Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers

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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Attach, alter, and trim materials such as wire, insulation, and coils, using hand tools.
• Cut, strip, and bend wire leads at ends of coils, using pliers and wire scrapers.
• 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.
• Record production and operational data on specified forms.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of coil winders, tapers, and finishers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a coil winders, tapers, and finisher make?

The median pay is $23.18 per hour — roughly $48,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.05/hr (10th percentile) to $30.43/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a coil winders, tapers, and finisher?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a coil winders, tapers, and finisher actually do all day?

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. Attach, alter, and trim materials such as wire, insulation, and coils, using hand tools. Cut, strip, and bend wire leads at ends of coils, using pliers and wire scrapers.