Production
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Knitter, Knitting Machine Operator, Loom Fixer, Machine Operator
US median pay
$39,530
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-13.7%
declining
Openings a year (US)
1,300
13,900 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.
What they do day to day
- Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
- Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
- Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
- Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
- Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
- Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
- Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.
- Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
- Confer with co-workers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.4/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Time Management2.6/5
- Troubleshooting2.5/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.5/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.5/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.5/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Mechanical3.0/5
- Public Safety and Security2.6/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
- Computers and Electronics2.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma95%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.