Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
O*NET 51-6062.00 · SOC 51-6062
Textile Cutting Machine Setter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $39k a year with -13.6% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 900 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Set blade depth and speed on fabric cutting machines
- →Feed layered fabric stacks into automated cutting machines
- →Follow pattern markers to cut fabric into correct shapes
- →Inspect cut fabric pieces for accurate dimensions and edges
- →Replace dull cutting blades to maintain clean fabric cuts
Education & How to Get In
Textile Cutting Machine Setter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Textile Cutting Machine Setter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Textile Cutting Machine Setter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Textile Cutting Machine Setter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is projected to decline 13.6% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·42% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Textile Cutting Machine Setter make?
The median Textile Cutting Machine Setter earns $39k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Textile Cutting Machine Setter jobs?
Our model puts Textile Cutting Machine Setter at 66 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 42% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Textile Cutting Machine Setter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 13.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Textile Cutting Machine Setter?
Most Textile Cutting Machine Setter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Textile Cutting Machine Setter?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Textile Cutting Machine Setter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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