Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.
Also called: Automated Cutting Machine Operator · CNC Cutting Operator (Computer Numerical Control Cutting Operator) · Cutter · Cutter Operator · Die Cut Operator · Fabric Cutter
Median pay (national)
$37,940
$27,230–$49,080 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
8,960
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-11.7%
~1,000 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $49,080 versus $27,230 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $37,940 leaves roughly 29% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -11.7% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,000 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 35 states with released data, New York pays the most for this role (median $45,960, +21% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $21,840 — a 110% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Monitoring, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.
- Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
- Record information about work completed and machine settings.
- Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
- Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
- Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
- Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
- Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Windows
- SAP software
- HAISEN SoftWare System
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Design
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics