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Sewing Contractor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Sharon Hill, PA · On-site

$14 - $16.75/hr

Position Summary The Sewing Machine Operator will operate a sewing machine (Juki-Overlock, Juki ... We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also ...

Sewing Contractor information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$8

$22

$54

How much do sewing contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing contractor in Philadelphia, PA is $22.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.79 and $23.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewing contractor?

Sewing contractors are professionals or companies that provide sewing and garment manufacturing services to designers, brands, or businesses. They handle tasks such as cutting fabric, assembling garments, and finishing products according to client specifications. Sewing contractors can work on a variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and home textiles. They often help with small-batch production, prototyping, and sometimes large-scale manufacturing. Working with a sewing contractor allows companies to outsource production and focus on design, marketing, or sales.

What are some typical challenges sewing contractors face when working with clients on custom projects?

Sewing Contractors often encounter challenges such as interpreting unclear client specifications, managing tight production deadlines, and sourcing appropriate materials that meet both quality and budget requirements. Clear communication with clients is crucial to ensure expectations are aligned, especially when creating custom garments or products. Additionally, Sewing Contractors must frequently adapt their workflow to handle unexpected changes or last-minute adjustments, which requires flexibility and strong organizational skills.

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

To thrive as a Sewing Contractor, you need strong proficiency in garment construction, pattern reading, and fabric handling, often supported by experience or vocational training in sewing or fashion production. Familiarity with industrial sewing machines, sergers, cutting tools, and sometimes CAD pattern-making software is essential. Attention to detail, time management, and effective client communication are standout soft skills for meeting specifications and deadlines. These skills ensure high-quality, efficient production and satisfied clients in a competitive textile and apparel industry.

What is the difference between Sewing Contractor vs Seamstress?

AspectSewing ContractorSeamstress
CredentialsMay require sewing certifications or experience, but not alwaysOften has formal training or certification in sewing or tailoring
Work EnvironmentWorks independently or for multiple clients, often off-siteTypically works in a shop, studio, or on-site at a clothing facility
Employer & Industry UsageHired by brands, manufacturers, or individuals for specific projectsEmployed or freelance, creating garments or alterations

In summary, a Sewing Contractor generally operates independently, handling various projects for different clients, while a Seamstress often works in a fixed location, focusing on garment creation or alterations. Both roles require sewing skills, but their work settings and employment types differ.

What are popular job titles related to Sewing Contractor jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Sewing Contractor jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sewing Contractor jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewing Contractor jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:

Infographic showing various Sewing Contractor job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,967 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

$14 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Operate sewing machines and equipment to join materials into finished products according to instructions.

  • Verify the integrity and quality of materials and completed products.

  • Package finished products and perform operations in a cleanroom environment following SOPs.


STERIS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Summary
The Sewing Machine Operator will operate a sewing machine (Juki-Overlock, Juki-Single Needle, Merrow, Sonobond) and other equipment to join materials into finished product form in preparation for folding or final packaging. Duties are described below.
During the facility tour, candidates will participate in a sewing assessment to evaluate their proficiency in sewing Tyvek material and their comfort working on a sewing machine in a cleanroom environment for eight to ten hours.
What You'll do as a Sewing Machine Operator
  • Receive materials and sewing instructions from Cleanroom Supervisor or Associate Value Stream Manager.
  • Verify integrity and quality of materials.
  • Operate overlock stitch, single needle, elastic and other sewing equipment to sew materials into components and finished products.
  • Package completed products into bags or pouches for further processing.
  • Perform operations in a manner that maintains superior cleanliness of product/work area.
  • Follow SOPs to maintain integrity of cleanroom environment.
  • Join applicable union and abide by all union work rules.
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Needed
Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Effective communication and instructional comprehension.
  • Operate and maintain machinery.
  • Ability to work independently under general guidelines and supervision.
  • Ability to adapt to changing duties, responsibilities, and stressful deadlines.
  • Previous production experience required.

Preferred:
  • Single Needle or Sonobond Sewing Machine experience.
  • Ability to read work orders or job instructions in English.

Other:
  • Communication: Ability to read, understand and communicate oral and written instruction.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to carry out provided instructions. Ability to identify and trouble shoot problems.
  • Teamwork: Work effectively and collaboratively with other employees.
  • Adaptability: Respond to changing duties and responsibilities as needed.

What STERIS Offers
We value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being, and financial future.
Here is just a brief overview of what we offer:
  • Market Competitive Pay
  • Paid Time Off and (8) added holidays
  • Floating Holiday time
  • Excellent Healthcare, Dental and Vision Benefits
  • Short Term disability coverage
  • 401(k)/Severance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement and continued educations programs
  • Excellent opportunities for advancement and stable long-term career

Minimum pay rates offered will comply with county/city minimums, if higher than range listed. Pay rates are based on a number of factors, including but not limited to local labor market costs, years of relevant experience, education, professional certifications, foreign language fluency, etc.
STERIS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits portfolio.
Open until position is filled.
STERIS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to ensure that persons are recruited, hired, trained, transferred and promoted in all job groups regardless of race, color, religion, age, disability, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state or local law. We are not only committed to this policy by our status as a federal government contractor, but also we are strongly bound by the principle of equal employment opportunity.

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