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Sewing Machine Operator Jobs in Chattanooga, TN (NOW HIRING)

Machine Operator

Ooltewah, TN · On-site

$22.93/hr

Set up and operate saw fabricating machines. Other Duties may be assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. • Ensure working environment is clean and safe • Verify ...

POSITION PURPOSE A shop hourly position with the primary responsibilities of operating two major ... Qualified in the operation of two major fabrication machines including but not limited to the Laser ...

Processing Machine Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Mars is looking for a Processing Machine Operator to take ownership of our production line's success. In this role, you will be accountable for the performance of several machines, processes, and ...

Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator Position Summary We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator to join our production team. This role is responsible for ...

Processing Machine Operator

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Mars is looking for a Processing Machine Operator to take ownership of our production line's success. In this role, you will be accountable for the performance of several machines, processes, and ...

Custom Rug Serger

Dalton, GA · On-site

$14 - $17.61/hr

A Custom Rug Serger job involves operating serger sewing machines to finish the edges of custom-made rugs, ensuring a clean, durable, and aesthetically pleasing border. This role requires skilled ...

New

Machine Operator 1 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Operations Reports to: Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: Machine Operator 1 (MO1), a ...

Custom Rug Serger

Dalton, GA · On-site

$14 - $17.61/hr

A Custom Rug Serger job involves operating serger sewing machines to finish the edges of custom-made rugs, ensuring a clean, durable, and aesthetically pleasing border. This role requires skilled ...

New

Custom Rug Serger

Dalton, GA · On-site

$14 - $17.61/hr

A Custom Rug Serger job involves operating serger sewing machines to finish the edges of custom-made rugs, ensuring a clean, durable, and aesthetically pleasing border. This role requires skilled ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Sewing Machine Operator information

See Chattanooga, TN salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do sewing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing machine operator in Chattanooga, TN is $14.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $15.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sewing machine operator?

Sewing Machine Operators are skilled workers who operate sewing machines to join, reinforce, decorate, or perform related sewing operations in the manufacturing of garments, textiles, or other fabric-based products. They follow patterns or instructions to stitch materials together, ensuring accuracy, quality, and consistency. Sewing Machine Operators may work in factories, workshops, or small businesses, and are responsible for maintaining their machines and troubleshooting minor issues. Attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination are essential for this role.

What does a sewing machine operator do?

As a sewing machine operator, your duties are to sew, join, gather, hem, and reinforce materials using an industrial sewing machine. You may select a pattern for sewing, determine what type of fabric to use, and adjust your equipment to ensure it is capable of creating the intended product. If you work as a seamstress on an industrial scale, your responsibilities are to produce a significant number of garments while adhering to your company's quality standards. If you work independently or at a tailor shop, you may sew original garments and perform alterations on existing clothes. In some positions, you may be asked to make decisions about sewing garments, such as what type of stitch to use, or help your company create a plan for other dressmakers to follow.

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

To thrive as a Sewing Machine Operator, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and familiarity with textiles, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Proficiency in operating industrial sewing machines and following patterns or technical specifications is essential, and some roles may require experience with computerized sewing equipment. Dependability, time management, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining production quality, meeting deadlines, and supporting smooth workflow in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by sewing machine operators, and how can they be managed in the workplace?

Sewing Machine Operators often face challenges such as maintaining consistent quality and speed under tight deadlines, managing repetitive motions that can lead to fatigue, and troubleshooting minor machine issues. Many workplaces address these challenges by providing ergonomic workstations, regular breaks, and training on machine maintenance and safety. Operators are also encouraged to communicate with supervisors and team members to address workflow bottlenecks and ensure smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Sewing Machine Operator vs Textile Worker?

AspectSewing Machine OperatorTextile Worker
CredentialsNone specific, some may have vocational trainingVaries, often basic skills or certifications in textile manufacturing
Work EnvironmentFactories, sewing rooms, production linesTextile mills, fabric production facilities
Industry UsageApparel, upholstery, manufacturingTextile production, fabric manufacturing
Job FocusOperating sewing machines to assemble productsProcessing raw fibers into fabric or yarn

The main difference is that Sewing Machine Operators focus on sewing and assembling products, while Textile Workers are involved in fabric and fiber production. Both roles are essential in the textile industry but serve different stages of manufacturing.

How much do sewing machine operators make in the US?

Sewing machine operators in the US earn a median hourly wage of around $14 to $16, with annual salaries approximately $29,000 to $33,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks performed, and operators often need to be skilled in machine maintenance and sewing techniques.

Is it hard to be a sewing machine operator?

Being a sewing machine operator requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow patterns and instructions. The job often involves repetitive tasks and operating various sewing machines, which may require some training or experience but is generally accessible with practice. Physical stamina and focus are important for maintaining quality and efficiency during shifts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

The most popular types of Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN?

For Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Chattanooga, TN are:

What cities near Chattanooga, TN are hiring for Sewing Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Chattanooga, TN with the most Sewing Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Sewing Machine Operator job openings in Chattanooga, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,758 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Machine Operator

Miller Industries

Ooltewah, TN • On-site

$22.93/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Miller Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Current Starting Pay: $22.93
About Miller Industries:
Miller Industries makes the coolest, the biggest, and the baddest towing and recovery vehicles in the world! You've seen our vehicles on such television shows as "Highway Thru Hell", "Wrecked", and "Hustle and Tow". We're extremely proud of the work we do and the quality of product we produce - this is why we hire only the best people. Do you have what it takes to be part of the World's Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment?
From the beginning we've been innovators; we're constantly finding ways to improve our product, grow our company, and make the Miller experience better! At Miller we have your back, you'll quickly learn that you're part of something special. When you see one of our towing and recovery vehicles rolling down the road, you'll feel pride for the work you're a part of.
We are currently looking for driven individuals that share our vision. Some of the specific things that sets us apart from the rest include:
  • Climate controlled work environments
  • Compressed Work Week (4 days on, 4 days off)
  • Most jobs are on Day Shift
  • Bonus eligibility (twice a year) dependent on company and plant performance
  • Regular performance evaluations
  • Regular merit increases
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development programs
  • Career Advancement opportunities
  • Family Day Outings
  • Free on-site Annual Health & Wellness Screenings
  • Regular two-way communication sessions with leadership
  • On-site Weld Academy - get paid while you learn a valuable trade! (Ooltewah, TN Only)

Summary:
Set up and operate saw fabricating machines. Other Duties may be assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.
• Ensure working environment is clean and safe
• Verify specifications
• Read parts list
• Read and understand blueprints
• Work with computers and machines
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have the ability to operate saws. Knowledge of welding practices is valuable. Must be able to build prototypes and custom parts/machinery to engineering drawings with close tolerances.
• Must be able to utilize various measuring devices, interpret blueprints and use shop math.
• Basic math is needed due to the technological needs of many fabrication parts.
• Must be able to read a tape measure.
Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, push/ pull up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Benefits: (Beginning on 91st day one of employment unless stated otherwise)
  • Day Shift opportunities available Second shift employees receive a $1.50/hr premium (where applicable)
  • 4-on 4-off schedule; off half of the weekends during the year
  • Overtime available
  • Double time paid for work on Sundays (regardless of whether 40 hrs. have been reached in the work week)
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Company Matched 401(k)
  • AD&D, Disability & Basic Life - no cost to you
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional Development programs
  • Career Advancement opportunities
  • Regular Performance Evaluations
  • Earn additional time off with perfect attendance
  • 1 unpaid excused absence per year
  • 40 hours Paid Vacation Time after 1 year
  • 9 paid holidays each year
  • Quarterly gifts and PTO for perfect attendance
  • Birthday Lunches
  • Annual Company Picnic Day at local Amusement Park - you and family members free!

We don't just give lip service to our innovation in the recovery industry; in 2019 we unveiled the FIRST & ONLY Rotator in the world capable of lifting 200,000 lbs. To watch how this amazing vehicle came to be please click on the following link: The Century M100.
For more awesome information on Miller Industries check out the links below:
Introduction to Miller Industries
Ooltewah, TN Large Wrecker Plant Tour
Ooltewah, TN Small Wrecker Plant Tour
Ooltewah TN, Paint Process Tour
Hermitage, PA Plant Tour
The Century M100, 100-Ton Rotator
Miller Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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