Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: Salary, Outlook & How to Start (2025)
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median annual salary of $38,670, or about $19 per hour. The typical range runs from $31,790 at the 10th percentile to $49,420 at the 90th. With 22,020 jobs nationwide and a projected decline of -9% through 2034, this is a shrinking occupation with roughly 2,500 openings per year from replacement needs.
How much Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
The national median salary for this role is $38,670 per year, with a mean wage of $40,120. That works out to around $19.30 an hour. Most workers earn between $31,790 and $49,420, depending on experience, location, and the specific employer.
Top earners — the 90th percentile — take home over $49,420, while entry-level positions (10th percentile) start near $31,790. Overtime and shift differentials can push pay higher, especially in manufacturing plants running 24/7.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The highest-paying state is Virginia at $50,770, followed by Louisiana ($49,690), New Hampshire ($49,190), Washington ($47,560), and New Jersey ($47,230). These states likely have specialized textile operations or higher cost-of-living adjustments.
Lower-paying states include North Carolina ($36,580), Michigan ($36,540), and Florida ($36,160). Interestingly, North Carolina is a traditional textile hub with many jobs but lower average wages — possibly due to a larger share of entry-level positions.
How to become Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender
- Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent. No college degree required.
- Most training happens on the job: learn to set up machines (winding, twisting, drawing out), monitor operation, and troubleshoot breaks or jams.
- Some employers prefer previous experience in manufacturing or machine operation, but many hire and train.
- No state licensing needed, but voluntary certifications (e.g., from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council) can help.
- Physical demands: standing long hours, repetitive motion, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working near machinery (safety training provided).
Job outlook
This occupation is expected to decline by -9% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting automation and a shrinking U.S. textile industry. However, about 2,500 openings per year will arise from workers retiring or leaving for other fields. Job prospects will be best for those willing to move to higher-paying states or accept shift work.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender do?
They set up, operate, and tend machines that wind, twist, and draw out textile fibers. Tasks include threading yarn, adjusting machine settings, monitoring production, and repairing breaks or tangles.
Is textile machine operation a good career in 2025?
Not for growth seekers — jobs are declining -9% by 2034. But with 2,500 annual openings, it can be steady work for those comfortable with manufacturing and repetitive tasks. Pay is modest, with a median of $38,670.
Which state pays textile machine operators the most?
Virginia pays the highest average at $50,770, followed by Louisiana ($49,690) and New Hampshire ($49,190). North Carolina, Michigan, and Florida pay below $37,000.
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 Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.