  • High School Diploma/GED

Physical Requirements:

  • Daily activity includes but is not limited to lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
  • Reading, communication, math.
  • Working at a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.ย 

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a rรฉsumรฉ into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's rรฉsumรฉ will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.