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Which studies lead to becoming a Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders?

Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Q: What is the salary of a Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders?

The typical salary range is $26,782 - $53,564 per year.

Operational-level

Also known as: Automated Weaver, Automatic Full-Fashioned Hosiery Knitting Machine Operator, Automatic Pad-Making Machine Operator, Belt Weaver

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Operator, you set up, run, and maintain large machines that create fabric by knitting, looping, or weaving threads. You'll use your hands constantly to adjust controls, handle materials, and inspect the textile production. This role often involves wearing safety gear and working in environments with distracting noise levels, collaborating with team members. It suits individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on work, and can monitor equipment closely.

Textile ManufacturingKnitting TechnologyWeaving TechnologyTextile ProductionManufacturingOperations ManagementIndustrial TechnologySkilled TradeProduction

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the textile mill just before your 6 AM shift. The humid air, heavy with the scent of synthetic fibers, hits you first. After clocking in, you head to the locker room, pulling on your steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and earplugs. You walk onto the factory floor, the low roar of dozens of knitting machines already a familiar drone. Your assigned circular knitting machine, a towering metal behemoth, awaits your inspection.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-13.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

1,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

13,900

in 2025 → 12,000 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The overall outlook for this career is declining, with a projected employment change of -13.7% through 2035, though about 1,300 job openings are still expected each year. The median annual wage for this role is $39,530. People often move up to Production Supervisor or Quality Control Inspector roles, or specialize in machine maintenance.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Assistant
Machine Helper
General Laborer (Manufacturing)

Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Where it can lead

Production Supervisor
Quality Control Inspector
Maintenance Technician (Textile Machinery)

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly impact this career by automating machine setup, optimizing production processes, and enhancing quality control through computer vision. While AI-driven machines can handle repetitive tasks, human operators may shift towards overseeing AI systems, maintenance, and handling complex non-routine issues, requiring upskilling in technology oversight and problem-solving.

Salary

$39,530

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Textile Sciences and Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Apparel and Textile Manufacture