Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Machines can already do 27% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 67%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 27% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 2% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 67% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 9,000 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $38,760 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 55% for contact with people.
- Also called: Automated Cutting Machine Operator, CNC Cutting Operator (Computer Numerical Control Cutting Operator), Cutter, Cutter Operator.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 18% | 20% to 60% | |
| Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed | 14% | 30% to 75% | |
| Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys | 14% | 20% to 60% | |
| Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met | 8% | 20% to 60% | |
| Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products | 5% | 30% to 75% | |
| Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Record information about work completed and machine settings | 4% | 70% to 95% | |
| Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems | 4% | 30% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,330
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders65% of tasks by 2035 · US median $39,530
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers61% of tasks by 2035
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders65% of tasks by 2035 · US median $48,990
What should you do about it?
Open this job in the Workforce Starburst to see it for your country, then use these to act on it.
Watch This Job
Get told when the outlook for this job changes.
Free planSkills to learn next
The skills that make this job, or the next one, last longer.
In the StarburstCheck your readiness
Ten quick questions on how ready you are.
FreeAsk Vantage
Ask what this job means for you and get a sourced answer.
Free to askFutures Academy courses
Courses matched to your gaps.
Coming soonPay trend
Where pay for this job is heading.
Coming soonTeam plan
Every role in your team, side by side, with a plan for each.
Pro and CorporateShared workspace
Work through it with your team, with notes and decisions kept.
Pro and Corporate
Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Machines can do 27% of the tasks of textile cutting machine setters, operators, and tenders today and 67% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-6062.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/textile-cutting-machine-setters-operators-and-tenders/