Production
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Also called: Automated Cutting Machine Operator, CNC Cutting Operator (Computer Numerical Control Cutting Operator), Cutter, Cutter Operator
US median pay
$38,760
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-13.6%
declining
Openings a year (US)
900
9,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.
What they do day to day
- Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
- 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.
- Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
- Record information about work completed and machine settings.
- Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
- Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
- Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
- Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.8/5
- Operation and Control3.4/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Repairing3.0/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
- Mechanical2.8/5
- English Language2.6/5
- Design2.5/5
- Education and Training2.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma68%
- Less than high school32%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.