Industrial Sewing Machine Operators
(NOC 9446)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesIndustrial sewing machine operators use sewing machines to sew fabric, fur, leather or synthetic materials to make or repair clothes and other items. They work for clothing, footwear, textile products, fur products and other manufacturing companies and by furriers.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Industrial Sewing Machine Operators most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 45% of Industrial Sewing Machine Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $25,980. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$15.50
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,288
Minimum$20,715
Median$33,611
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Industrial sewing machine operators use sewing machines to sew fabric, fur, leather or synthetic materials to make or repair clothes and other items. They work for clothing, footwear, textile products, fur products and other manufacturing companies and by furriers.
Job duties
Industrial Sewing Machine Operators:
- Assemble pieces of clothes by matching patterns and dye lots.
- Use single, double or multi-needle sergers, flat bed felling, banding and other sewing machines, to join sections of clothes or other items into finished products on a piecework or production basis.
- Use fur sewing machines to join fur pelt strips to required size and shape and join pelts into clothing sections or shells.
- Use stitching machines to sew leather parts together for leather clothes, handbags, shoes and other leather pieces.
- Use serging machines to sew and overcast edges of material at the same time.
- Use tackers, pocketsetters, buttonhole makers and fusing, hemmer and other machines to carry out various tasks in the production of clothes and other items.
- Examine clothes and use sewing machines, sergers and other machines to repair clothes and other items during the manufacturing process.
- Complete production reports.
- May carry out minor maintenance and repairs on sewing machine.
Sample job titles
- fur sewing machine operator
- leather products sewing machine operator
- lining stitcher
- sample sewer
- serging machine operator
- sewing machine operator
- shoe sewer
Skills
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical skills are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Some high school is usually required.
- Experience using a sewing machine is usually required.
- On-the-job training may be provided.
Other considerations
- Shift work may be typical for many of these jobs. Industrial sewing machine operators may move to supervisor positions with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
$21,041 median annual incomeHalifax
$13,597 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$23,080 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$15,600 median annual incomeLess than high school
$20,709 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$20,077 median annual incomeBachelor
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.