Textile Manufacturing Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts a steep decline in employment for this field through 2029, even as the demand for textile products increases. Changes in the textile industry will account for much of this decline. Factories are reorganizing production operations for greater efficiency and installing equipment that relies on more highly automated and computerized machines and processes. Such technology as shuttleless and air-jet looms and computer-controlled machinery allows several machines to be operated by one operator while still increasing speed and productivity.

The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 has also contributed to a drop in employment for textile workers, with many garment manufacturers either locked down or operating with fewer workers. Another factor that will probably contribute to a reduced demand for U.S. textile workers is an increase in imports of textiles from other countries. There is a continuing trend toward freer world markets and looser trade restrictions. The DOL predicts that employment at textile mills and textile product mills will decline by more than 10 percent through 2029.

While fewer workers will be needed to operate machines, there will continue to be job openings each year as experienced people transfer to other jobs or leave the workforce. Workers who have good technical training and skills will have the best job opportunities.