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Stitcher Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Saddle Stitcher Operator is responsible for operating saddle stitcher machines and will play an essential role in the company. This position is a leadership role and will assist in directing the ...

The Saddle Stitcher Operator is responsible for operating saddle stitcher machines and will play an essential role in the company. This position is a leadership role and will assist in directing the ...

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Cutter, Folder, & Stitcher Operator Join one of Orange County's favorite commercial printers. We're a fun-loving, high-performing team of skilled craftsmen. With many long-term employees and almost ...

Bindery Operator

Anaheim, CA

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

MBO folders Stahl stitchers Polar cutters * Read and interpret job tickets and production schedules ... Follow all safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines * Perform other duties as assigned ...

Sewing Machine Operator

Tracy, CA · On-site

$35K - $42K/yr

Perform operator adjustments for proper stitch (tension, stitch length, speed). • Follow written instructions for each product. Training will be provided as required. • Check quality through ...

Bindery Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

MBO folders Stahl stitchers Polar cutters * Read and interpret job tickets and production schedules ... Follow all safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines * Perform other duties as assigned ...

Bindery Operator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

MBO folders Stahl stitchers Polar cutters * Read and interpret job tickets and production schedules ... Follow all safety procedures and equipment operating guidelines * Perform other duties as assigned ...

... stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines * May set up automatic bindery machines containing ... Knowledge of operating procedures for bindery equipment such as folders, cutters, collators ...

Adjust machine settings (tension, stitch length, etc.) based on material requirements Productivity ... Proven experience as a seamstress or industrial sewing machine operator * Strong understanding of ...

Skill in operating complicated bindery equipment such as folders, cutters, collators, stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines * Ability to read and interpret written work which indicates the ...

Skill in operating complicated bindery equipment such as folders, cutters, collators, stitchers, drills, binding/gluing machines * Ability to read and interpret written work which indicates the ...

$24 - $28/hr

... stitcher, unitizer, and Guillotine cutter. The Laminator operator requires machine set-ups and ... operations, calibrating equipment and measuring tolerances. All job responsibilities are to be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Stitcher Operator information

See California salary details

$11

$18

$26

How much do stitcher operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for stitcher operator in California is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectStitcher OperatorSewing Machine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in sewing or textile workHigh school diploma or equivalent; training in sewing techniques
Work EnvironmentFactories, textile plants, garment manufacturing facilitiesFactories, apparel production, upholstery manufacturing
Industry UsagePrimarily in textile and garment industriesWider use across apparel, upholstery, and industrial sewing

The main difference between a Stitcher Operator and a Sewing Machine Operator lies in their specific roles. Stitcher Operators typically focus on sewing large sections or specific types of seams in textile production, often requiring specialized skills. Sewing Machine Operators may handle various sewing tasks across different products. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but Stitcher Operators usually work on more specialized or heavy-duty sewing equipment.

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

To thrive as a Stitcher Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical operations, attention to detail, and experience with bindery or finishing equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial stitcher machines, maintenance tools, and safety procedures is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, manual dexterity, and teamwork are key soft skills that help you excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient, high-quality production and maintaining a safe work environment in print manufacturing settings.

What are some typical challenges a Stitcher Operator may face during a production run, and how can they be managed?

Stitcher Operators often encounter challenges such as machine jams, inconsistent stitching, or material feeding issues during production runs. Addressing these requires quick troubleshooting skills and a thorough understanding of the stitcher machine’s mechanics. Regular maintenance, keeping the machine clean, and promptly addressing minor issues help minimize downtime and maintain product quality. Operators also collaborate closely with quality control and maintenance teams to ensure smooth workflow and adherence to safety standards.

What does a Stitcher Operator do?

A Stitcher Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining stitching machines used in the binding and finishing process of printed materials, such as books, magazines, and brochures. They set up the machine, load materials, monitor the production process, and troubleshoot any issues that arise to ensure products are properly stitched and meet quality standards. Stitcher Operators also perform routine maintenance on the machines and may adjust settings for different jobs based on client specifications.
Infographic showing various Stitcher Operator job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Full Time, 77% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 19% Physical, and 81% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,205 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Saddle Stitcher Operator

Saddle Stitcher Operator

Mittera Group Inc

Los Alamitos, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you looking for your next career move? We are currently looking for Saddle Stitcher Operators to join the Mittera family where ideas are valued and internal mobility is promoted! The Saddle Stitcher Operator is responsible for operating saddle stitcher machines and will play an essential role in the company. This position is a leadership role and will assist in directing the work activities of the finishing team members to ensure productivity, quality and safety goals are met.  


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Operate machine effectively and safely according to standards to ensure a quality product
  • Reads and understands the job ticket, layout sheet, artwork, and other specifications before beginning assigned job
  • Make-ready the stacker, tiers, mail head, mail control
  • Make-ready and run all aspects of the saddle stitcher (pockets, gatherer, stitcher heads, in feed, trimmer, mail table and mail head, etc.)
  • Make-ready and run demographic and inkjet
  • Fill in for other operators when needed
  • Assist other operators with start-ups as possible when own line is down
  • Support material handlers during continuous and self-supported running (including mail-sacking, skid stacking, pocket filling, cover filling, etc.) and give work direction during downtime and clean-up
  • Responsible for promoting, enforcing and sustaining Safety and look for ways to improve the operation
  • Responsible for the ongoing training and development of other Finishing personnel and assisting Supervisors in documenting and improving procedures and processes by offering ideas and suggestions
  • Communicate with Supervisors on any problems developing to help determine the best time to correct and prioritize
  • Continue learning new and improved processes to achieve increased production
  • Performs routine and preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment
  • Keep ongoing list of maintenance issues to be addressed 
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable OSHA and EPA federal and state rules, regulations, policies and guidelines and Company safety rules
  • Facilitate teamwork on crews and between shifts
  • Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.  All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.


Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

  • High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) 
  • 1 - 3+ years previous bindery experience
  • Previous experience operating a Mueller and Martini, Heidelberg, Osako saddle stitcher preferred
  • Experience on various bindery machines, such as a binder, cutter, folder, inserter, and poly wrapper is a bonus
  • Ability to meet quality expectations and productivity metrics
  • Must be able to read and understand a job ticket, layout sheet, artwork and other specifications
  • Effective communications skills with all levels within the organization
  • Ability to use basic math skills, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurements and critical thinking, to solve practical problems
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
  • Must have the ability to work effectively in stressful situations and meet stringent deadlines
  • Be organized and able to plan, prioritize and follow through on projects assigned with minimal supervision
  • Has basic computer skills 
  • Must be self-motivated, reliable, and quality, safety oriented

Physical Requirements

  • Requires use of proper body mechanics with pushing, pulling, reaching, lifting, squatting, kneeling, and bending
  • Pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity, and coordination
  • Requires near visual acuity
  • Requires working around and operating departmental equipment
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department in the facility
  • Requires the ability to function in a professional manner under stressful circumstances



Mittera is a leading-edge company that provides commercial and digital printing, finishing, graphic design, data analytics, direct mail processing, and fulfillment services. Mittera's full-service approach connects data-driven revelations, bar-raising creative, and expertly printed materials to give our customers' brand recognition it deserves. Competitive compensation and robust benefits plans are offered. Benefits include:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life and AD&D Policies
  • Short and Long-Term Disability
  • 401K with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Paid Volunteer Time Off


Mittera is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. 


Visit us today at mittera.com or stop by and fill out an application at Mittera location near you!