Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
SOC Code: 51-9032
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders carries a 47% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,700 and -2.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 49,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 47% AI exposure, Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders sits 10 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 83% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders has ai exposure of 47%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders (SOC 51-9032) carries an AI exposure score of 47%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 49,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -2.3% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $45,700, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
- 2. Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
- 3. Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
- 4. Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
- 5. Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.
- 6. Feed stock into cutting machines, onto conveyors, or under cutting blades, by threading, guiding, pushing, or turning handwheels.
- 7. Mark cutting lines or identifying information on stock, using marking pencils, rulers, or scribes.
- 8. Monitor operation of cutting or slicing machines to detect malfunctions or to determine whether supplies need replenishment.
- 9. Stack and sort cut material for packaging, further processing, or shipping, according to types and sizes of material.
- 10. Adjust machine controls to alter position, alignment, speed, or pressure.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders has an AI exposure score of 47%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is projected to decline by 2.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 49,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Key skills for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is $45,700, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).