Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.
Also called: Automated Cutting Machine Operator, Automatic Die Cutting Machine Operator, Automatic Folding Machine Operator, Automatic Label Cutting Machine Operator, Band Cutter, Barrel Drum Cutter
Median pay
$38,760
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,650 – $49,420
People employed
9,000
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
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.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 7.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
- Tight deadlines are common
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (37 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in every state →
What textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders do
- 01Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
- 02Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.
- 03Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
- 04Adjust cutting techniques to types of fabrics and styles of garments.
- 05Place patterns on top of layers of fabric and cut fabric following patterns, using electric or manual knives, cutters, or computer numerically controlled cutting devices.
- 06Program electronic equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Design
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
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 textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders94% · +20%
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic93% · +20%
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic93% · +20%
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing92% · +12%
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic91% · +36%
Change into textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · $46,570
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers89% · $42,290
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood89% · $42,770
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing89% · $43,380
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders85% · $46,460