Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary Guide 2025: How to Become One & Job Outlook
The median annual wage for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is $46,570, according to the latest BLS data. That works out to roughly $22 per hour. The typical range runs from $35,930 at the 10th percentile up to $61,120 at the 90th. About 44,980 people hold this job nationwide.
How much Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
The national mean salary is $47,460. Half of workers earn between $35,930 and $61,120. The bottom 10% earn under $35,930; the top 10% earn over $61,120. Pay varies by industry: the highest earners work in machinery manufacturing and wholesale trade, while those in food processing typically earn less.
Pay by state
Minnesota pays the best at $58,260 on average, followed by Vermont ($52,220), Colorado ($51,750), Montana ($51,540), and Oregon ($51,180). Lower-paying states include West Virginia ($37,920), Oklahoma ($37,910), and New Mexico ($32,770). Cost of living matters: a high salary in a high-cost state may not go as far as a lower salary in a low-cost area.
How to become a Cutting and Slicing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
Most workers learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some employers prefer vocational training in machine operations or a related field. No licensing or certification is mandatory, though voluntary certifications from manufacturing associations can help.
Typical steps:
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
2. Apply for entry-level machine operator or helper positions in industries like food processing, plastics, or metals.
3. Complete on-the-job training (usually a few weeks to a few months) learning to set up, adjust, and operate cutting and slicing machines.
4. Optional: pursue a certificate in industrial machine operations from a community college or trade school.
Job outlook
Employment is projected to decline 2.3% from 2024 to 2034, which means about 5,300 openings per year on average due to workers retiring or leaving the occupation. This is a shrinking field, not a growing one—automation and offshoring are reducing demand for manual machine operators. But steady turnover still creates job opportunities for those entering the trade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest salary for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
The top 10% earn more than $61,120 per year. The highest-paying state is Minnesota at $58,260 on average.
Do I need a college degree to become a Cutting and Slicing Machine Setter?
No, a high school diploma is typically sufficient. Most training is on the job.
Are Cutting and Slicing Machine jobs growing?
No, the occupation is declining, with a projected 2.3% drop from 2024 to 2034. However, about 5,300 openings still arise each year due to replacement needs.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.