Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Guide 2025
The median annual salary for textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders is $39,530, according to the latest BLS data (OEWS). The mean wage is $40,720, or about $19 per hour. Most workers earn between $29,960 (10th percentile) and $49,130 (90th percentile). This occupation employs about 13,030 people across the U.S., mostly in textile mills and manufacturing facilities.
How much Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
Pay scales with experience and location. Entry-level workers around the 10th percentile earn roughly $29,960, while highly experienced operators at the 90th percentile can make up to $49,130. The median sits at $39,530, meaning half earn more and half less.
Industry also matters. Those working in fabric mills or apparel manufacturing tend to be near the median, while specialized textile product mills may pay slightly higher. Overtime can boost earnings, as many mills run shifts beyond 40 hours.
Pay by state
Location heavily influences wages. The highest-paying state is New York, with an average annual wage of $49,570. Other top states include New Hampshire ($48,440), Maine ($48,350), Washington ($48,220), and Minnesota ($46,430).
At the lower end, Texas offers $34,790, Iowa $33,730, and Tennessee $33,550. These differences often reflect regional manufacturing concentration and cost of living. If you're willing to relocate, targeting New England or the Pacific Northwest can lift earnings by more than $10,000 over the southern states.
How to become Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender
Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Formal education beyond that is uncommon; the job is learned through on-the-job training, usually lasting a few months. You start by observing an experienced operator, then gradually take on machine setup, monitoring, and basic troubleshooting.
No state licensing or certification is needed. However, some employers prefer candidates with mechanical aptitude or prior experience in a manufacturing environment. Skills like attention to detail, manual dexterity, and basic math are important. Community college courses in industrial maintenance or textiles can help, but are not mandatory.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions at textile mills or knitting facilities.
- Complete on-the-job training (typically 3–6 months).
- Learn to set up, adjust, and tend knitting or weaving machines.
- Gain experience to move into higher-paying jobs or shift supervisor roles.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment will decline by 11.2% from 2024 to 2034, losing about 1,500 jobs against a current base of 13,030. That's a faster decline than the average for all occupations, reflecting ongoing automation and overseas competition in textile manufacturing. However, about 1,700 openings per year are still expected, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. New roles will focus on operating and maintaining increasingly automated machines.
Frequently asked questions
What does a textile knitting and weaving machine setter, operator, or tender do?
They set up, operate, and monitor machines that knit, weave, or otherwise fabricate textiles. Duties include threading yarn, adjusting machine tension, inspecting fabric for defects, and performing minor repairs. The job is physically active and involves standing for long periods.
Do I need a degree to become a textile machine operator?
No. A high school diploma is typically required. Most training happens on the job and lasts a few months. No college degree or certification is needed, though mechanical aptitude helps.
What is the job growth for textile knitting and weaving machine operators?
The BLS projects an 11.2% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, much worse than the average occupation. However, about 1,700 job openings per year will still arise from workers leaving the field or retiring.
Which states pay the most for this job?
New York pays the highest average wage at $49,570, followed by New Hampshire ($48,440), Maine ($48,350), Washington ($48,220), and Minnesota ($46,430). The lowest-paying states are Texas ($34,790), Iowa ($33,730), and Tennessee ($33,550).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.