Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Also called: Textile Dyeing Machine Operators
Operate or tend machines to bleach, shrink, wash, dye, or finish textiles or synthetic or glass fibers.
Also called: Ager, Ager Operator, Ager Tender, Aging Box Hand, Ammonia Box Operator, Ammonia Box Tender
Median pay
$38,180
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$30,300 – $48,100
People employed
5,310
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 8.Do you prefer working indoors?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Tight deadlines are common
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (14 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders salary in every state →
What textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders do
- 01Weigh ingredients, such as dye, to be mixed together for use in textile processing.
- 02Start and control machines and equipment to wash, bleach, dye, or otherwise process and finish fabric, yarn, thread, or other textile goods.
- 03Observe display screens, control panels, equipment, and cloth entering or exiting processes to determine if equipment is operating correctly.
- 04Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
- 05Monitor factors such as temperatures and dye flow rates to ensure that they are within specified ranges.
- 06Sew ends of cloth together, by hand or using machines, to form endless lengths of cloth to facilitate processing.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders94% · +22%
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders91% · +26%
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders90% · +14%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers90% · +8%
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · +20%
Change into textile bleaching and dyeing machine operators and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders89% · $43,530
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders85% · $43,220
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic84% · $43,960
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders83% · $46,460
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82% · $48,250