How to become a textile cutting machine setter, operators, and tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

What textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders do

• 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.
• Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
• Record information about work completed and machine settings.
• Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
• Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
• Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.

Skills that matter most

• Monitoring
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Mathematics

Is textile cutting machine setter, operators, and tenders a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 24% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Connecticut $47,160
• New York $46,810
• New Hampshire $45,930
• Washington $45,380
• Massachusetts $43,680

Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.