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Embroidery Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

A&K Designs, Inc

Embroidery Team Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

A&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly ... We're looking for an experienced Embroidery Team Lead who can keep machines running smoothly, teams ...

Aquent

Senior Pattern Maker

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$49.80 - $55.33/hr

Strong hands-on sewing and garment construction skills (must be comfortable operating sewing and embroidery machines) * Deep expertise in flat pattern making, garment construction, and technical ...

All JobsEmbroidery Operator JobsEmbroidery Operator Jobs in Oregon

Embroidery Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$17

$22

How much do embroidery operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for embroidery operator in Oregon is $17.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much to charge per 1000 stitches of embroidery?

Embroidery operators typically charge between $10 and $20 per 1,000 stitches, depending on the complexity of the design, the type of thread used, and the order size. Pricing may also vary based on the machine's speed and the operator's skill level. It's common to include setup fees and consider material costs when setting a final price.

What are Embroidery Operators?

Embroidery Operators are skilled workers who operate embroidery machines to create decorative designs on fabrics and garments. They are responsible for setting up the machines, selecting appropriate threads and patterns, and ensuring the designs are accurately stitched according to specifications. Embroidery Operators also maintain and troubleshoot the machines, inspect finished products for quality, and may assist in digitizing designs. This role requires attention to detail, technical know-how, and an understanding of fabrics and embroidery techniques.

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

AspectEmbroidery OperatorSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsBasic training or certification in embroidery techniquesBasic sewing skills, sometimes certification in sewing or textile work
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or custom embroidery shops, textile factoriesGarment factories, textile manufacturing, upholstery production
Job TasksDesigning and operating embroidery machines to add decorative stitchingOperating sewing machines to assemble or alter garments and textiles

Embroidery Operators focus on decorative stitching and embroidery design, often requiring specific training in embroidery techniques. Sewing Machine Operators handle general sewing tasks, including garment assembly and fabric stitching. While both roles involve machine operation in textile settings, their specific skills and tasks differ, making them distinct but related positions in the textile industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Embroidery Operators and how can they be addressed?

Embroidery Operators often encounter challenges such as thread breakage, machine malfunctions, and ensuring precise alignment of designs on various fabrics. Staying attentive to machine maintenance schedules and regularly cleaning equipment can help minimize downtime. Additionally, careful preparation of materials and proactive troubleshooting of minor issues can improve efficiency and the quality of finished products. Collaborating with designers and production teams also ensures that specifications are met and any design adjustments are communicated effectively.

How much money can you make doing embroidery?

Embroidery operators typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. Skilled operators with certifications or advanced techniques may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or custom design environments.

What skills do you need to be an embroidery machine operator?

Embroidery machine operators need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to read and interpret design files. Familiarity with embroidery machines, basic computer skills, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment are also important for efficient operation.

What Is an Embroidery Operator?

An embroidery operator controls a machine that embroiders textiles, such as cloth and other fabric used for making garments like uniforms, with decorations, such as labels, beads, or pearls. As an embroidery operator, your duties are to calibrate and control the embroidering machine settings or to oversee sewing embroidery by hand when the job requires it. Other responsibilities include ensuring that the embroidery machine is maintained and that you address all minor repairs or inform your supervisor when a persistent issue occurs.

Is embroidery in high demand?

Embroidery operators are in steady demand in the apparel, promotional products, and custom gift industries, especially as businesses seek personalized and branded items. Employment opportunities depend on industry growth and regional manufacturing needs, with skills in machine operation and design software being valuable. Overall, the demand remains stable but can vary based on market trends and technological advancements in embroidery equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embroidery Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embroidery Operator, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of fabric types, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with embroidery machines, digitizing software, and maintenance tools is typically required. Dependability, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality output, minimal machine downtime, and efficient collaboration within production teams.
More about Embroidery Operator jobs
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Embroidery Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embroidery Operator job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,292 per year, or $17.4 per hour.
Embroidery Machine Operator - Tajima Multi-Head - $19-23/hr + Benefits

Embroidery Machine Operator - Tajima Multi-Head - $19-23/hr + Benefits

Ideation Creative Brand Management

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

Know your way around a multi-head Tajima? We want to talk. Ideation is a growing promotional products and decorated apparel company, and we’re looking for a seasoned embroidery operator who takes pride in clean, accurate work and keeps production humming.

What you’ll do:

- Set up and run approved embroidery jobs on commercial Tajima multi-head machines.

- Hoop garments and goods, match thread colors to spec, and load the right files for each run.

- Keep an eye on every run — catch thread breaks, tension issues, and misalignment before they become rework.

- Handle routine at-the-machine care: needle changes, rethreading, tension, trimming, and keeping your station clean.

- Inspect finished pieces and make sure what leaves your machine is right the first time.

What we’re looking for

- Real commercial embroidery experience on multi-head equipment — Tajima preferred, other commercial brands welcome.

- A sharp eye for placement, registration, and finished-goods quality.

- Comfort troubleshooting the everyday stuff: thread breaks, tension, hooping, backing selection.

- Reliable, detail-driven, and able to keep pace with a daily production schedule.

- Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to ~50 lbs.

Why Ideation

- Competitive hourly pay ($19–$23) with overtime, paid honestly and on time.

- Early Friday closes with full pay — start your weekend ahead of everyone else.

- Health insurance, paid time off, and retirement with a 3% company match.

- A team that treats decoration as craft, not just output — your skill is valued here.

- Steady, full-time work with a growing company that partners with real brands.

Sound like you? Apply now with a short note about your embroidery experience and the machines you’ve run. We review applications as they come in and move quickly on the right fit - applications accepted through July 10th, so don’t wait. We read every one.