Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for shoe machine operators and tenders in the United States was $35,650 ($17.14 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $26,560 | $12.77 |
| 25th | $29,090 | $13.99 |
| Median | $35,650 | $17.14 |
| 75th | $43,090 | $20.72 |
| 90th | $47,700 | $22.94 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-6042
- Total U.S. employment: 3,280
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
At $17.14 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $35,651 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $35,650.
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,730 | $22.95 | +33.9% | 30 |
| Maine | $39,850 | $19.16 | +11.8% | 530 |
| Minnesota | $37,600 | $18.08 | +5.5% | 370 |
| New York | $48,420 | $23.28 | +35.8% | 40 |
| Texas | $26,560 | $12.77 | -25.5% | 500 |
| Wisconsin | $37,970 | $18.25 | +6.5% | 110 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Sales Managers — $148,270/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors — $62,890/yr
- Managers, All Other — $141,900/yr
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education — $64,370/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers — $79,860/yr
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers — $48,570/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for shoe machine operators and tenders?
The median annual wage for shoe machine operators and tenders is $35,650 ($17.14 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays shoe machine operators and tenders the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many shoe machine operators and tenders are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 3,280 shoe machine operators and tenders employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do shoe machine operators and tenders make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $17.14. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.