What is the salary of a Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders?

The typical salary range is $26,558 - $53,116 per year.

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Is Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders a good fit for someone like me?

Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Operational-level

Also known as: Automated Cutting Machine Operator, Automatic Die Cutting Machine Operator, Automatic Folding Machine Operator, Automatic Label Cutting Machine Operator

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender, you set up, run, and maintain specialized machines that precisely cut fabrics and other textile materials. You'll spend your day on your feet, using your hands to handle materials and control equipment, ensuring accuracy in every cut. This role involves careful monitoring, critical thinking to troubleshoot issues, and communicating with team members in a fast-paced, often noisy, factory setting. It's a good fit for individuals who are detail-oriented, comfortable with machinery, and enjoy hands-on work.

Textile ManufacturingIndustrial CuttingMachine OperationProduction TechnologyManufacturingOperations ManagementSupply ChainSkilled TradeProduction

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the bustling textile factory in downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina, the distant hum of machinery already a familiar backdrop. After clocking in, you head straight to your assigned station, a massive Gerbercutter Z1. You grab your earplugs and safety glasses, essential gear in this noisy environment. Your first task is to review the shift handover log, noting any ongoing issues or special instructions from the previous operator. You check the machine's readiness, ensuring all systems are online and the cutting bed is clear.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Autodesk AutoCAD Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word SAP software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-13.6%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

900

per year (US)

Jobs today

9,400

in 2025 → 8,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Low

Working in a team

Moderate

Contact with others

Moderate

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Low

Working outdoors

Low

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The outlook for this career is declining, with projected employment expected to decrease by 13.6% over the next decade. Annually, there are about 900 job openings, and the median wage is about $38,760 per year. Many in this field start as production helpers, and with experience, can advance to roles like Production Supervisor or Quality Control Inspector.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Production Helper
Manufacturing Associate
Entry-Level Machine Operator

Textile Cutting Machine Setter, Operators, and Tenders

Where it can lead

Production Supervisor
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Quality Control Inspector

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly automate pattern optimization and machine operation for textile cutting, leading to enhanced precision, reduced waste, and faster production cycles. The role of setters and operators will likely evolve from direct manual tending to supervising AI-driven systems, performing complex maintenance, and programming or optimizing the machinery. This shift requires new skills focused on interacting with advanced technology rather than purely manual operation.

Salary

$38,760

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Textile Sciences and Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Apparel and Textile Manufacture