# Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

> Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-6042.00
- **Summary:** Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.

## Aliases

- Boot Maker
- Inseamer
- Side Laster
- Stitcher
- Cobbler
- Insole Department Worker
- Shoe Cementer
- Shoe Maker
- Toe Trimmer
- Anchor Operator
- Anchorer
- Ankle Patch Molder

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.k |
| Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Fill shuttle spools with thread from a machine's bobbin winder by pressing a foot treadle. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Staple sides of shoes, pressing a foot treadle to position and hold each shoe under the feeder of the machine. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Draw thread through machine guide slots, needles, and presser feet in preparation for stitching, or load rolls of wire through machine axles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Study work orders or shoe part tags to obtain information about workloads, specifications, and the types of materials to be used. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Perform routine equipment maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines or replacing broken needles. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Position dies on material in a manner that will obtain the maximum number of parts from each portion of material. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Test machinery to ensure proper functioning before beginning production. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.l |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Remove products or workpieces from production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Replace worn equipment components. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Operate sewing equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.e |
| Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. | 4.A.3.a.2.ao |
| Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Conduct test runs of production equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.l |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Feed materials or products into or through equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Assemble garments or textile products. | 4.A.3.a.2.aj |
| Select production input materials. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met. | 4.A.1.a.2.k |
| Inspect finishes of workpieces or finished products. | 4.A.1.b.2.f |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.62 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.28 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Administration and Management | knowledge | 3.01 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 2.88 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Visualization | ability | 2.88 |
| Rate Control | ability | 2.88 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Far Vision | ability | 2.88 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 2.88 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 2.75 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 2.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 2.75 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 2.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 2.75 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 2.75 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.66 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 2.62 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Adobe Acrobat | Specialized Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Industrial Control Software | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Adobe Acrobat | Document management software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Inventory tracking software | Inventory management software | no | no |
| Production control software | Industrial control software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 5 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 4.85 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.41 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.38 |
| Contact With Others | 4.23 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.21 |
| Time Pressure | 3.89 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.87 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.82 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 3.8 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.8 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.75 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.72 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.71 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.63 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.57 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.52 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.46 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.34 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.3 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.28 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.26 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.26 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.15 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.13 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.08 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 2.82 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.61 |
| Level of Competition | 2.57 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.31 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 2.23 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.18 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.18 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 2.13 |
| E-Mail | 2.02 |
| Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People | 1.93 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 1.9 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.87 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 1.8 |
| Telephone Conversations | 1.74 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** 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.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 38 |
| Some College Courses | 15.31 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 0.29 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 6.71 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.88 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 3.23 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.34 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.29 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.06 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.77 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 1.67 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.56 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.54 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.53 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.48 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 1.47 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.3 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 1.27 |
| Management/Administration | specific_interest_area | 1.2 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-6031.00 | role-51-6031-00 | Sewing Machine Operators | Primary-Short |
| 51-9032.00 | role-51-9032-00 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-6041.00 | role-51-6041-00 | Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | Primary-Short |
| 51-9022.00 | role-51-9022-00 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-9031.00 | role-51-9031-00 | Cutters and Trimmers, Hand | Primary-Short |
| 51-4033.00 | role-51-4033-00 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Primary-Long |
| 51-6062.00 | role-51-6062-00 | Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-9191.00 | role-51-9191-00 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 51-7041.00 | role-51-7041-00 | Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | Primary-Long |
| 51-6051.00 | role-51-6051-00 | Sewers, Hand | Supplemental |
| 51-6021.00 | role-51-6021-00 | Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Precision Production | precision-production |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 38160
- **Mean Wage:** 37230
- **Pct10Wage:** 24160
- **Pct25Wage:** 30450
- **Pct75Wage:** 43390
- **Pct90Wage:** 47860
- **Employment:** 3270
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 3230 | 38160 | 11.93 |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 3230 | 11.93 |
- **Count:** 1

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.97 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.029855 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.8825489 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.052404 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 13
- **Percentile:** 9
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 17 | felten_aioe |
| 13 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 10 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.029855 | 17 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.08695652173913043 | 13 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.04956968925269976 | 10 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.97
- **Percentile:** 94
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.08695652173913043
- **Beta:** 0.08695652173913043
- **Gamma:** 0.08695652173913043

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -3.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 15
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.4
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 6
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 4.1
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 3.9

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 19
- **Skills:** 38
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 5cf720db831fa766