What is the salary of a Shoe Machine Operator and Tender?

The typical salary range is $26,712 - $53,424 per year.

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Which studies lead to becoming a Shoe Machine Operator and Tender?

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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

As a Shoe Machine Operator, you run various machines to create shoes and their parts. This involves joining materials, adding decorations, reinforcing weak spots, or giving shoes their final finish. You'll spend a lot of time using your hands for precise, repetitive motions, handling tools and controls to ensure everything is exact and accurate. You'll often work with others, discussing tasks and wearing safety gear like glasses or gloves. This role suits those who enjoy hands-on work, have strong attention to detail, and can learn how different machines function.

Shoe ManufacturingFootwear ProductionMachine OperationIndustrial Machine TendingManufacturingProductionIndustrial TechnologySkilled Trade

A Day in the Life

You punch in at 6:55 AM, the hum of the factory already a low thrum. First, you grab your safety glasses and gloves from your locker, sliding them on before heading to your station. Today, you're starting on the stitcher, a powerful post-bed sewing machine designed for complex shoe uppers. You check the thread tension, making sure the needle is clean and sharp. The air carries a faint scent of leather and adhesive as you prepare for the day's first batch.

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 Acrobat Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft 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

The outlook for Shoe Machine Operators is projected to decline by about 7% through 2035. However, there will still be around 400 job openings each year, often to replace workers who retire or switch careers. With experience, you could advance to roles like a Production Supervisor or a Quality Control Inspector, overseeing processes or ensuring product standards.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Assembler
Manufacturing Assistant

Shoe Machine Operator and Tender

Where it can lead

Production Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector
Machine Shop Lead

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.

Salary

$35,650

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position