Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.

Median Annual Wage: $27,270

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (66%); Less than high school diploma (27%); Associate's degree (5%)

Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)

Related Job Titles: Winder Operator; Weaver; Knitter; Knitting Machine Operator; Tufting Machine Operator; Warp Knit Operator; Loom Fixer

Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
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.
Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
Set up, or set up and operate textile machines that perform textile processing and manufacturing operations such as winding, twisting, knitting, weaving, bonding, or stretching.
Record information about work completed and machine settings.
Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.
Confer with co-workers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.