Production & Manufacturing · Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$35–42k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$41–48k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-3.7% · Declining
Projected decline of -3.7% from 2024 to 2034.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Tenders
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Experienced Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Senior Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders
Director of Production & Manufacturing
You prioritize Relationships
This career is strongly aligned with Relationships — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Active Listening
Active Listening is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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