Earnings of textile, apparel, and furnishings workers vary by occupation. Because many production workers in apparel manufacturing are paid according to the number of acceptable pieces they or their group produce, their total earnings depend on skill, speed, and accuracy. Workers covered by union contracts tend to have higher earnings. Median hourly earnings by occupation in 2002 were as follows:
| Extruding and forming machine setters, operators, and tenders, synthetic and glass fibers | $13.22 |
| Fabric and apparel patternmakers | 12.67 |
| Upholsterers | 11.86 |
| Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders | 11.05 |
| Tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers | 10.68 |
| Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders | 10.54 |
| Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders | 10.00 |
| Shoe machine operators and tenders | 9.90 |
| Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders | 9.77 |
| Shoe and leather workers and repairers | 9.14 |
| All other textile, apparel, and furnishings workers | 9.01 |
| Sewers, hand | 8.69 |
| Sewing machine operators | 8.39 |
| Pressers, textile, garment, and related materials | 8.21 |
| Laundry and drycleaning workers | 8.07 |
Benefits also vary. A few large employers, for example, include childcare in their benefits package. Apparel workers in retail trade also may receive a discount on their purchases from the company for which they work. In addition, some of the larger manufacturers operate company stores from which employees can purchase apparel products at significant discounts. Some small firms, however, offer only limited benefits.
Textiles and leather clothe our bodies, cover our furniture, and adorn our homes. Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers produce these materials and fashion them into a wide range of products that we use in our daily lives. Jobs range from those which employ computers, to those in which the worker operates large industrial machinery and smaller power equipment, to those which involve substantial handwork.
Textile machine operators. Textile machine operators run machines that make textile products from fibers. Textiles are the basis of towels, bed linens, hosiery and socks, and nearly all clothing, but they also are a key ingredient of products ranging from roofing to tires. The first step in manufacturing textiles is preparing the natural or synthetic fibers. Extruding and forming machine operators, synthetic and glass fibers set up and operate machines that extrude—or force—liquid synthetic material such as rayon, fiberglass, or liquid polymers out through small holes and draw out filaments. Other operators put natural fibers such as cotton, wool, flax, or hemp through carding and combing machines that clean and align them into short lengths called “sliver.” When sliver is produced, different types of natural fibers and synthetics filaments may be combined to give the product a desired texture, durability, or other characteristics. Textile winding, twisting, and drawing-out machine operators take the sliver and draw out, twist, and wind it to produce yarn, taking care to repair any breaks.
Textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators control machines that wash, bleach, or dye either yarn or finished fabrics and other products. Woven fabrics are used to make apparel and other goods, while some knitted products (such as hosiery) and tufted products (such as carpeting) emerge in near-finished form. Different types of machines are used for these processes, but operators perform similar tasks, repairing breaks in the yarn and monitoring the yarn supply, while tending many machines at once. Textile cutting machine operators trim the fabric into various widths and lengths, depending on its intended use.
Apparel workers. Apparel workers cut fabric and other materials and sew it into clothing and related products. Workers in a variety of occupations fall under the heading of apparel workers. Tailors, dressmakers, and sewers make custom clothing and alter and repair garments for individuals. However, workers in most apparel occupations are found in manufacturing, performing specialized tasks in the production of large numbers of garments that are shipped to retail establishments for sale to the public.
Fabric and apparel patternmakers convert a clothing designer’s original model of a garment into a pattern of separate parts that can be laid out on a length of fabric. After discussing the item with the designer, these skilled workers usually use a computer to outline the parts and draw in details to indicate the positions of pleats, buttonholes, and other features. (In the past, patternmakers laid out the parts on paper, using pencils and drafting instruments such as rulers.) Patternmakers then alter the size of the pieces in the pattern to produce garments of various sizes, and they may “mark” the fabric to show the best layout of pattern pieces to minimize waste of material.
Once an item’s pattern has been made and marked, mass production of the garment begins. Cutters and trimmers take the patterns and cut out material, paying close attention to their work because mistakes are costly.
Sewing machine operators join the parts of a garment together, reinforce seams, and attach buttons, hooks, zippers, and accessories to produce clothing. After the product is sewn, other workers remove lint and loose threads and inspect and package the garments.
Shoe and leather workers. Shoe and leather workers are employed either in manufacturing or in personal services. In personal services, shoe and leather workers and repairers perform a variety of repairs and custom leatherwork for members of the general public. They construct, decorate, or repair shoes, belts, purses, saddles, luggage, and other leather products. When making custom shoes or modifying existing footwear for people with foot problems or special needs, shoe and leather workers and repairers cut pieces of leather, shape them over a form shaped like a foot, and sew them together. They also dye and polish the items, utilizing a buffing wheel for a smooth surface and lustrous shine. When making luggage, they fasten leather to a frame and attach handles and other hardware. They also cut and secure linings inside the frames and sew or stamp designs onto the exterior of the luggage.
Upholsterers. Upholsterers make, fix, and restore furniture that is covered with fabric. Using hammers and tack pullers upholsterers who restore furniture remove old fabric and stuffing to get back down to the springs and wooden frame. The springs sit on a cloth mat, called webbing, that is attached to the frame. Upholsterers replace torn webbing, examine the springs, and replace broken or bent ones. First, they install webbing, tacking it to one side of the frame, stretching it tight, and tacking it to the other side. Sometimes, upholsterers pick up and deliver the furniture they work on. They also help customers pick new coverings by providing samples of fabrics and pictures of finished pieces.
Laundry and drycleaning workers. Laundry and drycleaning workers clean cloth garments, linens, draperies, blankets, and other articles.
Employment of textile, apparel, and furnishings workers is expected to decline through 2012. Apparel workers have been among the most rapidly declining occupational groups in the economy, and increasing imports, the use of offshore assembly, and greater productivity through new automation will contribute to additional job losses. Also, many new textiles require less production and processing. Because of the large size of this occupation, however, many thousands of job openings will arise each year from the need to replace persons who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the occupation for other reasons.
Employment in the domestic textile and apparel industries has declined in recent years as foreign producers have gained a greater share of the U.S. market. Domestic production—especially of apparel—will continue to move abroad, and imports to the U.S. market will increase. Declines in U.S. apparel production will cause reductions in domestic textile production because the apparel industry is the largest consumer of American-made textiles. Fierce competition in the market for apparel will keep domestic apparel and textile firms under intense pressure to cut costs and produce more with fewer workers.
The textile industry already is highly automated, but it will continue to seek to increase worker productivity through the introduction of laborsaving machinery and the invention of new fibers and fabrics that reduce production costs. Despite advances in technology, the apparel industry has had difficulty employing automated equipment extensively due to the soft properties of textile products. The industry produces a wide variety of apparel items that change frequently with changes in style and season. Technological developments, such as computer-aided marking and grading, computer-controlled cutters, semiautomatic sewing and pressing machines, and automated material-handling systems have increased output while reducing the need for some workers in larger firms. However, assembly and sewing continues to be the most labor-intensive step in the production of apparel, and increasing numbers of sewing machine operator jobs are expected to be lost to lower wage workers abroad. Still, improvements in productivity will allow many of the presewing functions of design, patternmaking, marking, and cutting to continue be done domestically, and employment of workers who perform these functions will not be as adversely affected.
Outside of the manufacturing sector, tailors, dressmakers, and sewers—the most skilled apparel workers—also are expected to experience declining employment. Demand for their services will continue to lessen as consumers become increasingly likely to buy new, mass-produced apparel instead of purchasing custom-made apparel or having clothes altered or repaired.
Employment of shoe and leather workers is expected to decline through 2012 due to growing imports of less expensive shoes and leather goods, increasing productivity of U.S. manufacturers, and the more frequent tendency to buy new shoes rather than repair worn or damaged ones. However, declines are expected to be somewhat offset as more people invest in expensive leather shoes that they will want repaired. Also, as the population continues to age, more people will need custom shoes for health reasons.
Employment of upholsterers is expected to decline through 2012 as new furniture and automotive seats use more durable coverings and as manufacturing firms continue to become more automated and efficient. Demand for the reupholstery of furniture also is expected to decline as the increasing manufacture of new, relatively inexpensive upholstered furniture causes many people simply to replace old, worn furniture. However, demand will continue to be steady for upholsterers who restore very valuable furniture. Most reupholstery work is labor intensive and not easily automated. Job opportunities for experienced upholsterers should be good because few young people enter the occupation and few shops offer training.
.Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for jobs in textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations. Entrants with postsecondary vocational training or previous work experience in apparel production usually have a better chance of getting a job and advancing to a supervisory position. Regardless of the setting, workers usually begin by performing simple tasks.
In manufacturing, textile and apparel workers need good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, physical stamina, and the ability to perform repetitive tasks for long periods. Machine operators usually are trained on the job by more experienced employees or by machinery manufacturers’ representatives. As they gain experience, these workers are assigned more difficult operations. Further advancement is limited, however. Some production workers may become first-line supervisors, but most can advance only to more skilled operator jobs. As machinery in the industry continues to become more complex, knowledge of the basics of computers and electronics will increasingly be an asset. In addition, the trends toward cross-training of operators and working in teams will increase the time needed to become fully trained on all machines and require interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
Retailers prefer to hire custom tailors, dressmakers, and sewers with previous experience in apparel manufacture, design, or alteration. Knowledge of fabrics, design, and construction is very important. Custom tailors sometimes learn these skills through courses in high school or a community college. A few private schools and colleges offer advanced training in sewing, draping, patternmaking, and design. Some experienced custom tailors open their own tailoring shop. Custom tailoring is a highly competitive field, however, and training in small-business operations can mean the difference between success and failure. Although laundries and drycleaners prefer entrants with previous work experience, they routinely hire inexperienced workers.
Precision shoe and leather workers and repairers generally learn their skills on the job. Manual dexterity and the mechanical aptitude to work with handtools and machines are important in shoe repair and leatherworking. Shoe and leather workers who produce custom goods should have artistic ability as well. Beginners start as helpers for experienced workers, but, in manufacturing, they may attend more formal in-house training programs. Beginners gradually take on more tasks until they are fully qualified workers, a process that takes about 2 years in an apprenticeship program or as a helper in a shop. In a vocational training program, it can take 6 months to a year. Learning to make saddles takes longer. Shoe repairers need to keep their skills up to date in order to work with the rapidly changing footwear styles and materials. Some do this by attending trade shows, while others attend specialized training seminars and workshops in custom shoe making, shoe repair, and other leatherwork sponsored by associations. Skilled workers who produce and modify prescription footwear may become certified as pedorthists by the Pedorthic Footwear Association after completing 120 hours of training and passing an examination. Some in the shoe and leather working occupations begin as workers or repairers and advance to salaried supervisory and managerial positions. Some open their own shop, but knowledge of business practices and management and a pleasant manner when dealing with customers are needed to stay in business.
Most upholsterers learn their skills on the job, but a few do so through apprenticeships. Inexperienced persons also may take training in basic upholstery in vocational schools and some community colleges. Upholsterers should have manual dexterity, good coordination, and the strength needed to lift heavy furniture. An eye for detail, a flair for color, and the ability to use fabrics creatively also are helpful. The length of training may vary from 6 weeks to 3 years. Upholsterers who work on custom-made pieces may train for 8 to 10 years. The primary forms of advancement for upholsterers are opening their own shop or moving into management. The upholstery business is highly competitive, so operating a shop successfully is difficult. In large shops and factories, experienced or highly skilled upholsterers may become supervisors or samplemakers.
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Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers apply their knowledge of textiles and leathers to fashion products with use of handtools and machinery. Other occupations that produce products by means of handtools, machines, and their knowledge of the materials with which they work include assemblers and fabricators, dental laboratory technicians, food-processing workers, jewelers and precious stone and metal workers, and woodworkers.
Information about job opportunities in textile, apparel, and furnishings occupations is available from local employers and local offices of the State employment service.
For general information on careers, technology, and trade regulations in the textile industry, contact
To receive a list of technical schools with accredited programs in upholstery, contact
Among the workers who do leather work and repair are custom orthopedic shoemakers, saddlemakers, and luggage makers. Although these workers produce different goods, their duties are actually quite similar. Depending on the size of the factory or shop, a leather worker may perform one or more of the steps required to complete a product. In smaller factories or shops, workers generally perform several tasks, while those in larger facilities tend to specialize. Shoe and leather repairers use their knowledge of leatherworking to give worn leather goods extended wearability.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos234.html
Earnings of most workers are low. Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers produce these materials and fashion them into a wide range of products that we use in our daily lives. They must pay close attention to their work because mistakes are costly. In some companies, computer-controlled machines do the cutting. Shoe and leather workers.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos233.htm
Often, they replace worn soles and heels on shoes and boots. Shoe and leather workers sew, nail, and glue on new parts after painting or dyeing them to match. They attach insoles to wooden forms shaped like a foot. They speak with customers to determine their needs. Hiring Practices Most employers require helpers to have a high school diploma or GED.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100452
Earnings of most workers are low. Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers produce these materials and fashion them into a wide range of products that we use in our daily lives. Cutters and trimmers take the patterns and cut out material, paying close attention to their work because mistakes are costly. Shoe and leather workers. Upholsterers make, fix, and restore furniture that is covered with fabric.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos233.htm
Apparel workers cut fabric and other materials and sew it into clothing and related products. Tailors, dressmakers, and sewers make custom clothing and alter and repair garments for individuals. Many older factories are cluttered, hot, and poorly lit and ventilated, but more modern facilities usually have more workspace and are well lit and ventilated. Textile machinery operators use protective glasses and masks that cover their noses and mouths to protect against airborne materials. As machinery in the industry continues to become more complex, knowledge of the basics of computers and electronics will increasingly be an asset.
Summary of: http://www.apparelsearch.com/Employment/Job_Descriptions/Apparel_Workers.htm
Wages are low for the majority of workers. Textile, Apparel and Furnishing Career and Job Overview Textiles and leather are used to cover our bodies and furniture, and decorate our homes. To produce textiles, first the natural and synthetic fibers must be prepared. Additionally, patternmakers “mark” the fabric in order to identify the best layout position which will minimize waste. For the best chance to earn a promotion as a supervisor, workers need to have prior work experience or have some vocational training in apparel manufacturing.
Summary of: http://www.careeroverview.com/textile-apparel-careers.html
Although they produce different goods, shoe and leather workers share many tasks. Other steps may vary according to the type of good being produced. Shoe and leather repairers use their knowledge of leatherworking to extend the lives of worn leather goods. All leather workers and repairers use handtools and machines. In smaller factories or shops, workers generally perform several tasks, while those in larger facilities tend to specialize.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/364.htm
Select correct color bar mmLoadMenus(); Access the search page. Firms in the apparel and leather products industry make clothes, furniture, accessories, and many other products from natural and synthetic hides and fabrics. EmploymentIn Minnesota, about 6,500 workers are employed in this small industry. Wages in this industry are below the average for all industries. Textile Product Mills (NAICS 314) Textile furnishings mills such as carpet and rugs; curtain and linens; draperies; textile bags and canvas; rope, cordage, and twine; tire cord and tire fabric.
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Shoe and leather workers are employed either in manufacturing or in personal services. In shoe manufacturing, shoe machine operators and tenders operate a variety of specialized machines that perform cutting, joining, and finishing functions. They construct, decorate, or repair shoes, belts, purses, saddles, luggage, and other leather products. They also may repair some products made of canvas or plastic. They also cut and secure linings inside the frames and sew or stamp designs onto the exterior of the luggage.
Summary of: http://www.apparelsearch.com/Employment/Job_Descriptions/Shoe_and_leather_worker.htm
Earnings of most workers are low. Textile, apparel, and furnishings workers produce these materials and fashion them into a wide range of products that we use in our daily lives. Cutters and trimmers take the patterns and cut out material, paying close attention to their work because mistakes are costly. Shoe and leather workers. Upholsterers make, fix, and restore furniture that is covered with fabric.
Summary of: http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/produ14.shtml