Career Overview
Operate or tend machines to bleach, shrink, wash, dye, or finish textiles or synthetic or glass fibers.
Also Known As
- Dye Machine Operator
- Dye Operator
- Dyer
- Machine Operator (Machine Op)
Alternate Job Titles
- Ager
- Ager Operator
- Ager Tender
- Aging Box Hand
- Ammonia Box Operator
- Ammonia Box Tender
- Ash Kier Boiler
- Autoclave Operator
- Automation Operator
- Automation Tender
- Back Washer
- Bag Bleacher
- Bark Tanner
- Beam Dyer
- Beam Dyer Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Weigh ingredients, such as dye, to be mixed together for use in textile processing.
- Start and control machines and equipment to wash, bleach, dye, or otherwise process and finish fabric, yarn, thread, or other textile goods.
- Observe display screens, control panels, equipment, and cloth entering or exiting processes to determine if equipment is operating correctly.
- Notify supervisors or mechanics of equipment malfunctions.
- Monitor factors such as temperatures and dye flow rates to ensure that they are within specified ranges.
- Add dyes, water, detergents, or chemicals to tanks to dilute or strengthen solutions, according to established formulas and solution test results.
- Examine and feel products to identify defects and variations from coloring and other processing standards.
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Finger Dexterity
- Selective Attention
- Rate Control
- Perceptual Speed
- Oral Comprehension
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
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
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Beam dyeing machines
- Bleaching machines
- Continuous dyeing machines
- Digital calipers
- Dye becks
- Dye extractors
- Fine spinning machines
- Hank reeling machines
- Industrial sewing machines
- Jet dyeing machines
- Material hoists
- Measuring tapes
- Package dyeing machines
- Paddle machines
Work Environment
- Exposed to Contaminants
- Spend Time Standing
- Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $28,990 |
| Median | $37,320 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $47,660 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 5,820
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $41,460
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,210
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $39,700
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $47,010
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $44,980
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.