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Textile dyeing technician

Alternative titles for this job include Dyer, colour technologist

Textile dyeing technicians create dyes to colour fibres and fabrics.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

9am to 5pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Textile dyeing technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • training with a professional body

University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in:

  • chemical engineering
  • textile technology
  • chemistry

You could also take a course in fashion and textiles if it covers manufacturing processes.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

More Information

College

You could do a college course, which may help you to get a job as a trainee dyeing technician. Courses include:

  • Level 3 Diploma In Textile Design and Manufacture
  • A level Chemistry
  • Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Textile Technical Specialist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 2 years to complete and is a mix of on the job learning and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

You could train with the Society of Dyers and Colourists, who offer courses from introductory level to advanced. You'll usually need to be working in textiles production or research to do the more advanced courses.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in textiles technology from the Society of Dyers and Colourists and The Textile Institute.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • observation and recording skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of maths
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • develop chemical 'recipes' to produce different colours and dyes
  • work out the correct temperatures to suit different dyeing methods
  • test sample dyes
  • mix batches of dye for use in textiles manufacturing
  • recommend special finishes or treatments
  • keep records of the dye development process and its results

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could move into research and development, quality control or production management. You might also work in technical sales, acting as a link between dye suppliers and textile manufacturers.

You could transfer to different areas of manufacturing that also use dye technology, like the food and drinks industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Textile dyeing technician right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Applied Science

  • Provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2025
  • Location: Leeds

Applied Science

  • Provider: HULL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Hull

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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