Sewers, hand
SOC Code: 51-6051
Sewers, hand carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $33,760 and -7.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Sewers, hand (SOC 51-6051) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -7.0% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $33,760, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Sewers, hand. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Fit garments on clients, altering as needed.
- 2. Select thread, twine, cord, or yarn to be used, and thread needles.
- 3. Measure and align parts, fasteners, or trimmings, following seams, edges, or markings on parts.
- 4. Trim excess threads or edges of parts, using scissors or knives.
- 5. Smooth seams with heated irons, flat bones, or rubbing sticks.
- 6. Sew, join, reinforce, or finish parts of articles, such as garments, books, mattresses, toys, and wigs, using needles and thread or other materials.
- 7. Use different sewing techniques such as felling, tacking, basting, embroidery, and fagoting.
- 8. Draw and cut patterns according to specifications.
- 9. Fold, twist, stretch, or drape material, and secure articles in preparation for sewing.
- 10. Sew buttonholes, or add lace or other trimming.
Key Skills Required
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Operations Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Economics and Accounting
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Sewers, hand?
Sewers, hand has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Sewers, hand?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Sewers, hand is projected to decline by 7.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Sewers, hand?
Key skills for Sewers, hand include Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Sewers, hand earn?
The median annual wage for Sewers, hand is $33,760, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Sewers, hand?
The typical entry-level education for Sewers, hand is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Sewers, hand?
Sewers, hand roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).