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Shoe Making Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KEEN Footwear

Production I

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$18/hr

You will learn the foundation of the shoe making through the direct injection process. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a great team and grow with us! Highlights: * Hourly rate is $18 * Work ...

KEEN Footwear

Production I

Shepherdsville, KY

$18/hr

You will learn the foundation of the shoe making through the direct injection process. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a great team and grow with us! Highlights: * Hourly rate is $18 * Work ...

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How much do shoe making jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for shoe making in the United States is $18.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is shoe making?

A Shoe Making job involves designing, cutting, stitching, assembling, and finishing footwear. Shoemakers work with materials like leather, fabric, and rubber to create custom or mass-produced shoes. The role may include using hand tools or machines to shape and attach soles, heels, and other components. Depending on the workplace, shoemakers might work in factories, repair shops, or artisan workshops. Skilled shoemakers combine craftsmanship and precision to produce durable and stylish footwear.

What does a typical workday look like in shoe making?

A typical workday in shoe making involves tasks such as cutting materials, assembling components, stitching, gluing, and finishing shoes by hand or with machines. You may work individually or as part of a team, depending on the size of the workshop or manufacturing facility. Attention to quality control is a significant part of the daily routine, ensuring that each pair of shoes meets specific standards. Collaboration with designers or pattern makers may also occur to address custom orders or resolve production challenges. This dynamic environment offers a balance of hands-on craftsmanship and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in shoe making?

To thrive in Shoe Making, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and knowledge of shoe construction techniques, which are typically acquired through vocational training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with specialized tools such as sewing machines, cutters, and finishing equipment, as well as safety and quality standards, is essential. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively enhance performance in this role. These abilities ensure the production of high-quality, comfortable, and durable footwear that meets both design specifications and customer needs.

How much does a shoe maker make?

Shoe makers typically earn an average annual salary of around $30,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and skill level. Skilled artisans with specialized tools or working in high-end shops may earn higher wages, and some may work part-time or freelance. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

How profitable is shoe making?

Shoe making can be profitable depending on factors such as production scale, quality, and market demand. Skilled artisans and small-scale producers may see lower margins, while larger manufacturers with efficient processes can achieve higher profits. Success often requires investment in quality materials, tools, and effective marketing strategies.

How to get into shoe making?

To become a shoe maker, gain skills through apprenticeships or vocational training in footwear design and craftsmanship. Familiarity with tools, materials like leather, and sewing techniques is essential, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Building a portfolio or working in a workshop can help establish experience in the field.
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Shoe Making jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shoe Making job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,000 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Production I

KEEN Footwear

Shepherdsville, KY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that's on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. This is an entry level, hands-on, shoe manufacturing position. You will learn the foundation of the shoe making through the direct injection process. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a great team and grow with us!
Highlights:
  • Hourly rate is $18
  • Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday / 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Free KEEN gear plus outdoor industry discounts
  • Medical/Dental/Vision - First day of the month following your hire date
  • Paid vacation and holidays

Key Responsibilities
  • Box folding
  • Case packaging
  • Spraying Footbeds
  • Delasting shoes by moving them off the last and to a cart
  • Loading shoes on Desma Machine
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned

Knowledge/Skills Required
  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, high quality manufacturing environment
  • Must be able to function in a safe manner; observe safety practices; utilize PPE equipment
  • Must have strong work ethic, accountability, judgment, and a positive attitude
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work well with others in a team environment

Additional Qualifications
  • Some assembly, production or manufacturing experience
  • Leadership skills are a plus
  • Basic mathematical, reading skills and reasoning ability
  • Individual must be eligible for employment in the United States

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand for 8-10 hours and work in a fast paced environment
  • Ability to reach with arms extended and/or overhead, excellent hand dexterity, ability to bend, stoop, stretch and similar activities and able to lift up to 40 pounds frequently. Physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Base Salary: $18.00 hourlyThis range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, knowledge and skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.
Why Work at KEEN: Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that's on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal, and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protectthe places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.
At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.
KEEN Footwear is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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