Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.

Also called: Boot Maker, Cobbler, Inseamer, Insole Department Worker, Shoe Cementer, Shoe Maker, Side Laster, Stitcher, Toe Trimmer, Anchor Operator, Anchorer, Ankle Patch Molder, Apron Trimmer, Arch Cushion Press Operator, Archer, Back Closer, Back Stayer, Back Strip Machine Operator, Back Wedger, Barrer, Bed Laster, Bed Machine Operator, Binding Dyer, Binding Stitcher, Block Hand, Block Out Machine Operator, Bobbin Winder, Boot Trimmer, Bottom Cementer, Bottom Filler, Bottom Finisher, Bottom Painter, Bottom Polisher, Bottom Sprayer, Bow Machine Operator, Box Toe Maker, Breaster, Brushing Machine Operator, Buckle Attacher, Buckle Sewer, Buckler, Burnisher, Burnishing Machine Operator, Button Sewer, Caser, Cementer, Channel Cementer, Channel Layer, Channel Lip Wetter, Channel Opener, Channel Turner, Channeler, Channeling Machine Operator, Closer, Concaver, Cookie Padder, Cordwainer, Counter Cutter, Counter Former, Counter Maker, Counter Molder, Counter Roller, Counter Stacker, Counter Stitcher, Cripple Chaser, Cripple Cutter, Cripple Worker, Crowner, Cushion Sewer, Cut Out Machine Operator, Cut Out Operator, Cut Out Stitcher, Cut To Length Operator, Deskidding Machine Operator, Die Out Worker, Die Press Operator, Die Trimmer, Double Head Machine Operator, Double Needle Operator, Double Needle Stitcher, Dyeing Out Machine Operator, Dyer, Edge Blacker, Edge Brusher, Edge Burnisher, Edge Cutter, Edge Drummer, Edge Finisher, Edge Molder, Edge Setter, Edge Stainer, Edge Trimmer, Embosser, Eyelet Machine Operator, Eyelet Maker, Eyelet Operator, Eyeletter, Faker, Fancy Needleworker, Fancy Stitcher, Fastener, Feather Edger, Featherer, Finishing Area Operator, Finishing Trimmer, Flamer, Flat Lock Machine Operator, Flat Lock Operator, Flesher, Folder Machine Operator, Form Maker, Foxing Closer, French Binder, French Cord Binder, French Folder, French Folding Machine Operator, Fudger, Fur Finisher, Fur Machine Operator, Fur Operator, Fur Sewer, Gang Punch Operator, Goodyear Stitcher, Goodyear Welter, Gore Cutter, Gore Stitcher, Gouger, Groover, Groover Operator, Groover Runner, Grooving Machine Operator, Half Backer, Half Sole Fitter, Heel Attacher, Heel Blacker, Heel Breaster, Heel Builder, Heel Burnisher, Heel Caser, Heel Cementer, Heel Compressor, Heel Coverer, Heel Coverer Machine Operator, Heel Curver, Heel Cutter, Heel Dipper, Heel Gouger, Heel Gummer, Heel Layer, Heel Nailing Machine Operator, Heel Padder, Heel Painter, Heel Pricker, Heel Sander, Heel Scourer, Heel Seat Fitter, Heel Seat Laster, Heel Seater, Heel Sewer, Heel Shaper, Heel Shaver, Heel Slugger, Heel Sprayer, Heel Stainer, Heel Stiffener, Heel Trimmer, Heel Turner, Heel Varnisher, Heeler, Hooker, Inker, Innersole Fitter, Innersole Maker, Inseam Trimmer, Insole Beveler, Insole Cementer, Insole Doubler, Insole Lip Turner, Insole Presser, Insole Reinforcer, Insole Rounder, Insole Stiffener, Insole Tacker, Job Setter, Joint Cutter, Jollier, Label Sewer, Lacer, Lacing Operator, Lacing String Cutter, Lapper, Last Chalker, Last Picker, Last Puller, Last Trimmer, Laster, Lasting Machine Operator, Lasting Room Machine Operator, Leather Softener, Leveler, Lining Caser, Lining Cleaner, Lining Closer, Lining Layer, Lining Stitcher, Lip Cutter, Machine Fancy Stitcher, Machine Feed Operator, Machine Lacer, Machine Operator, Machine Sewer, Machine Splitter, Machine Stitcher, Machine Tender, Marking Machine Operator, Match Marker, Matcher, Mold Insert Changer, Mold Laminator, Multi Needle Machine Operator, Nailer, Nailer Operator, Nailhead Operator, Nailing Machine Operator, Naumkeag Operator, Needleworker, Nicker, Novelty Maker, Offal Roller, Offal Trimmer, Operator, Ornament Stitcher, Orthopedic Shoe Maker, Outside Cutter, Outsole Caser, Outsole Cementer, Outsole Compressor, Outsole Handler, Outsole Rounder, Outsole Splicer, Overcaster, Overedge Machine Operator, Overedger, Overlock Operator, Overlocker, Overseamer, Perforating Machine Operator, Pinking Machine Operator, Piper, Plug Paster, Pounder, Power Hammer Operator, Prick Stitcher, Pricker, Pull Over Machine Operator, Puller Over, Pump Stitcher, Quarter Backer, Quarter Seamer, Rand Cementer, Rand Maker, Rand Tacker, Rasper Machine Operator, Relaster, Roll Operator, Roller Stitcher, Rough Rounder, Rougher Machine Operator, Rounder, Sample Stitcher, Scalloper, Scarfer, Seam Closer, Seam Rubber, Seam Sewer, Seam Stayer, Seamer, Seamer Operator, Seat Nailer, Shank Archer, Shank Breaker, Shank Burnisher, Shank Cutter, Shank Faker, Shank Maker, Shank Rander, Shank Scourer, Shank Stapler, Shank Taper, Shanker, Shoe Associate, Shoe Caser, Shoe Cleaner, Shoe Coverer, Shoe Dresser, Shoe Fitter, Shoe Folder, Shoe Lacer, Shoe Laster, Shoe Lining Fitter, Shoe Puller, Shoe Reconditioner, Shoe Sewing Machine Operator, Shoe Sewing Machine Tender, Shoe Shanker, Shoe Sprayer, Shoe Stainer, Shoe Stamper, Shoe Stitcher, Shoe Treer, Shoe Trimmer, Shoe Turner, Shoe Worker, Single Needle Operator, Size Marker, Size Painter, Skin Washer, Skiver, Skiving Machine Operator, Slipper Maker, Slugger, Sock Liner, Sole Blacker, Sole Buffer, Sole Cementer, Sole Conditioner, Sole Conforming Machine Operator, Sole Cutter, Sole Filler, Sole Inker, Sole Layer, Sole Leveler, Sole Molder, Sole Painter, Sole Polisher, Sole Ruffer, Sole Scraper, Sole Seamer, Sole Skiver, Sole Splitter, Sole Stainer, Sole Tacker, Sole Tier, Sole Trimmer, Soler, Special Machine Stitcher, Stamper, Stamping Machine Operator, Standard Machine Stitcher, Stay Cutter, Stayer, Stitch Bonding Machine Tender, Stitch Burnisher, Stitch Cleaner, Stitch Marker, Stitch Rubber, Stitch Separator, Stitch Wheeler, Stitching Machine Operator, Stock Fitter, Stock Letterer, Stock Wetter, Stocklayer, Stoner, Strap Buckler, Strap Maker, Strap Sewer, String Laster, Suede Brusher, Sueding Machine Operator, Tack Puller, Tacker, Tape Controlled Machine Stitcher, Thread Laster, Tip Finisher, Tip Fixer, Tip Mender, Tip Puncher, Tip Scourer, Toe Former, Toe Laster, Tongue Binder, Tongue Stitcher, Top Closer, Top Lift Compressor, Top Lift Scourer, Top Lifter, Top Spotter, Top Stitcher, Tracer, Treer, Trimmer Machine Operator, Trimming Caser, Trimming Machine Operator, Truer, Turn Laster, Turn Sewer, Under Trimmer, Uniformer, Upper Caser, Upper Doubler, Upper Stitcher, Upper Tier, Vamp Creaser, Vamp Cut Out Worker, Vamp Liner, Vamp Maker, Vamp Marker, Vamp Seamer, Vamp Throater, Vamper, Vulcanizer, Vulcanizing Machine Operator, Vulcanizing Press Operator, Wedger, Welt Beater, Welt Maker, Welt Rander, Welt Sewer, Welt Slasher, Welt Stitch Cleaner, Welt Stitcher, Welt Wheeler, Wheeler, Wicker, Width Stripper, Wood Heel Back Liner, Wool Brusher, Zigzag Stitcher, Zigzagger

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications.
Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles.
Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels.
Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls.
Draw thread through machine guide slots, needles, and presser feet in preparation for stitching, or load rolls of wire through machine axles.
Study work orders or shoe part tags to obtain information about workloads, specifications, and the types of materials to be used.
Perform routine equipment maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines or replacing broken needles.
Test machinery to ensure proper functioning before beginning production.
Select and place spools of thread or pre-wound bobbins into shuttles, or onto spindles or loupers of stitching machines.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking
Troubleshooting
Time Management
Complex Problem Solving

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (38.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

29,090–43,090 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-6042.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (38.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders