The table below provides information about the number of workers in this occupation in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Employment

North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina are the leading states in jobs for textile workers. Most other textile workers are employed in southern states, California, and the Northeast.

Major employers:

• Fabric mills
• Fiber, yarn, and thread mills
• Textile and fabric finishing mills
• Textile furnishings mills
• Apparel manufacturers

Outlook

The decline in jobs in this occupation is due to two major factors. One, workers are more productive because of automation. Therefore, fewer workers are needed. Two, more textile mills are moving to other countries because of trade agreements. This will reduce the demand for textile machine operators in the US.

Despite the decline in jobs, openings will occur each year as workers change jobs or leave the labor force.

Textile Machine Operators (CIS 100468)