Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

SOC code 51-2021 · O*NET-SOC 51-2021.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,220

a year

Hourly

$23.18

per hour

10th$37,540Median$48,22090th$63,300

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$50,470

$24.26 per hour

Middle 50%

$42,050 – $58,770

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,540 – $63,300

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

12,840

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,540; $18.05/hr
25th percentile: $42,050; $20.21/hr
Median percentile: $48,220; $23.18/hr
75th percentile: $58,770; $28.26/hr
90th percentile: $63,300; $30.43/hr

What do coil winders, tapers, and finishers do?

Wind wire coils used in electrical components, such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments, such as field cores, bobbins, armature cores, electrical motors, generators, and control equipment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Operate or tend wire-coiling machines to wind wire coils used in electrical components such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments such as bobbins and generators.
Attach, alter, and trim materials such as wire, insulation, and coils, using hand tools.
Cut, strip, and bend wire leads at ends of coils, using pliers and wire scrapers.
Review work orders and specifications to determine materials needed and types of parts to be processed.
Examine and test wired electrical components such as motors, armatures, and stators, using measuring devices, and record test results.
Select and load materials such as workpieces, objects, and machine parts onto equipment used in coiling processes.
Record production and operational data on specified forms.
Line slots with sheet insulation, and insert coils into slots.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 57% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)57%
Post-Secondary Certificate41%
Less than a High School Diploma2%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree0%

Common questions

How much does a coil winders, tapers, and finishers earn?

The national median is $48,220 a year. The full range runs from $37,540 at the 10th percentile to $63,300 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a coil winders, tapers, and finishers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.1/5
Active Listening3.0/5
Reading Comprehension2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Education and Training3.7/5
English Language3.6/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Administration and Management3.6/5
Production and Processing3.5/5
Mechanical3.5/5
Design3.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness.