Garment Pressers
Garment pressers use specialized machines and hand irons to remove wrinkles, shape clothing, and give garments their final polished look before they reach customers. You'll work with steam presses, hydraulic machines, and heated forms to handle everything from everyday clothes to delicate pleated items, selecting the right equipment based on each fabric's needs. This hands-on job combines technical skills with attention to detail, and you'll also package and prepare finished items for delivery. Many pressers work in dry cleaning businesses, clothing manufacturers, or textile facilities where teamwork and quality control are essential.
Did you know?
The role requires prolonged standing, repetitive hand movements, and exposure to heat from pressing equipment, which can lead to fatigue and potential musculoskeletal issues.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$32,100 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Things to consider
Limited Domestic Manufacturing Opportunities
Most clothing production has moved overseas, resulting in fewer traditional manufacturing jobs and increased competition for remaining positions in the US market.
Skill Diversification for Career Advancement
Expanding skills to include alterations, custom tailoring, or specialized finishing techniques can improve job security and earning potential in niche markets.
Key responsibilities
Finish velvet garments by steaming them on bucks of hot-head presses or steam tables, and brushing pile (nap) with handbrushes.
Operate steam, hydraulic, or other pressing machines to remove wrinkles from garments and flatwork items, or to shape, form, or patch articles.
Brush materials made of suede, leather, or felt to remove spots or to raise and smooth naps.
Spray water over fabric to soften fibers when not using steam irons.
Straighten, smooth, or shape materials to prepare them for pressing.