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Sewing Machine Operator Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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$10

$18

$24

How much do sewing machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for sewing machine operator in Washington, DC is $18.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 working with various fabrics and machines, but with training and experience, it can become easier. Some positions may require basic certifications or skills in machine maintenance.

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 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 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.

More about Sewing Machine Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC? For Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Sewing Machine Operator jobs in Washington, DC are:
Sewing Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sewing Machine Operator job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,246 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Press Journeyman/Woman

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$48K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Dow Jones rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing

Job description

Job Description:
About the Team:
The team is part of the Print Operations Business.
About the Role
Production department: Printing and packaging of various newspaper titles including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investors business daily and New York Post. You will perform daily press operations in the manufacturing of Dow Jones' and contract print publications in a cost-effective manner, with the highest quality standards available using existing technology. This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated pressroom equipment. You will report to the Foreman/Woman and be based in White Oak, Maryland.
You Will:
  • Prepare presses for nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.
  • Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which integrates key performance measures such as reproduction quality, content freshness, productivity, and cost-effective materials consumption.
  • Maintain open communication with supervisor and other employees to reach the goals and objectives of the department.
  • Assist in the training of new employees.
  • Meet established performance standards, attend recommended training and complete active assignments.
  • Understand and follow all corporate and plant policies/practices.
  • Keep accurate, useful and timely operational and maintenance records.
  • Work with the production manager to set equipment maintenance priorities.
  • Make pasters, web presses, push rolls, hang printing plates, set color and registration and general equipment cleaning and maintenance.
  • Meet customer expectations for reproduction quality, content freshness and productivity, while managing materials consumption cost-effectively.

You Have:
  • 4-5 Years of newspaper press experience.
  • Ability to stand for 7.25 hours, be able to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, stoop and reach out and over head, climb stairs and ladders and push rolls of newsprint.
  • High School Graduate/GED or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Good color perception and are mechanically inclined.
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferably in cold web offset newspaper printing production environment.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in the use of business PC applications and press controls.

Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Education Benefits
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Family Care Benefits
  • Subscription Discounts
  • Employee Referral Program

#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.
Business Area:
Dow Jones - Print Operations
Job Category:
Production & Skilled Trades
Union Status:
Non-Union role
Base Pay Range: $48,048 - $70,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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