The median pay for Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers is $48,220 a year ($23.18/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to fall 4.0% through 2035, with about 1,200 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-2021
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher in four numbers
- Median pay
- $48,220a year, or $23.18/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $38KTop 10% $63K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -4.0%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1,20012,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202512.9K
- Projected 203512.4K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 12.9K Projected 2035 12.4K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school1.6%
- High school57.2%
- Certificate40.9%
- Associate's0.3%
Highest education held by coil winders, tapers, and finishers Segment Value Less than high school 1.6% High school 57.2% Certificate 40.9% Associate's 0.3%
Also advertised as: Armature Winder, Auto-Winder, Coil Finisher, Coil Winder, Hand Winder, Motor Winder.
Pay
How much do Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers make?
Every coil winder, taper, and finisher in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$48,220
Middle half earn $42,050 to $58,770
- 10th
- $37,540
- 25th
- $42,050
- 75th
- $58,770
- 90th
- $63,300
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $37,540 |
| 25th | $42,050 |
| Median | $48,220 |
| 75th | $58,770 |
| 90th | $63,300 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $48,220
- Median hourly wage
- $23.18/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $50,470
- People employed
- 12,840
Versus all US occupations
At $48,220, Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers earn 5% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $2,760 a year.
Versus production occupations
The median is typical for the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $63,300 or more while the bottom 10% earn $37,540, a gap of 1.7×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 18% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Washington posts the highest raw median ($73,920), but once local prices are taken into account Louisiana leads at $69,700 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $73,920 | $69,076 | 60 |
| 2Louisiana | $61,480 | $69,700 | 60 |
| 3Iowa | $59,780 | $68,116 | 260 |
| 4Georgia | $59,180 | $61,458 | 420 |
| 5Virginia | $56,230 | $55,616 | 460 |
| 6Alabama | $55,880 | $62,912 | 420 |
| 7Maryland | $54,180 | $51,620 | 160 |
| 8Kentucky | $53,490 | $59,329 | 100 |
| 9Minnesota | $52,820 | $53,559 | 80 |
| 10New York | $52,280 | $48,443 | 850 |
Job outlook
Is Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -4.0% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | −4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers to change -4.0% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 500 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 1,200 openings are projected each year, 9.3% of the 12,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of assemblers and fabricators is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035.
Despite limited employment growth, about 177,500 openings for assemblers and fabricators are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of assemblers and fabricators varies by occupation (see table).
Getting in
How to become a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher
The education and qualifications typically needed to enter these occupations vary by industry and employer. Although a high school diploma is enough for most jobs, experience and training are needed for advanced assembly work.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as coil winders, tapers, and finishers.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)57.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate40.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma1.6%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree0.3%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 57.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 40.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 1.6% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 0.3% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher do?
Wind wire coils used in electrical components, such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments, such as field cores, bobbins, armature cores, electrical motors, generators, and control equipment.
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. They use handtools and machines to make vehicles, toys, electronic devices, and more.
Day-to-day tasks
- Attach, alter, and trim materials such as wire, insulation, and coils, using hand tools.
- Record production and operational data on specified forms.
- Cut, strip, and bend wire leads at ends of coils, using pliers and wire scrapers.
- Stop machines to remove completed components, using hand tools.
- Review work orders and specifications to determine materials needed and types of parts to be processed.
- Select and load materials such as workpieces, objects, and machine parts onto equipment used in coiling processes.
- Operate or tend wire-coiling machines to wind wire coils used in electrical components such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments such as bobbins and generators.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most assemblers and fabricators work full time. Some assemblers and fabricators work in shifts, which may require evening, weekend, and night work.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the timeRegular bending or twisting.
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Monitoring3.1
- Active Listening3.0
- Reading Comprehension2.9
- Speaking2.9
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Active Learning2.3
- Writing2.1
- Learning Strategies2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Reading Comprehension | 2.9 |
| Speaking | 2.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Active Learning | 2.3 |
| Writing | 2.1 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.1
- Operation and Control3.0
- Coordination2.9
- Judgment and Decision Making2.8
- Social Perceptiveness2.6
- Complex Problem Solving2.4
- Time Management2.4
- Quality Control Analysis2.1
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 |
| Coordination | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.8 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 2.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.4 |
| Time Management | 2.4 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 2.1 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Industrial control software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.5
- Conventional4.2
- Investigative2.3
- Enterprising1.4
- Social1.1
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler
$45,930median a year
Most earn $35K to $63K
+4.6%Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed - Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school - Production
Extruding and Forming Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Synthetic and Glass Fiber
$46,350median a year
Most earn $36K to $64K
−3.3%High school - Production
- Production
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$46,570median a year
Most earn $36K to $61K
−0.9%High school - Production
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$47,920median a year
Most earn $37K to $67K
−8.9%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with coil winders, tapers, and finishers highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher$48,220
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher | $48,220 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher appears on
Questions
Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher: frequently asked questions
How much do Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers make?
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers earn a median of $48,220 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 5% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.18/hr. The middle half earn between $42,050 and $58,770. The top 10% earn $63,300 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 57.2% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 4.0% over 2025–2035, a loss of 500 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 1,200 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher do?
Assemblers and fabricators build finished products and the parts that go into them. A core O*NET task: attach, alter, and trim materials such as wire, insulation, and coils, using hand tools.
Which states pay Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers the most?
The highest state medians for Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers are Washington ($73,920), Louisiana ($61,480), Iowa ($59,780) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Louisiana moves to the top at $69,700.
What personality type suits a Coil Winder, Taper, and Finisher?
O*NET scores Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.