Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Also called: Abrasive Sawyer, Almond Cutting Machine Tender, Apple Peeler Operator, Applique Cutter, Arch Cushion Skiving Machine Operator, Automatic Glass Cutting Machine Operator
Median pay
$46,570
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$35,930 – $61,120
People employed
44,980
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 4.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
- 5.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Annual median pay by state (47 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in every state →
What cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Remove defective or substandard materials from machines, and readjust machine components so that products meet standards.
- 02Maintain production records, such as quantities, types, and dimensions of materials produced.
- 03Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
- 04Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
- 05Start pumps to circulate water and abrasives onto blades or cables during cutting.
- 06Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic93% · 0%
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic91% · −1%
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic91% · +13%
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · −17%
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic89% · +1%
Change into cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders94% · $38,760
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic93% · $46,550
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic91% · $46,330
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders91% · $38,670
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers90% · $46,350