Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
Common Job Titles
- Boot Maker
- Inseamer
- Side Laster
- Stitcher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onCoordinate multiple machine operations in sequence to maintain production flow and meet daily output targets.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate industrial sewing machines, shoe nailers, and leather pressing equipment in production environments following established manufacturing protocols.Developing
- Hands-onHandle shoe parts and materials throughout assembly processes using precision hand tools and positioning equipment on production lines.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain machine operating procedures and production standards when training new operators on manufacturing equipment.Developing
- Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance on shoe manufacturing machinery using hand tools and following maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze machine malfunctions and production quality issues to troubleshoot equipment problems and implement corrective actions.Developing
- KnowledgeCompare finished shoe products against quality specifications during inspection processes to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards.Developing
- KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to select appropriate machine settings for different shoe materials and styles.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish material defects and workmanship errors through visual and tactile inspection during manufacturing processes.Developing
- MindsetEngage with production teams and supervisors to communicate workflow status and coordinate task prioritization.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,270
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $24,160. 25th percentile: U.S. $30,450. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,160. 75th percentile: U.S. $43,390. 90th percentile: U.S. $47,860. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $24,160 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $47,860 |
| Workers on average earn | $37,230 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.5/5
- Personnel and Human Resources2.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Inventory tracking software
- Microsoft operating system
- Production control software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Automatic staple guns
- Bobbin winders
- Claw hammers
- Heavy duty scissors
- Heel wheels
- Industrial sewing machines
- Knife sharpeners