Shoe and leather workers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers — one of 2 occupations here: Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers, Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Prepare inserts, heel pads, and lifts from casts of customers' feet.96
Dress and otherwise finish boots or shoes, as by trimming the edges of new soles and heels to the shoe shape.95
Attach insoles to shoe lasts, affix shoe uppers, and apply heels and outsoles.88
Clean and polish shoes.87
Cement, nail, or sew soles and heels to shoes.87
Dye, soak, polish, paint, stamp, stitch, stain, buff, or engrave leather or other materials to obtain desired effects, decorations, or shapes.85
Check the texture, color, and strength of leather to ensure that it is adequate for a particular purpose.85
Shape shoe heels with a knife, and sand them on a buffing wheel for smoothness.85
Place shoes on lasts to remove soles and heels, using knives or pliers.85
Repair or replace soles, heels, and other parts of footwear, using sewing, buffing and other shoe repair machines, materials, and equipment.85
Cut out parts, following patterns or outlines, using knives, shears, scissors, or machine presses.84
Construct, decorate, or repair leather products according to specifications, using sewing machines, needles and thread, leather lacing, glue, clamps, hand tools, or rivets.84

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Cut, insert, position, and secure paddings, cushioning, or linings, using stitches or glue.84
Estimate the costs of requested products or services such as custom footwear or footwear repair, and receive payment from customers.84
Draw patterns, using measurements, designs, plaster casts, or customer specifications, and position or outline patterns on work pieces.83
Nail heel and toe cleats onto shoes.83
Repair and recondition leather products such as trunks, luggage, shoes, saddles, belts, purses, and baseball gloves.82
Align and stitch or glue materials such as fabric, fleece, leather, or wood, to join parts.81
Inspect articles for defects, and remove damaged or worn parts, using hand tools.81
Re-sew seams, and replace handles and linings of suitcases or handbags.79
Stretch shoes, dampening parts and inserting and twisting parts, using an adjustable stretcher.78
Drill or punch holes and insert or attach metal rings, handles, and fastening hardware, such as buckles.75
Read prescriptions or specifications, and take measurements to establish the type of product to be made, using calipers, tape measures, or rules.74
Attach accessories or ornamentation to decorate or protect products.73
Make, modify, and repair orthopedic or therapeutic footwear according to doctors' prescriptions, or modify existing footwear for people with foot problems and special needs.71
Select materials and patterns, and trace patterns onto materials to be cut out.65

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening50
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring47
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension47
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness47
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management44
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Quality Control Analysis38
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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Active Learning35
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving35
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Instructing31
Teaching others how to do something.
Operation and Control31
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Persuasion31
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Writing28
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Equipment Selection25
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Systems Analysis22
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Learning Strategies16
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing13
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Systems Evaluation13
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Production and Processing56
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service50
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Mechanical48
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Sales and Marketing40
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administration and Management35
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training29
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology25
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Economics and Accounting23
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Design22
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language22
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Chemistry20
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Personnel and Human Resources17
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Mathematics16
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Psychology16
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security15
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Law and Government14
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Philosophy and Theology9
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Administrative8
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics8
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Telecommunications8
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Building and Construction7
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Physics6
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Geography4
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language3
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Communications and Media2
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Food Production2
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry2
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sociology and Anthropology2
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Therapy and Counseling1
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts0
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology0
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Near Vision63
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness56
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Finger Dexterity56
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Oral Comprehension50
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

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Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Multilimb Coordination47
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Oral Expression47
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Reaction Time44
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Written Comprehension44
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Hearing Sensitivity35
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Flexibility of Closure31
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas31
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed31
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Rate Control31
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Static Strength31
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Written Expression31
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Depth Perception28
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Explosive Strength25
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Response Orientation25
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Stamina25
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Time Sharing25
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Gross Body Coordination22
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium22
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Memorization19
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Glare Sensitivity10
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision10
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision10
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement6
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials74
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes69
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards68
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects68
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems66
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information65
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People65
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events62
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing General Physical Activities62
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information60
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates59
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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Thinking Creatively58
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships57
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information51
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others51
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Developing and Building Teams48
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others47
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others46
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information45
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Assisting and Caring for Others45
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources45
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work45
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge43
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Coaching and Developing Others41
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment39
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Developing Objectives and Strategies38
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment38
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Performing Administrative Activities36
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Selling or Influencing Others36
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others35
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment35
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates35
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public35
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others34
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Working with Computers34
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization31
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Documenting/Recording Information31
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Staffing Organizational Units31
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Scheduling Work and Activities30
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment6
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail77
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability66
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness49
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance35
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Achievement Orientation32
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Innovation25
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Integrity25
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Initiative17
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Self-Control17
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence14
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Stress Tolerance13
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability7
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Intellectual Curiosity6
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Sincerity6
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism5
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Cooperation4
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic99
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional37
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic36
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Investigative11
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising9
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social5
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually100%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day84%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day78%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never11%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day78%
- Never13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never16%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually68%
- About half the time28%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom75%
- Very little freedom19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time11%
Contact With Others
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Important19%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never17%

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Time Pressure
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day69%
- Never25%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Not important at all24%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results16%
- Moderate results19%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- Less than 40 hours23%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time17%
- Never11%
Level of Competition
- Not at all competitive18%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)18%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)14%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)14%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)53%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week74%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never11%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day14%
- Never22%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility11%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually13%
- Less than half the time62%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility14%
- No responsibility37%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Very important27%
- Important17%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)20%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important12%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Never37%
E-Mail
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
Spend Time Sitting
- About half the time18%
- Less than half the time49%
- Never27%
Degree of Automation
- Not at all automated33%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day16%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never81%
Written Letters and Memos
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time11%
- Never81%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never85%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never94%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never96%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never91%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never91%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never99%
Public Speaking
- Never98%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never99%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software, Financial accounting software
Point of sale POS software
Sale processing software
Inventory management software
Inventory tracking software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Assemble garments or textile products.
Trim excess material from workpieces.
Apply water or solutions to fabrics or apparel.
Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products.
Repair textiles or apparel.
Sew clothing or other articles.
Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production.
Adjust fabrics or other materials during garment production.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
Operate sewing equipment.
Attach decorative or functional accessories to products.

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Cut fabrics.
Estimate costs of products, services, or materials.
Design templates or patterns.
Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.
Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly.
Inspect garments for defects, damage, or stains.
Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials.
Measure clients to ensure proper product fit.
Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
Construct customized assistive medical or dental devices.
Draw guide lines or markings on materials or workpieces using patterns or other references.
Select production input materials.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Bootmaker, Hand
Harness Maker
Leather Stamper
Ortho-Boot-Shoe Designer Maker
Saddle Maker
Shoe Repairer
Shoemaker, Custom

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology