Wages vary with level of training and experience. Entry level wages may be lower. Sewing machine operators are often paid by the number of acceptable pieces they or their group produce. Thus their earnings depend on skill, speed, and accuracy. Sewing machine operators who work for large companies usually receive sick leave, paid vacation, life and health insurance, and a retirement plan.
Some companies also provide childcare.
In addition, some manufacturers have company stores where employees can purchase products at reduced prices. Small companies do not provide as many benefits. Wages tend to be lowest in apparel manufacturing plants and highest in automotive trimming factories. There were 1,660 people employed as garment sewing machine operators in Indiana in 1998. An additional 3,650 people were employed as nongarment sewing machine operators.