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Sewing Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Alterations Associate

Bergen, NY · On-site

$29.48 - $36.86/hr

You will assist fitters in achieving their goals with professional assistance with fit ... all sewing equipment • Self-inspect completed work to ensure quality standards are met • ...

Alterations Associate

Bergen, NY · On-site

$29.48 - $36.86/hr

You will assist fitters in achieving their goals with professional assistance with fit ... Experience in a tailoring operation or industrial sewing environment, with exposure to a variety of ...

Retail Store Tailor Part Time

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.28 - $29.24/hr

This role requires a keen eye for detail, strong sewing and alteration abilities, and a commitment ... Ensure completed work is accurately tagged, organized, and ready for customer pickup. * Assist with ...

Sewing Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$19

$31

How much do sewing assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing assistant in Rochester, NY is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewing assistant?

Sewing Assistants are professionals who support seamstresses, tailors, or garment production teams by performing tasks such as cutting fabric, threading machines, organizing materials, and assisting with basic sewing operations. They help maintain workflow, ensure that supplies are ready, and may also handle minor repairs or finishing touches on garments. Sewing Assistants play an essential role in both small tailoring shops and larger manufacturing settings, where their work helps increase efficiency and maintain quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sewing assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sewing Assistant, you need fundamental sewing skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with various fabrics and garment construction, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Experience with sewing machines, sergers, and basic garment repair tools is typically required. Strong organization, time management, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality work, efficient production flow, and reliable support for designers or tailors.

What are some common challenges sewing assistants face when working on team-based projects?

Sewing Assistants often work within a team environment, collaborating with designers, pattern makers, and other sewing professionals. A common challenge is maintaining clear communication to ensure everyone is aligned on project specifications, fabric choices, and deadlines. Additionally, balancing multiple tasks and adapting to changes in design or production schedules can be demanding. Developing good organization and time-management skills is crucial to thriving in this collaborative, fast-paced setting.

What is the difference between Sewing Assistant vs Tailor?

AspectSewing AssistantTailor
CredentialsBasic sewing skills, on-the-job trainingAdvanced sewing skills, often certification or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentFactories, garment production facilities, workshopsCustom shops, boutiques, individual clients
Industry UsageSupporting role in garment manufacturingCreating and altering custom clothing
Search/Comparison IntentEntry-level support role in sewingSkilled clothing alteration and creation

While a Sewing Assistant primarily supports sewing operations with basic skills in manufacturing environments, a Tailor is a skilled professional who creates and alters custom garments. The Sewing Assistant focuses on assisting in production, whereas the Tailor offers specialized tailoring services. Both roles require sewing knowledge, but the Tailor's expertise is more advanced and customer-focused.

How to turn sewing into a job?

To turn sewing into a job, you can start by developing your skills through practice and possibly taking sewing or tailoring courses. Building a portfolio of your work, setting up a home-based or commercial sewing space, and marketing your services through social media or local networks can help attract clients. Many sewing professionals also pursue certifications or join industry associations to enhance credibility and find job opportunities.

What jobs can I do with sewing assistant?

A sewing assistant can work in roles such as garment production, alterations, or tailoring, supporting sewing operations in clothing factories, dry cleaners, or custom tailoring shops. These positions often require skills in sewing, fabric handling, and familiarity with sewing machines, and may involve working in retail or manufacturing environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Sewing jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Sewing Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Sewing Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sewing Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewing Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Sewing Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Sewing Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Sewing Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,841 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator

FAA Filters LLC

Newark, NY

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for operating a sewing machine in the construction of components and subassemblies made of industrial textiles. Manufacture subassemblies and finished goods in accordance with quality requirements and manufacturing instructions.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Equipment operation including set-up, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Measure, cut and sew industrial textiles (e.g. fiberglass, polyester, etc.)
  • Assemble sewn components into finished goods
  • Read, complete and process shop floor orders
  • Maintain production, quality and inventory records
  • Perform simple maintenance and work area cleanliness tasks
  • Assist in maintaining a motivated and disciplined workforce
  • Perform other related duties as assigned
  • Comply with all environmental, health and safety regulations and requirements

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of experience sewing industrial textiles in an industrial manufacturing environment
  • Expertise in the set-up, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial sewing machines
  • High School Degree or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

  • 10 years of experience sewing in an industrial manufacturing environment

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
  • Ability to work in a typical shop floor/production environment - PPE usage requirements exist

Job Type: Fulltime, On-site, 1st Shift, Non-Exempt

Wages: $18-$20 per hour

Benefits:

  • Paid Time Off / Holidays
  • 401K
  • Insurance: Health, Life, Dental, Vision

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, family or parental status, or any other status

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person