Leather goods finishing operator

About this occupation

Leather goods finishing operators organise leather goods products to be finished applying different types of finishing (e.g. creamy, oily, waxy, polishing, plastic-coated, etc.). They use tools, means and materials to incorporate the handles and metallic applications in bags, suitcases, and other accessories. They study the sequence of operations according to the information received from the supervisor and from the technical sheet of the model. They apply techniques for ironing, creaming or oiling, for the application of liquids for waterproofing, leather washing, cleaning, polishing, waxing, brushing, burning tips, remotion of glue waste, and painting the tops following technical specifications. They also check visually the quality of the finished by paying close attention to the absence of wrinkles, straight seams, and cleanliness. They correct anomalies or defects that can be solved...

A specialisation of leather goods manual operator.

• Apply coatings, such as paint, ink, or lacquer, to protect or decorate workpiece surfaces, using spray guns, pens, or brushes.
• Examine finished surfaces of workpieces to verify conformance to specifications and retouch any defective areas.
• Clean and maintain tools and equipment, using solvents, brushes, and rags.
• Read job orders and inspect workpieces to determine work procedures and materials required.
• Select and mix ingredients to prepare coating substances according to specifications, using paddles or mechanical mixers.
• Place coated workpieces in ovens or dryers for specified times to dry or harden finishes.

Typical education (US)

Less than a High School Diploma

Preparation

Job Zone 2 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Artistic, Conventional

Top skills: Active Listening, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Reading Comprehension, Speaking

US median pay: US$41,600 a year (2025), 7,940 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Preparation needed

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

Most common education (US)

Less than a High School Diploma

Education

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

Experience

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Training

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.