1

Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic Jobs in Appleton, WI

Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$13

$23

$32

How much do freelance sewing machine mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance sewing machine mechanic in Appleton, WI is $23.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic vs Sewing Machine Repair Technician?

AspectFreelance Sewing Machine MechanicSewing Machine Repair Technician
CredentialsTypically requires sewing machine repair certifications or technical trainingRequires similar certifications or technical training in sewing machine repair
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, working at client locations or workshopsEmployed by repair shops, retail stores, or working independently
Industry UsageServes individual clients, small businesses, and sewing enthusiastsServes retail stores, repair shops, and manufacturing facilities
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for freelance opportunities and independenceCompared for employment roles and industry standards

Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but a Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic operates independently, serving individual clients, while a Sewing Machine Repair Technician is often employed by companies or repair shops. The choice depends on whether you prefer self-employment or working within an organization.

How do I become a freelance sewing machine mechanic?

To become a freelance sewing machine mechanic, gain experience through technical training or apprenticeships, develop strong repair skills, and obtain relevant certifications if available. Building a reputation by offering quality service and establishing a network of clients is essential for success as an independent mechanic.

What does a freelance sewing machine mechanic do?

A freelance sewing machine mechanic repairs, maintains, and tunes sewing machines for clients. They diagnose mechanical issues, replace parts, and ensure machines operate efficiently, often working independently and requiring knowledge of sewing machine models and tools.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic jobs in Appleton, WI?

For Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic jobs in Appleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Sewing Machine Mechanic jobs in Appleton, WI are:

2nd shift Machine Operator Plant 2

Central Garden & Pet

Chilton, WI

$17.50 - $21/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Central Garden & Pet rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Central Garden & Pet

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,399 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Central Garden & Pet

  • 94%

    94% say it is easy to take sick days

    say it is easy to take sick days

  • 94%

    94% say they don’t worry about hours

    say they don’t worry about hours

  • 94%

    94% say they get paid breaks

    say they get paid breaks

Featured by Central Garden & Pet, based on 42 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees


Job description

Description

Central Garden & Pet/Kaytee is currently looking for a 2nd shift Class 5 Machine Operator Level I to join our team at Kaytee in Chilton, WI. 

At Kaytee, we offer a safe, clean work environment with an onsite fitness center and an onsite Health & Wellness clinic for employees and their families. Other benefits include full medical, dental and vision coverage, free life and disability insurance and a full 3% match on your 401k contributions, along with a yearly profit-sharing bonus. If you find your skills match the qualifications we are seeking below, we invite you to apply for this position!   

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Starts machine and observes operation to detect malfunctions; makes adjustments or repairs as needed while assisting in the manufacturing process.
  • Operate and monitor equipment in the barrel room to ensure proper processing and storage.
  • Manage and operate the Rainbow mixer according to production requirements. 
  • Enters production codes batching computer (Repete), sets up machine, prepares dating equipment for production and ensures the bags and/or tape is properly running.
  • Completes production work orders, moves/wraps pallets, confirms correct count on pallet and records pallet completion.
  • Inspects bags (top, and bottom) to ensure quality sewing, ribbon intact, legible/correct code dating and ID.
  • Tests product weights; visually checks for proper product mix.
  • Marks pallets for proper destination.
  • Assemble hand-add barrels accurately adding the proper amounts of vitamins/minerals and prepares ahead as required.
  • Follows all quality and food safety initiatives in accordance with FSMA, USDA, and SQF standards including obtaining PCQI certificate.
  • Follows all safety initiatives in accordance with OSHA standards

QUALIFICATIONS

  • The ability to lift up to 50+ pounds with frequent bending, lifting and twisting.
  • Ability to perform basic math calculations (add, subtract, multiple & divide).
  • High school diploma preferred.
  • Ability to communicate with employees in a manner promoting a “team” work environment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and analyze problems.
  • Ability to read, interpret and prioritize work orders.
  • Must have good organizational skills.
  • Must be mechanically inclined.
  • Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevated heights.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This role involves working in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.
  • Requires the ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Additionally, there may be instances where lifting or moving items weighing 50-100 pounds is necessary, with assistance.
  • Regular physical activities such as climbing, lifting, bending, standing, walking, twisting, turning, and reaching with arms and hands are also required.
  •  Work hours will be Monday- Wednesday 3 am to 3 pm and Thursday 3 am to 7 am.
  • There may be some variation in work hours due to overtime, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns.

BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS 

  •  Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
  • Free Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance 
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 
  • 401k with 3% company match and annual profit-sharing bonus 
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time 
  • Paid Parental Leave Program 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! 
  • Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) 
  • Referral Program with cash bonus
  • Onsite Wellness Center
  • Onsite Employee 24-hour gym

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro?, Aqueon?, Best Bully Sticks?, Cadet?, C&S?, Farnam?, Ferry-Morse?, Kaytee?, Nylabone?, Pennington?, Sevin? and Zoёcon?. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit www.central.com to learn more.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. 


Working at Central Garden & Pet

Perks for frontline workers

From Central Garden & Pet, via Breakroom

  • Safety is a top priority!

  • Paid Vacation

  • Paid Holidays

  • Paid Sick Time

  • Paid Breaks

  • Consistent shift and schedule

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance

  • 401k with Company Match

  • Referral Program with Cash Bonus

  • Education Assistance

  • Paid Parental Leave

About Central Garden & Pet, in their own words

From Central Garden & Pet

Our leading consumer and professional brands provide forward-thinking, high quality products to care for your lawn, garden, pets and community. We are committed to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier and communities grow stronger.

Company values

From Central Garden & Pet

The Central Way | We Do the Right Thing | We Strive to be the Best | We are Entrepreneurial | We Win Together | We Grow Every Day | We are Passionate

Diversity and inclusion statement

From Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet is committed to building a great place to work that embraces diversity as a key pillar of our culture. This is a journey, and we are committed to listening, learning and doing the work to move forward together.


What Central Garden & Pet employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom