Aptly
Careers · Production

Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders set up and run industrial machines that process fibers like wool, hemp, and synthetics. They wind or twist textiles and draw out and combine fibers using equipment such as slubber machines and drawing frames. This work takes place in textile mills and manufacturing facilities.

$38,670median pay, U.S., per year
$36,420–$42,940middle half earn
22Kemployed in the U.S.
No formal education requirementtypical education
LowAI exposure · AI tools touch only a small share of this work.
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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A day in the work

Workers inspect machines and materials at the start of a shift, making adjustments to settings for tension, speed, and fiber thickness. They monitor production as textiles move through winding and twisting machines, watching for breaks or tangles. They may change bobbins, reload fiber supplies, and perform routine maintenance tasks. Quality checks happen throughout the shift to ensure the final product meets specifications.

Who this work suits

Realistic
92Conventional
55Enterprising
9Investigative
8Artistic
6Social
0

Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to prefer hands-on, practical work with clear procedures and measurable results. You're detail-oriented and comfortable following established rules and processes, and you take satisfaction in keeping equipment running smoothly and producing consistent output.

What it takes

Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold no formal education requirement.

Skills that matter most

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlSpeakingQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringTroubleshooting

Knowledge areas

Production and ProcessingAdministration and ManagementMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityPersonnel and Human ResourcesCustomer and Personal Service

Pay by state

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 51-6064.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.