Textile machine operator
Also known as: textile processing forewoman, textile supervisors, textile machinist, textile machine operators, textile operations supervisor, textile processing supervisor
About this occupation
Textile machine operator supervises the textile process of a group of machines, monitoring quality and productivity. They inspect textile machines after set up, start up, and during production to ensure the product meets specs and quality standards.
Essential skills and knowledge
- textile techniques
- manufacture braided products
- tend textile printing machines
- tend weaving machines
- tend textile washing machines
- tend textile dyeing machines
- tend textile finishing machines
- use textile finishing machine technologies
- manufacture knitted textiles
- tend spinning machines
- manufacture nonwoven staple products
- control textile process
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (O*NET 51-6062.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
- Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.
- Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
- Record information about work completed and machine settings.
- Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Active Listening, Speaking
US median pay: US$38,760 a year (2025), 9,000 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- 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.
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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.