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Hat Maker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hat Maker information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$32

How much do hat maker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for hat maker in California is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hat maker?

A Hat Maker, also known as a milliner, is a craftsman skilled in designing, creating, and repairing hats. They work with various materials like felt, straw, fabric, and leather to produce stylish or functional headwear. Hat Makers may create custom pieces for clients, design seasonal collections, or restore vintage hats. Their job requires a mix of creativity, craftsmanship, and knowledge of fashion trends.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a hat maker?

Hat Makers spend their days designing, cutting, assembling, and finishing various types of hats, often customizing pieces to client specifications or current fashion trends. This involves selecting materials, measuring clients, hand-sewing or machine-stitching components, adding embellishments, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace. Collaboration with designers or sales teams may be necessary, especially in larger businesses or retail environments. Quality control and attention to detail are integral throughout each step to ensure the final product meets high standards. This role often requires a balance of creative work and precise craftsmanship, making each day both varied and hands-on.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the hat maker position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hat Maker, you need a strong background in textile fabrication, sewing, pattern making, and creative design, often acquired through specialized courses or apprenticeships. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, millinery tools, and occasionally computer-aided design (CAD) software is highly beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and good communication skills help in collaborating with clients and delivering high-quality, custom products. These skills are essential for producing well-crafted hats that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements, ensuring client satisfaction and business success.

How do you become a hat maker?

To become a hat maker, you typically learn through apprenticeships, vocational training, or specialized courses in millinery or hat-making. Developing skills in sewing, pattern making, and working with materials like felt or straw is essential, and gaining experience in a workshop or studio helps build craftsmanship and industry knowledge.

How much money do hat makers make?

Hat makers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, skill level, and whether they work independently or for a company. Skilled artisans with specialized techniques or custom shops may earn higher incomes. Compensation can also vary based on location and the complexity of the hats produced.

Is hat making profitable?

Hat making can be profitable for skilled artisans or small business owners who create unique or high-quality products, especially with custom designs or luxury materials. Profitability depends on factors such as production costs, pricing, market demand, and sales channels like boutiques or online stores. Success often requires craftsmanship, marketing skills, and effective management of expenses.

What are popular job titles related to Hat Maker jobs in California?

For Hat Maker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hat Maker jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hat Maker jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Hat Maker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,830 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Extruder Operator I - III level

PGP International

Woodland, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description:

Reports to: Shift Production Manager

Direct reports: n/a

Back up position: Extruder Operator III / Extrusion Lead

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt


I - Job Purpose and Summary:


Responsible for operating all extrusion equipment in accordance with provided documentation and written procedures. This includes setup, operation, and cleanup of machinery. Perform all post quality checks to provide the highest quality product with the least amount of waste, while maintaining or exceeding standard line run rates.


II - Key Accountabilities:


HSE: Promote a safe work environment at all times through the adherence to all PGPI’s Health & Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as to all relevant California OSHA regulations in order to achieve ZERO workplace incidents and injuries.


Food Safety & Quality: Promote exceptional food safety and product quality standards at all times through the adherence to, and improvement of, GMP and food safety and quality policies and standards, in order to have highest quality product for external customers.


Production Activities: Complete set up of all extruders, including setting up screw configurations cutter box alignments. Operation of Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s according to published parameters. Ensure correct and adequate dry batch is available before startup. Prepare Liquid batches per standard manufacturing practices. Minimize changeover times to increase equipment utilization. Ensure proper package weights, materials and labeling as required. Conduct quality checks every 30 minutes to ensure quality specifications are met. Provide information to Extrusion Packers and Batch Makers regarding the progress of production, so that product is reduced with minimum overrun and waste. Assist Extrusion Packaging Lead on disposition of non-conforming product. Responsible for performing sanitation and cleaning of equipment. Replace bag house filters, clean, and sanitize cyclones, act as a back-up to batch maker and packaging positions when needed. Other tasks as assigned by supervisor.


Record Management: Complete all production paperwork in a timely manner with greater attention to accuracy.


Problem Solving/Reporting/Continuous Improvement: Promptly relay information to Shift Production Manager/Extrusion Operations Lead regarding shift accomplishments, problems, or suggestions for improvements.


Training & Development: Participate in all training related to his/her job in order to gain knowledge/skills/abilities needed for exceptional performance. Assist in training employees and new hires (buddy program). Train new Batch Makers and packaging positions as needed.


III - Internal and External Contacts: All employees in Extrusion, Maintenance, HSE, QA and Logistics department, R&D


Requirements:

IV - Job Requirements (Required and Preferred):


Education: High School diploma or related experience


Related Experience: Minimum 3 years’ experience in Extrusion Operation (food or food related manufacturing preferred)


Competencies: Initiating Action, Priority Setting, Problem Solving, Planning, Standing Alone, Compelling Communication, Comfort Around Higher Management, Composure, Listening, Conflict Management, Interpersonal Savvy, Organizational Agility, Continuous Learning, Self-Knowledge, Building Trusted Relationships


Technical Skills:

  • ERP transactions
  • Touch screen tablets/PLC
  • Basic math skills
  • Use of pneumatic and small hand tools
  • Mechanical troubleshooting
  • Forklift and Aerial Lift
  • Lock out tag out (LOTO) system
  • Confined space entry experience
  • Evolums, Clextrals and Buhler’s
  • Operation and cleaning Batching equipment including but not limited to rotary valves, blender, etc.
  • Operation and cleaning of packaging equipment, including but not limited to: Sweco, cyclone, oven, bucket elevator, etc.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Forklift and Aerial Lift
  • OSHA 10

Language(s):

  • Fluency in English - preferred
  • Fluency in Spanish - preferred

Other Qualifications: HACCP, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)


V – Work/Employment Conditions and Other Requirements:


Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing warehouse environment. This role routinely uses manufacturing equipment. The environment is hot, cold, wet, dusty, and loud. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor (hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, beard/hair nets, safety shoes).


Physical and Sensory Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms overhead and grip; climb stairs, work from heights up to 40 feet; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 55 pounds.


Position Type and Working Schedule: RFT - Regular Full Time, working schedule based on production demands


Travel Requirements: n/a


VI - Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.