Production · SOC 51-6021
Pressing is hands-on, tactile, and fabric-dependent — automated pressers exist for bulk items but struggle with complex garments.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Garment-pressing robots remain limited to flat items like shirts on hangers; complex tailored garments will require human pressers for at least 10 more years.
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$49,900 median pay
$45,190 median pay
$38,160 median pay
$38,260 median pay
$42,530 median pay
$122,610 median pay
AI job-risk card
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials is 20/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
20 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Straightening and smoothing materials before pressing as a prep step. Harder to automate: Selecting press settings and technique for varied fabric types, Identifying and spot-treating stains before pressing, Hanging, folding, and tagging finished garments, Removing finished pieces and managing workflow.
Lean into Textile and fabric knowledge, Garment care and pressing technique, Stain treatment and identification, Machine operation and maintenance, Customer service and garment handling. Consider roles such as Laundry Supervisor or Garment Care Specialist or Dry Cleaning Plant Manager.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.