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Tufting Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Giro Pack, Inc. is looking for a Knitting Operator Trainee to support production operations at our Vidalia, GA. location. Currently the selected candidate will be trained Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5 ...

The Creel MT Operator is responsible for maintaining the Creel MT unit: setting up and changing over the winders, ensuring accurate yarn placement, entering style specifications into the computer ...

The Loom Operator position is responsible for the operation of a battery of looms designed to weave yarn into cloth. This includes the entire weaving process from preparation of the looms until yarn ...

The Loom Operator position is responsible for the operation of a battery of looms designed to weave yarn into cloth. This includes the entire weaving process from preparation of the looms until yarn ...

CNC Machinist

Hixson, TN ยท On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... tufting technology and we're looking for team members to help that statement continue to be true ... Machine operator background with 3-5 years of experience. * Must be able to read and work from ...

DMS QC Technician 1st Shift

Lagrange, GA

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Change tufting needles, knives, and loopers * Monitor re-mend * SAP transactions Highly preferred ... Operator Experience Go up and down steps from the second level Lift yarn package - max. 20 lbs.

CNC Machinist

Hixson, TN ยท On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... tufting technology and we're looking for team members to help that statement continue to be true ... Machine operator background with 3-5 years of experience. * Must be able to read and work from ...

DMS QC Technician 1st Shift

Lagrange, GA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Change tufting needles, knives, and loopers * Monitor re-mend * SAP transactions Highly preferred ... Operator Experience Go up and down steps from the second level Lift yarn package - max. 20 lbs.

CNC Machinist

Hixson, TN ยท On-site

$25 - $29/hr

... tufting technology and we're looking for team members to help that statement continue to be true ... Machine operator background with 3-5 years of experience. * Must be able to read and work from ...

Upholsterer

Brisbane, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Be able to upholster tight seat/back, tufting, and plain frames. * (Frame Assemblers) Be able to ... Operator): Be able to install springs to the assembled frame. Add springs to Seating area and also ...

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Tufting Operator information

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$12

$17

$21

How much do tufting operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for tufting operator in the United States is $17.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tufting Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tufting Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with prior experience in textile manufacturing often preferred. Familiarity with tufting machines, basic maintenance tools, and production tracking systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help operators manage workflow and address machine issues efficiently. These skills ensure consistent product quality, minimize downtime, and contribute to a safe and productive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Tufting Operators and how can they be addressed?

Tufting Operators often encounter challenges such as machine malfunctions, maintaining consistent yarn tension, and ensuring product quality meets specifications. Addressing these issues typically involves regular machine maintenance, attentiveness to yarn feeds, and frequent inspection of output for defects. Effective communication with maintenance technicians and quality control teams is essential for resolving issues quickly and minimizing downtime. Proactively learning troubleshooting techniques and staying organized on the production floor can also help operators manage these challenges efficiently.

What are Tufting Operators?

Tufting Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating tufting machines, which are used to create carpets, rugs, and other textile products by inserting yarn into a fabric backing. Their tasks include setting up the machine, monitoring production for quality and consistency, troubleshooting minor mechanical issues, and performing routine maintenance. Tufting Operators play a vital role in ensuring that the finished products meet design specifications and industry standards. They often work in manufacturing settings and need to pay close attention to detail and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Tufting Operator vs Carpet Weaver?

AspectTufting OperatorCarpet Weaver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized weaving training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing floors, working with tufting machinesTextile mills, weaving looms in production settings
Industry UsageCarpet and rug manufacturingCarpet production, textile industry
Common Search/ComparisonTufting Operator vs Carpet Weaver

The main difference between a Tufting Operator and a Carpet Weaver lies in their roles within carpet manufacturing. A Tufting Operator operates tufting machines to create pile on carpets, focusing on machine setup and maintenance. A Carpet Weaver, on the other hand, works with weaving looms to produce woven carpets, often requiring more specialized weaving skills. Both roles are essential in the textile industry and share similar work environments, but they involve different techniques and equipment.

More about Tufting Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Tufting Operator jobs? Cities with the most Tufting Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Tufting Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 1% Physical, 20% Hybrid, and 79% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,333 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Wire Chopper Operator

Wire Chopper Operator

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

Concord, NH โ€ข On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

General Position Summary & Responsibilities:
The Wire Chopper Operator is responsible for operating wire chopping and non-ferrous processing equipment to safely and efficiently convert insulated wire and related materials into clean, market-ready metal products. This role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and adherence to Radius Recycling's Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards.
The operator must understand the function, operation, and basic maintenance of processing equipment and support machinery. The primary goal is to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production in support of Radius Recycling's non-ferrous recovery operations.
This position offers competitive pay along with a variety of benefits including medical, dental and vision plans for both you and your dependents; 401k with company match, paid time off which starts with your first check, and paid holidays.
Essential Functions
Environmental and Health & Safety (H&S)
  • Strictly adhere to all Radius Recycling HSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain a safe work environment for employees, customers, and visitors.
  • Use applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in safety sensitive areas and when performing safety sensitive tasks.

Operational Performance & Best Business Practices
  • Operate wire chopping equipment, conveyors, granulators, shredders, and separation systems to process insulated wire and non-ferrous materials.
  • Monitor material flow, equipment performance, and product quality; make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal throughput.
  • Load and unload materials using forklifts, skid steers, or other mobile equipment.
  • Identify and remove contaminants to ensure clean, high-quality output.
  • Coordinate with team members to ensure smooth production flow and safe material handling.

Equipment & Maintenance
  • Conduct pre-shift inspections of wire chopping equipment and mobile equipment.
  • Identify and report equipment deficiencies, unusual noises, or malfunctions immediately.
  • Perform basic maintenance tasks such as clearing jams, cleaning screens, and lubricating components as directed.
  • Maintain clean work areas to reduce contamination and improve equipment performance.

Quality Control
  • Inspect processed non-ferrous output for purity, size, and consistency.
  • Adjust machine settings to maintain product quality standards.
  • Document production data, quality checks, and downtime events.

Special Projects
  • Perform special projects or additional duties as assigned.

Internal Control Responsibilities
Supports Internal Control process which includes understanding, communicating, and complying with defined internal controls as well as suggesting and making modifications to the policies, procedures, and controls to better match the business.
Communicates upward problems in operations, noncompliance with the code of conduct, or other policy violations or illegal actions.
Job Conditions
This position involves regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, dust, fumes, and moving equipment, with PPE required at all times, including safety shoes, hearing protection, respirators, and face shields. Workload may fluctuate, and employees may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Physical Activities Required to Perform Essential Functions
This role requires the ability to stand, walk on uneven ground, climb equipment, and operate machinery for extended periods, as well as lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. The position involves frequent reaching, grasping, twisting, and use of hand and foot controls, along with the visual acuity necessary to monitor equipment and inspect materials.
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Experience in metals recycling, manufacturing, or industrial equipment operation preferred.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
  • Ability to operate or learn to operate forklifts, skid steers, and related mobile equipment.

PLEASE NOTE: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Radius Recycling Industries, Inc. participates in E-Verify for all U.S. new hires.
An offer of U.S. employment by Radius Recycling Industries, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a post-offer drug screen and background check.
All new hires must review and sign an Arbitration Agreement. This applies to all U.S. non-union employees.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Radius Recycling Industries, Inc. does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, disability status, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, age, prior industrial injury, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status under local, state, or federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.