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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Shoe Machine Operator and Tender

Operational-level

Also known as: Anchor Operator, Anchorer, Ankle Patch Molder, Apron Trimmer

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
Shoe ManufacturingFootwear ProductionMachine OperationIndustrial Machine TendingManufacturingProductionIndustrial TechnologySkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-6.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

400

per year (US)

Jobs today

4,600

in 2025 → 4,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will significantly impact this career by introducing more advanced, sensor-driven machinery capable of performing tasks with greater precision and speed. Operators may transition to roles focused on overseeing automated systems, programming machines, and performing complex maintenance, requiring a shift towards technical and problem-solving skills rather than manual operation.

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Salary

$35,650

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

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