How to become a shoemaking and related machine operator

Official title: Shoemaking and related machine operators

Also called: Machine operator (footwear production)

Shoemaking and related machine operators monitor and operate machines which produce and repair standard or special footwear, handbags and other accessories, mainly made of leather.

Main tasks

• Operating and monitoring machines which mark patterns and cut shoe parts
• Operating and monitoring machines which sew shoe parts together, or edge, polish, or apply ornaments and perform finishing tasks
• Operating and monitoring machines which produce luggage, handbags, belts and other accessories, as well as other items such as saddles, collars or harnesses

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: HK$20,000 a month
• About 387,500 people in 2025, and about 403,200 projected by 2028. (+4.1%)
• Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Related jobs

• Weaving and knitting machine operators
• Fur and leather preparing machine operators
• Textile, fur and leather products machine operators not elsewhere classified
• Bleaching, dyeing and fabric cleaning machine operators
• Fibre preparing, spinning and winding machine operators
• Laundry machine operators

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Questions people ask

Do you need a degree to become a shoemaking and related machine operator?

Usually not. Only 10% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a shoemaking and related machine operator?

Generative AI can do relatively little of this work, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

• Census and Statistics Department (2021 Population Census): 2021 Population Census, Interactive Data Dissemination Service: working population by occupation (38 groups) and sex, age, education, income; median income and field of education (9 groups) (2021 Population Census), retrieved 4 October 2026
• Census and Statistics Department (General Household Survey): Median monthly employment earnings by occupation (9 groups), excluding foreign domestic helpers (Table 210-06317A); employed persons by occupation, age and sex (210-06307A) and by industry (210-06308A) (2025 annual (series to 2026-07)), retrieved 4 October 2026
• Labour and Welfare Bureau; tables published by C&SD: Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection to 2028: supplementary statistical tables (5 occupation groups, 17 selected industries) (2025 to 2028 (published 2026-09)), retrieved 4 October 2026
• International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026