How much does a textile operator make?
a year · about $19 an hour
A typical textile operator in the United States makes $38,670 a year, about $19 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They thread yarn through guides, start winding or twisting machines, and watch the controls as bobbins fill. They spot breaks and flaws, swap full bobbins, adjust tension, and report machine trouble.
Did you know? Twisting two or more yarn strands together can make the yarn stronger, smoother, and more even—not just thicker.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $31,790 and $49,420How do you become one?
U.S. operators usually need a high-school diploma or GED and learn on the job; a related apprenticeship is another route. No fixed age is listed; New York lists no state license, and federal rules restrict under-18s from hazardous work.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, machine skill, and harder setup duties can affect pay. It also varies by employer or textile industry, location, and hours worked.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Virginia ($50,770), lowest in Florida ($36,160).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $31,790 | $38,670 | $49,420 | about 22,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $50,770 | about 2,000 |
| Louisiana | $49,690 | about 110 |
| New Hampshire | $49,190 | about 90 |
| Washington | $47,560 | about 250 |
| New Jersey | $47,230 | about 100 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-6064.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/51-6064.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes516064.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.dol.gov/general/topic/hiring/workersunder18
- careerzonetest.labor.ny.gov/cz/occupations/details.xhtml;JSESSIONID=44a1555efe11
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY