Winding machine operator
Also known as: winder operator, core winding operator, winding operator, winder tender, machine bobbin winder, winding machine tender
About this occupation
Winding machine operators tend machines that wrap strings, cords, yarns, ropes, threads onto reels, bobbins, or spools. They handle materials, prepare them for processing, and use winding machines for the purpose. They also perform routine maintenance of the machinery.
Essential skills and knowledge
- tend spinning machines
- adjust filament tension
- measure yarn count
- wrap yarn around bobbins
- set the operation speed of manufacturing machines
- set up machine controls
- rope lashing
- tend winding machines
- maintain equipment
- organise wires
- types of thread
- types of strings
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (O*NET 51-6064.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Less than a High School Diploma
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Speaking, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Critical Thinking
US median pay: US$38,670 a year (2025), 22,020 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Less than a High School Diploma
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
- Sewing Machine Operators
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.