Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 14,530 textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders, and they earn a median of $38,260/year. The range runs from $30K to $48K. Wisconsin pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders start around $30K. The gap between that and the median ($38K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $48K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $66K | 180 |
| Mississippi | $50K | 120 |
| New York | $48K | 320 |
| Maine | $47K | 140 |
| New Hampshire | $47K | 90 |
| Washington | $47K | 120 |
| Minnesota | $44K | 70 |
| Michigan | $43K | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | $42K | 570 |
| Massachusetts | $40K | 150 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders make?▼
The median textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders salary in the United States is $38,260 per year ($18/hour). Entry-level positions start around $29,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,070.
What education do you need to become a textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders.
What are the highest paying states for textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?▼
The highest paying states for textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders are Wisconsin ($65,820), Mississippi ($49,720), New York ($47,970), Maine ($47,320), New Hampshire ($47,170). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.