Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

O*NET 51-6064.00 · SOC 51-6064

Textile Winding is a risky career choice. Median pay is $39k a year with -10.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 2,400 openings a year. AI exposure: High.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-10.3%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$39k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
2k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Thread yarn through winding machine guides and tension rollers
  • Monitor yarn packages for breaks or uneven winding
  • Piece together broken yarn ends to resume machine operation
  • Set machine speed and tension for different yarn types
  • Remove full yarn bobbins and replace with empty cores

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Textile Winding roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Textile Winding? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Textile Winding involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningThread yarn through winding machine guides and tension rollers
MiddayMonitor yarn packages for breaks or uneven winding
AfternoonPiece together broken yarn ends to resume machine operation

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.5
Conventional (Organizers)4.3
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.5
Investigative (Thinkers)1.5
Artistic (Creators)1.3
Social (Helpers)1.0

Who Thrives as Textile Winding?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTJThe ExecutiveESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Textile Winding Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to decline 10.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

66/100High disruption risk
  • ·43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·44% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
  • ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Textile Winding make?

The median Textile Winding earns $39k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Textile Winding jobs?

Our model puts Textile Winding at 66 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 44% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.

Is Textile Winding a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 10.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 2,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Textile Winding?

Most Textile Winding roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Textile Winding?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Textile Winding career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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