Shoe machine operators and tenders
SOC Code: 51-6042
Shoe machine operators and tenders carries a 41% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,160 and -3.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 4,100 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
Shoe machine operators and tenders (SOC 51-6042) carries an AI exposure score of 41%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 4,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.7% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $38,160, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Shoe machine operators and tenders. 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. Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications.
- 2. Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles.
- 3. Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
- 4. Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels.
- 5. Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls.
- 6. Fill shuttle spools with thread from a machine's bobbin winder by pressing a foot treadle.
- 7. Staple sides of shoes, pressing a foot treadle to position and hold each shoe under the feeder of the machine.
- 8. Draw thread through machine guide slots, needles, and presser feet in preparation for stitching, or load rolls of wire through machine axles.
- 9. Study work orders or shoe part tags to obtain information about workloads, specifications, and the types of materials to be used.
- 10. Perform routine equipment maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines or replacing broken needles.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Quality Control Analysis
- Speaking
- Troubleshooting
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Administrative
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Shoe machine operators and tenders?
Shoe machine operators and tenders has an AI exposure score of 41%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Shoe machine operators and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Shoe machine operators and tenders is projected to decline by 3.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 4,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Shoe machine operators and tenders?
Key skills for Shoe machine operators and tenders include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Shoe machine operators and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Shoe machine operators and tenders is $38,160, 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 Shoe machine operators and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Shoe machine operators and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Shoe machine operators and tenders?
Shoe machine operators and tenders 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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).