Career Overview
Set up, operate, or tend machines that knit, loop, weave, or draw in textiles.
Also Known As
- Knitter
- Machine Operator
- Tufting Operator
- Weaver
Alternate Job Titles
- Automated Weaver
- Automatic Full-Fashioned Hosiery Knitting Machine Operator
- Automatic Pad-Making Machine Operator
- Belt Weaver
- Blanket Weaver
- Braid Pattern Setter
- Broadloom Weaver
- Carpet Loom Fixer
- Carpet Weaver
- Circular Knit Operator
- Cloth Weaver
- Cloth Wire Weaver
- Creeler
- Crochet Machine Operator
- Crocheter
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Trunk Strength
- Manual Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
- Selective Attention
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Air hoses
- Air jet weaving machines
- Circular knitting machines
- Circular weaving machines
- Compound needles
- Cutter pliers
- Fabric spreaders
- Fine spinners
- Flat bar knitting machines
- Flat bed knitting machines
- Grams per square meter GSM cutters
- Grams per square meter GSM scales
- Industrial sewing machines
- Jacquard weaving machines
Work Environment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $29,640 |
| Median | $38,260 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $48,070 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 14,530
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $37,660
Sewing Machine Operators
Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Median Salary: $36,000
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,940
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,390
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $37,320
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.