Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-6063
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders carries a 35% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,260 and -11.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 15,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 35% AI exposure, Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders sits 2 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 46% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders has ai exposure of 35%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-6063) carries an AI exposure score of 35%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 15,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -11.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $38,260, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Observe woven cloth to detect weaving defects.
- 2. Thread yarn, thread, and fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines for weaving, knitting, or other processing.
- 3. Remove defects in cloth by cutting and pulling out filling.
- 4. Examine looms to determine causes of loom stoppage, such as warp filling, harness breaks, or mechanical defects.
- 5. Inspect products to ensure that specifications are met and to determine if machines need adjustment.
- 6. Notify supervisors or repair staff of mechanical malfunctions.
- 7. Program electronic equipment.
- 8. Set up, or set up and operate textile machines that perform textile processing and manufacturing operations such as winding, twisting, knitting, weaving, bonding, or stretching.
- 9. Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- 10. Install, level, and align machine components such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles to set up machinery for operation.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Operation and Control
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Time Management
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders has an AI exposure score of 35%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to decline by 11.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 15,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Key skills for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders is $38,260, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Textile knitting and weaving machine setters, operators, and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).