Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9032Also known as:
Abrasive Sawyer, Almond Cutting Machine Tender, Angle Shearer, Apple Peeler Operator, Applique Cutter
Median Annual Salary
$45,700
-2.3% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
49K
Current Jobs
What Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders Do
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
💰 Salary
$45,700
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-2.3%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
49,000
Projected Employment (2034)
47,900
Related Careers
Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$45,590 •
-12.1% growth
Textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders
$37,940 •
-11.7% growth
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood
$39,950 •
-0.6% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
- Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
- Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
- Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
- Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
- Feed stock into cutting machines, onto conveyors, or under cutting blades, by threading, guiding, pushing, or turning handwheels.
- Monitor operation of cutting or slicing machines to detect malfunctions or to determine whether supplies need replenishment.
- Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
- Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
- Remove completed materials or products from cutting or slicing machines, and stack or store them for additional processing.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders make?
The median annual salary for cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is $45,700.
What education do cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders need?
Most cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders a good career choice?
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to see -2.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders may also be known as: Abrasive Sawyer, Almond Cutting Machine Tender, Angle Shearer, Apple Peeler Operator, Applique Cutter, Arch Cushion Skiving Machine Operator, Automatic Glass Cutting Machine Operator, Automatic Outsole Cutter, Automatic Steel Tie Adjuster, Bag Cutter, Balloon Maker, Band Cutter, Band Saw Operator, Band Sawing Machine Operator, Bead Trimmer, Beam Press Operator, Beater, Beater Dumper, Beater Engineer, Beater Machine Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.