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

Career Overview

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.

Also Known As

  • Spinner
  • Twister Operator
  • Winder Operator
  • Winder Tender

Alternate Job Titles

  • Automatic Beam Warper Tender
  • Automatic Quilling Machine Operator
  • Automatic Thread Winder
  • Automatic Winder Operator
  • Axminster Rug Setter
  • Back Winder
  • Backwinder
  • Ball Fringe Machine Operator
  • Ball Warper Tender
  • Ball Winder
  • Baller
  • Balling Machine Operator
  • Balling Tender
  • Bandage Winding Machine Operator
  • Batting Machine Operator

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

  • Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
  • Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
  • Start machines, monitor operation, and make adjustments as needed.
  • Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
  • Record production data such as numbers and types of bobbins wound.
  • Replace depleted supply packages with full packages.
  • Stop machines when specified amount of products has been produced.

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

  1. Operations Monitoring

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness
  • Control Precision
  • Reaction Time
  • Finger Dexterity
  • Manual Dexterity
  • Trunk Strength
  • Multilimb Coordination
  • Near Vision
  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Selective Attention

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cautiousness
  • Perseverance
  • Integrity

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma

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 Word

Tools & Equipment

  • Adjustable handwrenches
  • Air compressors
  • Bobbin winding machines
  • Copy machines
  • Extruding machines
  • Fine spinners
  • Gage block sets
  • Grease dispensing guns
  • Hydraulic jacks
  • Industrial sewing machines
  • Label making equipment
  • Mixing tanks
  • Multipurpose screwdrivers
  • Oil dispensing cans
  • Rope winding machines

Work Environment

  • Spend Time Walking or Running
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Spend Time Standing
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Salary & Job Market

Salary PercentileAnnual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)$30,380
Median$37,660
Top Earners (90th percentile)$46,940

Workers Employed Nationally: 20,600

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:


Is This Career Right for You?

Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.

Take the Free Career Assessment →

Want Personalized Guidance?

For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.


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.

Shopping Cart