Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Textile Knitting Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.
Also called: Automated Weaver, Automatic Full-Fashioned Hosiery Knitting Machine Operator, Automatic Pad-Making Machine Operator, Belt Weaver, Blanket Weaver, Braid Pattern Setter
Median pay
$39,530
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,960 – $49,130
People employed
13,030
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (25 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in every state →
What textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
- 02Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
- 03Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
- 04Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
- 05Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
- 06Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
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: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
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 knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders92% · +27%
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders90% · +18%
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders88% · +18%
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic87% · +27%
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic86% · +17%
Change into textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers82% · $42,290
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic81% · $44,350
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders80% · $46,460
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders80% · $45,760
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers80% · $41,220