Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
SOC code 51-6064 · O*NET-SOC 51-6064.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,670
a year
Hourly
$18.59
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$40,120
$19.29 per hour
Middle 50%
$36,420 – $42,940
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$31,790 – $49,420
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
22,020
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $31,790
- $15.29/hr
- 25th percentile
- $36,420
- $17.51/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,670
- $18.59/hr
- 75th percentile
- $42,940
- $20.65/hr
- 90th percentile
- $49,420
- $23.76/hr
What do textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Observe bobbins as they are winding and cut threads to remove loaded bobbins, using knives.
- Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
- Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
- Unwind lengths of yarn, thread, or twine from spools and wind onto bobbins.
- Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
- Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
- Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
- Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 54% 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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Less than a High School Diploma54%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)46%
Common questions
How much does a textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?
The national median is $38,670 a year. The full range runs from $31,790 at the 10th percentile to $49,420 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 textile winding, twisting, and drawing out machine setters, operators, and tenders 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
- Speaking3.1/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Critical Thinking3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
- Mechanical3.1/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Personnel and Human Resources2.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
- English Language2.7/5
- Mathematics2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Troubleshooting, Coordination, Equipment Maintenance.