PathScorer

    Shoe Machine Operators and Tender Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-6042.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $38,160
    per year
    Salary Range
    $24K – $48K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    3,270
    employed
    Job Growth
    -3.7%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders Make?

    Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $38,160 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $24,160 at the 10th percentile to $47,860 at the 90th percentile — a range of $23,700. The highest-paying state is New York at $46,290.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$24,160
    25th percentile$30,450
    Median (50th)$38,160
    75th percentile$43,390
    90th percentile$47,860
    10th: $24,160Median: $38,16090th: $47,860
    Section 02

    Shoe Machine Operators and Tender Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    New Yorktop$46,290
    California$46,240
    Wisconsin$40,780
    Maine$39,830
    Minnesota$38,420
    Texas$24,160
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

    Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area
    Highest paying
    $47,160
    top metro salary
    Maine
    $39,830
    $-7,330 vs highest
    Minnesota
    $38,420
    $-8,740 vs highest
    Texas
    $24,160
    $-23,000 vs highest
    El Paso, TX
    $22,320
    $-24,840 vs highest
    Section 04

    Shoe Machine Operators and Tender Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$24,160 – $30,450
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$38,160
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$43,390
    Senior (15+ yrs)$47,860+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Shoe Machine Operators and Tender

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders in Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area earn $47,160 — $9,000 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($43,390) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Shoe Machine Operators and Tender Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Shoe Machine Operators and Tenderthis career$38,160
    Rolling Machine Operator$48,630
    Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Operator$45,590
    Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Operator$45,190
    Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator$48,620

    Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Career Guide
    Learn how to become a Shoe Machine Operators and Tender →
    AI Automation Risk
    Shoe Machine Operators and Tender AI exposure analysis →

    SOC: 51-6042.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.