FAQ
Textile Knitting Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a textile knitting machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a textile knitting machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about textile knitting machine operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects a steep decline.
What is a fixer?
A mechanic who repairs textile machines.
How much does a textile knitting machine operator make?
The median annual wage for textile knitting machine operators was $39,530 ($19.01 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,960 and the highest 10% earned more than $49,130.
How long does it take to become a textile knitting machine operator?
Most people need about A few weeks on the job of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a textile knitting machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is textile knitting machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -13.7% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 1,300 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that steep decline.
What skills does a textile knitting machine operator need?
Key technical skills include machine tending, yarn tying, defect spotting, and doffing. Employers also value attention to detail, reliability, and focus.
What certifications are available for textile knitting machine operators?
Common credentials include Mill training, Safety training, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Textile Knitting Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Textile Winding Machine Operator, or explore Textile Knitting Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-6063 (Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.