Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary & Career Guide 2025
Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders earn a median salary of $38,760 per year, or about $19 an hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The typical range runs from $28,650 at the 10th percentile to $49,420 at the 90th percentile. People in this job set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice textiles like fabric, carpet, or upholstery.
Employment for this occupation is small, with about 9,000 workers nationwide. The BLS projects a decline of 11.7% from 2024 to 2034, largely due to automation offshore production. Still, roughly 1,000 openings arise each year as workers retire or leave the field.
How much Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
The national median salary is $38,760 (mean $39,530). Half of workers earn more than that, half earn less. At the low end, the bottom 10% make about $28,650; at the top, the highest 10% earn up to $49,420. Most workers are paid hourly, with an average wage of $19 per hour.
Experience, shift differentials, and facility type can push pay higher or lower. Union representation is rare in this occupation. Many positions are in textile mills, apparel manufacturing, or commercial cutting services.
Pay by state
Pay varies significantly by location. The five highest-paying states for textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders are: - Connecticut: $47,160 - New York: $46,810 - New Hampshire: $45,930 - Hawaii: $45,760 - Washington: $45,380 On the lower end, Iowa reports $30,060, Arkansas $29,140, and Nevada $28,630. Cost of living matters: a $45,000 salary in Connecticut may not stretch as far as $30,000 in Arkansas.
How to become Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender
Most workers learn on the job. There is no formal education requirement beyond a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers typically provide a few weeks of training, covering machine setup, safety procedures, and quality control.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level positions at textile mills, apparel manufacturers, or fabric cutting shops.
- Complete on-the-job training (usually 1–3 months) in machine operation, blade changes, and pattern reading.
- Optional: Earn a certificate from a community college in industrial sewing or textile production to improve prospects.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders will decline 11.7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Automation, computer-controlled cutting systems, and increased imports are the main drivers. Despite this decline, about 1,000 job openings are expected each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or move to other occupations.
Opportunities may be better in industries that require custom or specialty cutting, such as automotive upholstery or aerospace textiles, where automation is less practical.
Frequently asked questions
What does a textile cutting machine setter, operator, and tender do?
They set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles like fabric, carpet, or felt. Tasks include positioning material, adjusting machine settings, monitoring cuts for quality, and performing basic maintenance.
How long does it take to become a textile cutting machine operator?
Training is short — typically a few weeks of on-the-job instruction. Most employers require only a high school diploma, so entry is relatively quick.
Is textile cutting a declining career?
Yes. The BLS forecasts an 11.7% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034 due to automation and overseas production. However, about 1,000 openings per year still occur from turnover.
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 Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.