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Sewing Machine Operator Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Industrial Sewing Machine Operator Summary/Objective The role of the Quilting Operator is responsible to operate and tend sewing machines in order to perform sewing operations. This includes joining ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Lansing, MI ยท On-site

$17.50/hr

The sewing machine operators are responsible for operating industrial sewing machines. The sewing machine operators use either vinyl or canvas components to create furniture upholstery, bimini tops ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Lafayette, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

The Sewing Machine Operator is responsible for operating industrial sewing machines to construct custom dress shirts according to customer specifications, patterns, work instructions, quality ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Lafayette, TN

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

The Sewing Machine Operator is responsible for operating industrial sewing machines to construct custom dress shirts according to customer specifications, patterns, work instructions, quality ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Previous experience as a machine operator or in a similar role preferred * Familiarity with warehouse operations and equipment * Ability to read a tape measure * Basic understanding of sewing machine ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Johnstown, PA ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

Sewing Machine Operator * On-Site * Full-Time * Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage with companypaid premiums for medical/dental/vison coverage. * PTO * Flexible Work Schedules * 401k * **We will ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Waterloo, NY ยท On-site

$16 - $16.50/hr

Join our team as a Sewing Machine Operator and help create high-quality textile products that support meaningful outcomes for our customers and community. As a Sewing Machine Operator, you'll work ...

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We are seeking experienced sewing machine operators for a client in Taylorsvlle, NC. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ยท Operate automated Tatum sewing machines to produce products according to ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Experienced Sewing Machine Operators Needed! Come join our team! Looking for someone that has experience with a sewing machine. Must be interested in working in a warehouse setting. Comfortable ...

Sewing Operator

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

JOB PURPOSE The Sewing Machine Operator I is responsible for operating sewing machines to perform basic garment sewing operations. This role ensures efficient and precise sewing of various fabric and ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Johnstown, PA ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15/hr

The Sewing Machine Operator is responsible for operating various sewing machines to join and/or reinforce fabric, velcro, webbing, and other material used in manufacturing of production assemblies.

Sewing Operator

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

JOB PURPOSE The Sewing Machine Operator I is responsible for operating sewing machines to perform basic garment sewing operations. This role ensures efficient and precise sewing of various fabric and ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Redlands, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Our client is seeking a Sewing Machine Operator to join their team! This is a full time opportunity! Working Days: Monday through Friday Pay Range: $19.00 to $20.00 per hour (DOE) Working Hours: 7 AM ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Chino, CA ยท On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Our client is seeking a Sewing Machine Operator to join their team! This is a full time opportunity! Working Days: Monday through Friday Pay Range: $19.00 to $20.00 per hour (DOE) Working Hours: 7 AM ...

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Sewing Machine Operator Lead information

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How much do sewing machine operator lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing machine operator lead in the United States is $16.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewing machine operator lead?

Sewing Machine Operator Leads are experienced professionals who oversee and coordinate the work of sewing machine operators in manufacturing or production settings. They ensure that production targets, quality standards, and safety protocols are met while providing guidance and training to team members. In addition to operating sewing machines themselves, they are responsible for monitoring workflow, troubleshooting issues, and communicating with supervisors or management about progress and concerns. Their leadership helps maintain efficiency and high-quality output on the production floor.

What are the key responsibilities of a sewing machine operator lead?

As a Sewing Machine Operator Lead, you are responsible not only for operating sewing machines but also for overseeing the daily workflow of a team of operators. This includes assigning tasks, monitoring production quality, providing on-the-job training, and troubleshooting equipment issues as they arise. Additionally, you act as a liaison between the production team and management, ensuring that team members adhere to safety protocols and meet production deadlines. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as you help maintain a positive, efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sewing machine operator lead?

To thrive as a Sewing Machine Operator Lead, you need advanced garment construction skills, a strong understanding of textile materials, and prior experience in industrial sewing, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with various industrial sewing machines, production management software, and quality control tools is typically required. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring high production standards. These abilities are essential for maintaining efficiency, product quality, and smooth workflow in manufacturing environments.

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

AspectSewing Machine Operator LeadSewing Machine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires experience and sometimes supervisory trainingRequires basic sewing machine operation skills, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees production processesOperates sewing machines on production line
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, apparel, and textile industries with team leadership rolesCommon in garment factories, upholstery, and textile production

The main difference is that the Sewing Machine Operator Lead supervises and coordinates sewing staff, ensuring quality and efficiency, while the Sewing Machine Operator focuses on operating machines to produce goods. The lead role involves additional responsibilities like training and overseeing workflow, whereas the operator primarily handles sewing tasks.

How much do sewing machine operators lead make in the US?

Sewing machine operator leads typically earn around $15 to $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the production environment. They often oversee a team of operators, ensuring quality and efficiency on the manufacturing floor.

What cities are hiring for Sewing Machine Operator Lead jobs?

Cities with the most Sewing Machine Operator Lead job openings:

What states have the most Sewing Machine Operator Lead jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sewing Machine Operator Lead jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sewing Machine Operator Lead jobs?

For Sewing Machine Operator Lead jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Sewing Machine Operator Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,781 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator

Winston Salem, NC โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

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Job description

Industrial Sewing Machine Operator


Summary/Objective

The role of the Quilting Operator is responsible to operate and tend sewing machines in order

to perform sewing operations. This includes joining and reinforcing of materials. Sewing machine operators handle work on a large scale as they are required to operate and tend to industrial machineries.

Sewing machine operators adjust machine controls and regulate stitching speeds for every sewing project that they work on. It is important for sewing machine operators to possess in depth knowledge of sewing machinery and the manufacturing industry. They also need to have sound hand-eye coordination and be able to cope with moderate physical effort.

Essential Functions

  • Refer to orders for sewing and select appropriate materials
  • Ensure that all materials and auxiliary supplies are available prior to beginning work
  • Start sewing machinery at the beginning of a shift and test it for proper functionality
  • Address any discrepancies or problems faced during the testing period
  • Draw threads through needles and adjust machine functions to meet the requirements of the sewing project
  • Position materials under needles to sew them together or make patterns
  • Replace and rethread needles for a subsequent project or in case of the existing one needing more thread
  • Sew missing stitches or replacement parts in accordance to repair instructions provided
  • Observe operations to detect any faults or defects in stitching.

Physical Demands

The employee is often required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employee may be required to lift a minimum of 10 lbs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.