Career Overview
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.
Also Known As
- Cutter
- Cutter Operator
- Fabric Cutter
- Spreader
Alternate Job Titles
- Automated Cutting Machine Operator
- Automatic Die Cutting Machine Operator
- Automatic Folding Machine Operator
- Automatic Label Cutting Machine Operator
- Band Cutter
- Barrel Drum Cutter
- Bedspread Cutter
- Bias Cutting Machine Operator
- Binding Cutter
- Blanket Cutting Machine Operator
- Bolt Cutter
- Canvas Cutter
- Carpet Cutter
- Chin Strap Cutter
- Chopped Strand Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
- 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.
- Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
- Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
- Record information about work completed and machine settings.
- Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
- Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Information Ordering
- Manual Dexterity
- Reaction Time
- Finger Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Selective Attention
- Static Strength
- Problem Sensitivity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Band knife cutting machines
- Cloth spreading machines
- Die cutting machines
- Die cutting presses
- Drill presses
- Fabric scissors
- Fabric shears
- Laser cutting machines
- Lubricant guns
- Machine oiling cans
- Measuring tapes
- Notcher machines
- Plasma cutting machines
- Precision rulers
- Rotary die cutters
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Spend Time Standing
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $27,230 |
| Median | $37,940 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $49,080 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 8,960
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,700
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $49,390
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $40,440
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,190
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $45,590
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.