Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Textile Winding Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend machines that wind or twist textiles; or draw out and combine sliver, such as wool, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Includes slubber machine and drawing frame operators.
Also called: Automatic Beam Warper Tender, Automatic Quilling Machine Operator, Automatic Thread Winder, Automatic Winder Operator, Axminster Rug Setter, Back Winder
Median pay
$38,670
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$31,790 – $49,420
People employed
22,020
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
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.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 8.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (26 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Observe bobbins as they are winding and cut threads to remove loaded bobbins, using knives.
- 02Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
- 03Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
- 04Unwind lengths of yarn, thread, or twine from spools and wind onto bobbins.
- 05Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
- 06Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Personnel and Human Resources
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: 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 winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · +20%
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers90% · +7%
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders90% · +30%
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders89% · +20%
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic84% · +37%
Change into textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers82% · $42,290
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers80% · $41,220
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders79% · $43,220
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers79% · $40,240
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders74% · $42,420