Textile Winding Machine Operator Career Guide

What does a textile winding machine operator do?

Textile winding, twisting and drawing out machine setters, operators and tenders set up, operate or tend machines that wind or twist textiles or draw out and combine sliver. The median pay is $38,670 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -10.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$38,670
$18.59/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-10.3%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
2,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
23,500
Employment, 2025

What textile winding machine operators do

Winding machine operators make and package yarn. They tend spinning, drawing, twisting and winding machines, piece up broken ends, change packages, check yarn quality and keep machines clean.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects a steep decline.

Typical duties

Tend winding machines
Piece up broken ends
Change packages
Check yarn quality
Clean machines
Doff full packages
Record production

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in yarn mills.

Schedule: Full time, often rotating shifts.

A day in the life

6:00 AMWalk the frames.
6:30 AMPiece up ends.
8:00 AMDoff full packages.
10:00 AMCheck yarn tension.

See a full day in the life of a textile winding machine operator →

Textile Winding Machine Operator salary

Half of textile winding machine operators earned more than $38,670 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $31,790 for the lowest 10% to $49,420 for the top 10%.

$31,79010th$38,670Median$49,42090th

Full textile winding machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a textile winding machine operator

Finish high school
Get hired at a mill
Learn frames
Build speed
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a textile winding machine operator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Machine tending
Piecing ends
Doffing
Yarn inspection
Cleaning

People skills

Attention to detail
Speed
Reliability
Focus

All textile winding machine operator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

No degree needed
Steady routines
Training provided
Indoor work

Cons

Steep decline
Noise and lint
Shift work
Repetitive

Certifications and licenses

Mill training: Employer.
Safety training: Employer.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Quality training: Employer.

Career path

Operator: Entry.
Senior Operator: More frames.
Fixer: Repair.
Supervisor: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Textile Winding Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as piece up a broken end on a winder and check yarn quality at the frame, safety and how to land your first job.

View Textile Winding Machine Operator training Is this career right for me?

Textile Knitting Machine Operator

Run knitting machines and looms that make fabric.

$39,530
A few weeks on the job

Fiber Extruding Machine Operator

Run machines that make synthetic and glass fibers.

$46,350
A few months on the job

Textile Dyeing Machine Operator

Run machines that bleach and dye yarn and fabric to exact colors.

$38,180
A few weeks on the job

Packaging Machine Operator

Run machines that fill, seal, label and package products.

$43,220
A few weeks to months on the job

Compare: Textile Winding Machine Operator vs. Textile Knitting Machine Operator · Textile Winding Machine Operator vs. Fiber Extruding Machine Operator · Textile Winding Machine Operator vs. Textile Dyeing Machine Operator · Textile Winding Machine Operator vs. Packaging Machine Operator

Textile Winding Machine Operator FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects a steep decline.

Is it noisy?

Yes, hearing protection is used.

How much does a textile winding machine operator make?

The median annual wage for textile winding machine operators was $38,670 ($18.59 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $31,790 and the highest 10% earned more than $49,420.

How long does it take to become a textile winding machine operator?

Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a textile winding machine operator?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More textile winding machine operator questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-6064 (Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out 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 winding, twisting, and drawing out 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.

Textile Winding Machine Operator