SOC 51-6031
Sewing Machine Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ67/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ109,590
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$36K
$27K โ $47K
Projected Growth
๐-10.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค24/100
Low exposure
๐ก Sewing Machine Operators face a risk score of 67/100 โ 23 points above the national average of 44. With only 24/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $36K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 67/100, Sewing Machine Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai quality inspection via computer vision systems are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 109,590 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Sewing Machine Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Monitor machine operation to detect problems such as defective stitching, breaks in thread, or machine malfunctions.
Place spools of thread, cord, or other materials on spindles, insert bobbins, and thread ends through machine guides and components.
Position items under needles, using marks on machines, clamps, templates, or cloth as guides.
Guide garments or garment parts under machine needles and presser feet to sew parts together.
Remove holding devices and finished items from machines.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Internet browser software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
English Language
Production and Processing
Mathematics
Education and Training
Customer and Personal Service
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 59% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 69% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 83% |