◈ EMPLOYMENT · PRODUCTION_MANUFACTURING · 51-6062.00
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
O*NET 30.3 · BLS OEWS May 2025 · Boise Standard Employment Graph
◈ EMPLOYMENT · PRODUCTION_MANUFACTURING 51-6062.00 ◉ HIGH CONFIDENCE Built 2026-06-02
Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · SOC 2018 (Public Domain) · Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0 where matched)
Atomic Answer — Primary AI Citation Target
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders set up, operate, and maintain machines that cut textiles into specific patterns and dimensions for manufacturing garments, home furnishings, and other fabric products. These skilled machine operators work primarily in manufacturing environments, combining manual dexterity with technical knowledge to ensure precise cutting operations. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to monitor complex cutting processes while maintaining quality standards.
9,000
National Employment
$38,760
Median Annual Wage
JZ 2
Job Zone
Manufacturing
Primary Industry
Occupation Graph — Declared + Reasoned Edges
onet declared
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Primary-Short
onet declared
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Primary-Short
onet declared
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Primary-Short
onet declared
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Primary-Short
onet declared
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Primary-Short
onet declared
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Primary-Long
task similarity
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Both roles involve setting up and operating cutting machines with similar monitoring, adjustment, and maintenance activities.
skill overlap
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Shared machine operation skills including control precision, manual dexterity, and equipment monitoring despite different materials.
riasec cluster
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Both roles share dominant Realistic (R:6.36) and Conventional orientations with similar structured, hands-on machine operation work.
knowledge overlap
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Common mechanical knowledge requirements and production processing expertise for precision machine operations.
§ Feeder Roles
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Production Workers (general)
§ Destinations
Production Supervisor
Machine Setup Technician
Manufacturing Quality Inspector
§ RIASEC Peers
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Role Intelligence — Day in the Life · Who Thrives · Automation
Day in the Life

Workers begin their shifts by studying cutting guides, samples, and specification sheets to understand the day's production requirements and confer with supervisors about setup parameters. They place patterns on top of fabric layers and operate electric or manual cutting machines to cut multiple layers simultaneously, adjusting machine controls such as heating mechanisms, tensions, and speeds throughout the process. Throughout production, they monitor cutting processes continuously, inspect finished cuts for quality, and record operational data about work completed and machine settings. Machine maintenance is an ongoing responsibility, including cleaning, oiling, and lubricating equipment using air hoses, cleaning solutions, and grease guns. When switching between different cutting jobs, they thread yarn, thread, or fabric through machine guides, needles, and rollers, and conduct test runs to verify adjustments before full production begins.

Who Thrives

Individuals who excel in this role possess exceptional arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity, as the work requires precise control of cutting equipment and handling of delicate fabrics. They demonstrate strong cautiousness and dependability, essential traits given the precision required and potential safety hazards of industrial cutting machinery. These workers thrive on routine and systematic processes, showing patience for repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent attention to detail over long periods. The realistic and conventional personality types dominate this field, with workers preferring structured environments and tangible, hands-on problem-solving over abstract or interpersonal challenges.

Automation Outlook

Moderate automation risk exists as computerized cutting systems and laser cutting technology continue advancing, particularly for high-volume, standardized cutting operations. However, the role's emphasis on setup, monitoring, and quality control of complex cutting processes provides some protection, as these tasks require human judgment and adaptability that current automation struggles to replicate fully.

Market Intelligence — BLS OEWS May 2025
The occupation employs approximately 9,000 workers nationwide with a median annual wage of $38,760 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, with earnings ranging from $28,650 at the 10th percentile to $49,420 at the 90th percentile. Geographic wage variation is significant, with Connecticut offering the highest median wages at $47,160 compared to Puerto Rico's lowest at $22,880, representing a 2.06x ratio reflecting regional manufacturing concentration and cost of living differences. Manufacturing accounts for 85% of employment opportunities with 7,660 positions, followed by wholesale trade and administrative services sectors. The relatively small employment base of 9,000 workers reflects the declining domestic textile manufacturing industry, though demand remains steady for specialized cutting operations that haven't been fully automated or offshored.
$28,650
10th
$34,230
25th
$38,760
Median
$45,220
75th
$49,420
90th
Highest Paying State
Connecticut
$47,160 median
Geographic Dispersion
2.061x
highest / lowest median
Manufacturing 7,660 emp $38,410
Wholesale Trade 500 emp $42,790
Administrative and Support and Waste Manageme 320 emp $43,530
Retail Trade 280 emp $41,220
Other Services (except Public Administration) 140 emp $35,370
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 ↗ · Public Domain · US Government
Skills + Knowledge — O*NET 30.3 Scored Dimensions
§ Essential Skills (importance 1-5)
Monitoring 3.1
Active Listening 3.0
Speaking 3.0
Critical Thinking 2.9
Reading Comprehension 2.8
Writing 2.6
Active Learning 2.5
Mathematics 2.1
Learning Strategies 2.0
Science 1.0
§ Knowledge Domains (importance 1-5)
Production and Processing 3.3
Mathematics 2.9
Mechanical 2.8
English Language 2.6
Design 2.5
Education and Training 2.2
Administration and Management 2.2
Computers and Electronics 2.1
Public Safety and Security 2.0
Engineering and Technology 2.0
Source: O*NET 30.3 Database ↗ · CC BY 4.0
RIASEC Interest Profile + Personality Fit — O*NET 30.3
R
Realistic
6.36
TOP FIT
I
Investigative
1.55
A
Artistic
1.51
S
Social
1.22
E
Enterprising
1.56
TOP FIT
C
Conventional
4.49
TOP FIT
§ Who Thrives
Individuals who excel in this role possess exceptional arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity, as the work requires precise control of cutting equipment and handling of delicate fabrics. They demonstrate strong cautiousness and dependability, essential traits given the precision required and potential safety hazards of industrial cutting machinery. These workers thrive on routine and systematic processes, showing patience for repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent attention to detail over long periods. The realistic and conventional personality types dominate this field, with workers preferring structured environments and tangible, hands-on problem-solving over abstract or interpersonal challenges.
Source: O*NET 30.3 Career Interest Types ↗ · Scale: OI Occupational Interests 1-7
Tasks + Detailed Work Activities — O*NET 30.3
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.
Core 69% of incumbents
Cut fabrics.Position patterns on equipment, material
Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
Core 69% of incumbents
Operate textile cutting or production eq
Record information about work completed and machine settings.
Core 69% of incumbents
Record operational or production data.
Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
Core 69% of incumbents
Clean production equipment.Lubricate production equipment.
Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
Supplemental 69% of incumbents
Feed materials or products into or throu
Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.
Supplemental 69% of incumbents
Operate textile cutting or production eq
Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine set-up requirements.
Supplemental 69% of incumbents
Study blueprints or other instructions tExchange information with colleagues.
Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
Supplemental 69% of incumbents
Conduct test runs of production equipmenOperate textile cutting or production eq
Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
Core 68% of incumbents
Exchange information with colleagues.
Program electronic equipment.
Supplemental 68% of incumbents
Program equipment to perform production
Source: O*NET 30.3 Task Statements + DWA Mappings ↗ · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
◈ Software Tools — O*NET 30.3 · Hot Technology + In Demand Flagged
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer aided design CAD software
HOT
HAISEN SoftWare System
Industrial control software
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet software
HOT
Microsoft Office software
Office suite software
HOT
Microsoft Outlook
Electronic mail software
HOT
Microsoft Windows
Operating system software
HOT
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
HOT
SAP software
Enterprise resource planning ERP softwar
HOT
Source: O*NET 30.3 Software Skills ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Career Pathway — Entry · Trajectory · Education
1
Entry
2
Some Prep
3
Medium
4
Considerable
5
Extensive
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 trainin
Most positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent, with 67.7% of workers holding this level of education and 32.3% having less than high school completion according to the education distribution data. Entry-level workers typically receive on-the-job training to learn machine operations, safety procedures, and quality standards specific to their employer's equipment and products. The Job Zone 2 classification indicates that very little to some preparation is needed, making this an accessible entry point into manufacturing careers. Previous experience in manufacturing, mechanical work, or detailed manual tasks provides advantages but is not typically required.
Workers can advance to supervisory roles overseeing cutting operations or cross-train on multiple types of cutting and textile machinery to increase their value and job security. Some progress to maintenance technician positions, leveraging their deep knowledge of cutting equipment to specialize in repair and setup of increasingly complex automated systems. Others may transition into quality control, production planning, or training roles within textile manufacturing, or move laterally to similar machine operator positions in related industries such as paper goods, woodworking, or metal cutting operations.
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for 67.7%
Less than a High School Diploma 32.3%
Source: O*NET 30.3 Education + Job Zones ↗ · CC BY 4.0
Live Job Feed — Active Postings
Live Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders job postings populate here as the crawler feeds data. The Boise Standard employment crawler indexes ATS platforms directly — Workday, iCIMS, Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby, Taleo — and normalizes every posting to the O*NET ontology.

Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
Browse Production Manufacturing Feed → Submit Open Position →
◈ SEMANTIC MANIFOLD — MULTI-SOURCE WORD FREQUENCY FINGERPRINT
Top 40 terms across five provenance layers: O*NET Tasks · O*NET Dimensions · DWAs · Wikipedia · Inference · Stop words removed · Deterministic · Constitutional Law III
equipment tendency others cutting production control principles machine machines operations standards products operate quality materials includes objects techniques ideas textile
§ Full Frequency Ranking — 40 terms
TERM COUNT FREQ BAR SOURCE ATTRIBUTION
equipment 49 0.0171
onet dimensi 47% dwas 41%
tendency 42 0.0146
onet dimensi 100%
others 40 0.0139
onet dimensi 95% dwas 2%
cutting 29 0.0101
inference 66% dwas 24%
production 26 0.0091
dwas 54% onet dimensi 31%
control 20 0.0070
onet dimensi 60% inference 25%
principles 17 0.0059
onet dimensi 94% inference 6%
machine 16 0.0056
inference 56% wikipedia 19%
machines 15 0.0052
onet dimensi 47% onet tasks 40%
operations 14 0.0049
onet dimensi 43% inference 43%
standards 13 0.0045
onet dimensi 62% dwas 15%
products 12 0.0042
onet dimensi 42% dwas 25%
operate 12 0.0042
dwas 42% onet dimensi 25%
quality 12 0.0042
onet dimensi 50% inference 42%
materials 12 0.0042
onet dimensi 83% dwas 17%
includes 12 0.0042
onet dimensi 100%
objects 12 0.0042
onet dimensi 100%
techniques 11 0.0038
onet dimensi 91% onet tasks 9%
ideas 11 0.0038
onet dimensi 100%
textile 11 0.0038
dwas 55% inference 45%
problems 10 0.0035
onet dimensi 90% onet tasks 10%
needed 10 0.0035
onet dimensi 70% onet tasks 20%
tools 10 0.0035
onet dimensi 50% dwas 20%
activities 10 0.0035
onet dimensi 90% wikipedia 10%
body 10 0.0035
onet dimensi 100%
hand 9 0.0031
onet dimensi 78% onet tasks 11%
monitoring 9 0.0031
onet dimensi 89% inference 11%
needs 9 0.0031
onet dimensi 89% dwas 11%
procedures 9 0.0031
onet dimensi 89% inference 11%
resources 9 0.0031
onet dimensi 100%
BOISE STANDARD — FINE-TUNING RECORD · Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
51-6062.00 · 8 QA pairs · jsonl · O*NET 30.3 + BLS OEWS
How many Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are employed nationwide?
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, approximately 9,000 workers are employed in this occupation nationwide.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
What is the median annual wage for this occupation?
The median annual wage is $38,760, with the 10th percentile earning $28,650 and the 90th percentile earning $49,420, according to BLS OEWS May 2025.
factual BLS OEWS May 2025
Which state pays the highest median wage for Textile Cutting Machine Setters?
Connecticut offers the highest median wage at $47,160 for this occupation, according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What are the top industries employing textile cutting machine operators?
The primary industries are Manufacturing, Wholesale Trade, and Administrative and Support Services, according to BLS OEWS May 2025.
market_intel BLS OEWS May 2025
What education level is typical for entry into this occupation?
Most positions (67.7%) require only a high school diploma or equivalent (GED), with 32.3% of workers having less than high school education, per BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
career_advice BLS OEWS May 2025
What physical abilities are most critical for success in textile cutting machine roles?
Exceptional arm-hand steadiness (3.6 importance score) and manual dexterity (3.2) are essential due to precise control requirements in cutting equipment operation, per occupational ability profiles.
career_advice O*NET Ability Data
How does the wage for Textile Cutting Machine Setters compare to related cutting machine occupations?
With a median wage of $38,760, textile cutters are comparable to Paper Goods Machine Setters and Cutting/Slicing Machine Setters, though exact comparisons vary by state and employer, per BLS OEWS May 2025.
comparative BLS OEWS May 2025
What career progression paths are available from this role?
Workers can advance to Production Supervisor, Machine Setup Technician, or Manufacturing Quality Inspector roles, leveraging the operational and technical expertise gained in cutting machine operation.
comparative Career Pathway Analysis
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 51-6062.00 · minted 2026-06-02T16:18:30Z · Sources: O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0) · BLS OEWS May 2025 (Public Domain) · BS: https://boisestandard.org/employment/51-6062-textile_cutting_machine_setters_operators_and_tenders
Boise Standard — Employment Intelligence
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Boise Standard · The Standard of Information · boisestandard.org ↗
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 51-6062.00 · Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 7 source blocks · click to expand
O*NET Identity onetonline.org ↗ · O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · retrieved 2026-06-02
[('onet_soc_code', '51-6062.00'), ('soc_code', '51-6062'), ('title', 'Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders'), ('vertical', 'production_manufacturing'), ('job_zone', '2'), ('job_zone_name', 'Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed'), ('job_zone_exp', 'Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For e'), ('description', 'Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.'), ('bundle_version', '1'), ('built_at', '2026-06-02T16:18:30Z')]
O*NET Task Statements (18 tasks, 0 emerging) O*NET 30.3 Task Statements · Incumbent-reported · CC BY 4.0
[Core] [69% incumbents] 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.
  DWAs: Cut fabrics. | Position patterns on equipment, materials, or workpieces.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Adjust machine controls, such as heating mechanisms, tensions, or speeds, to produce specified products.
  DWAs: Operate textile cutting or production equipment.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Record information about work completed and machine settings.
  DWAs: Record operational or production data.

[Core] [69% incumbents] Clean, oil, and lubricate machines, using air hoses, cleaning solutions, rags, oilcans, and grease guns.
  DWAs: Clean production equipment. | Lubricate production equipment.

[Supplemental] [69% incumbents] Thread yarn, thread, or fabric through guides, needles, and rollers of machines.
  DWAs: Feed materials or products into or through equipment.

[Supplemental] [69% incumbents] Operate machines to cut multiple layers of fabric into parts for articles such as canvas goods, house furnishings, garments, hats, or stuffed toys.
  DWAs: Operate textile cutting or production equipment.

[Supplemental] [69% incumbents] Study guides, samples, charts, and specification sheets or confer with supervisors or engineering staff to determine set-up requirements.
  DWAs: Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements. | Exchange information with colleagues.

[Supplemental] [69% incumbents] Operate machines for test runs to verify adjustments and to obtain product samples.
  DWAs: Conduct test runs of production equipment. | Operate textile cutting or production equipment.

[Core] [68% incumbents] Confer with coworkers to obtain information about orders, processes, or problems.
  DWAs: Exchange information with colleagues.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Program electronic equipment.
  DWAs: Program equipment to perform production tasks.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Stop machines when specified amounts of product have been produced.
  DWAs: Operate textile cutting or production equipment.

[Supplemental] [68% incumbents] Install, level, and align components, such as gears, chains, guides, dies, cutters, or needles, to set up machinery for operation.
  DWAs: Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. | Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications. | Install mechanical components in production equipment.

[Core] [67% incumbents] Start machines, monitor operations, and make adjustments as needed.
  DWAs: Operate textile cutting or production equipment.

[Core] [67% incumbents] Inspect machinery to determine whether repairs are needed.
  DWAs: Inspect production equipment.

[Core] [67% incumbents] Repair or replace worn or defective parts or components, using hand tools.
  DWAs: Replace worn equipment components. | Repair production equipment or tools.

[Core] [66% incumbents] Notify supervisors of mechanical malfunctions.
  DWAs: Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

[Supplemental] [66% incumbents] Adjust cutting techniques to types of fabrics and styles of garments.
  DWAs: Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

[Core] [64% incumbents] Inspect products to ensure that the quality standards and specifications are met.
  DWAs: Inspect products or operations to ensure that standards are met. | Inspect work to ensure standards are met. | Inspect textile products.
O*NET Scored Dimensions — Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, Work Activities O*NET 30.3 · CC BY 4.0 · domain_source: Incumbent/Analyst/Machine Learning
--- SKILLS ---
  Monitoring (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Active Listening (imp:3.00 lvl:2.50) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:3.00 lvl:2.12) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Critical Thinking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Reading Comprehension (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Writing (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Active Learning (imp:2.50 lvl:2.00) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Mathematics (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Science (imp:1.00) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Production and Processing (imp:3.28 lvl:2.71) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Mathematics (imp:2.87 lvl:2.80) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Mechanical (imp:2.82 lvl:3.05) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  English Language (imp:2.60 lvl:1.70) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Design (imp:2.45 lvl:2.03) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Education and Training (imp:2.22 lvl:2.20) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Administration and Management (imp:2.21 lvl:2.29) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.07 lvl:1.90) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Public Safety and Security (imp:2.03 lvl:1.49) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.02 lvl:1.87) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Administrative (imp:1.93 lvl:1.85) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Building and Construction (imp:1.90 lvl:1.90) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:1.88 lvl:1.13) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Psychology (imp:1.60 lvl:1.02) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Physics (imp:1.57 lvl:1.24) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Law and Government (imp:1.57 lvl:0.95) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.56) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.43) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Foreign Language (imp:1.43) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Chemistry (imp:1.41 lvl:0.90) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.38 lvl:0.74) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.38 lvl:0.73) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  Transportation (imp:1.37) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.34) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.27) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Geography (imp:1.26 lvl:0.53) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Communications and Media (imp:1.26) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.19) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Telecommunications (imp:1.16) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Food Production (imp:1.10) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food
  Biology (imp:1.10) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  History and Archeology (imp:1.01) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Fine Arts (imp:1.00) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform

--- ABILITIES ---
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.62 lvl:3.75) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Information Ordering (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.25 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Selective Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Control Precision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.38) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Reaction Time (imp:3.12 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Static Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Trunk Strength (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Near Vision (imp:3.12 lvl:3.25) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Oral Comprehension (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Category Flexibility (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Perceptual Speed (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Visualization (imp:3.00 lvl:3.50) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Response Orientation (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Rate Control (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Depth Perception (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Far Vision (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Speech Recognition (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Written Comprehension (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Stamina (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.25 lvl:2.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Written Expression (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Memorization (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Originality (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:2.00) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Time Sharing (imp:2.00 lvl:2.12) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Sound Localization (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:1.88 lvl:1.75) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Peripheral Vision (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Spatial Orientation (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.62 lvl:0.88) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.50 lvl:0.62) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo
  Night Vision (imp:1.50 lvl:0.50) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:4.11 lvl:2.85) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Getting Information (imp:3.95 lvl:2.54) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.94 lvl:4.30) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.92 lvl:2.80) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.84 lvl:2.85) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.78 lvl:3.01) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.69 lvl:4.68) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.60 lvl:3.20) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:3.57 lvl:2.44) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.51 lvl:2.39) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.35 lvl:2.38) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Processing Information (imp:3.18 lvl:2.44) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:3.16 lvl:2.92) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:3.15 lvl:2.12) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:3.14 lvl:3.21) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.13 lvl:3.38) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:3.11 lvl:2.71) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:3.06 lvl:1.86) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Working with Computers (imp:3.05 lvl:2.37) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.89 lvl:2.15) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.88 lvl:2.03) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.79 lvl:2.01) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.77 lvl:2.29) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.73 lvl:2.27) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:2.73 lvl:1.73) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:2.70 lvl:2.44) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:2.68 lvl:2.04) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.67 lvl:2.22) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:2.67 lvl:2.01) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:2.67 lvl:2.08) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:2.63 lvl:1.94) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.58 lvl:2.09) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:2.53 lvl:1.72) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.40 lvl:1.80) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.38 lvl:2.20) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.32 lvl:1.24) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.20 lvl:1.94) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:1.90 lvl:0.99) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.76 lvl:1.03) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.61 lvl:0.92) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:1.37) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Cautiousness (imp:2.17) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Dependability (imp:2.11) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Dependability (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:1.67) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Stress Tolerance (imp:0.88) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Perseverance (imp:0.75) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.70) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Integrity (imp:0.70) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.51) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Cooperation (imp:0.45) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.37) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Adaptability (imp:0.25) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Initiative (imp:0.17) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Sincerity (imp:0.05) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Attention to Detail () — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.11) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Optimism (imp:-0.13) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Humility (imp:-0.16) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Empathy (imp:-0.16) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Social Orientation (imp:-0.16) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Leadership Orientation (imp:-0.41) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.43) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.79) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.75 lvl:3.75) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Operation and Control (imp:3.38 lvl:3.75) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:3.12 lvl:3.12) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:3.00 lvl:3.25) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Troubleshooting (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Repairing (imp:3.00 lvl:3.00) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Time Management (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.50 lvl:1.88) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Instructing (imp:2.25 lvl:2.62) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.12) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Persuasion (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Service Orientation (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.12) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:1.25) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Installation (imp:1.75 lvl:1.25) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:0.75) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
BLS OEWS May 2025 — 9,000 employed nationally bls.gov/oes ↗ · Public Domain · US Government · retrieved 2026-06-02
--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 9,000
  annual_median    : $38,760
  annual_pct10     : $28,650
  annual_pct25     : $34,230
  annual_pct75     : $45,220
  annual_pct90     : $49,420
  annual_mean      : $39,530
  hourly_median    : $18.64

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Connecticut ($47,160)
  lowest_state     : Puerto Rico ($22,880)
  dispersion_ratio : 2.061x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (38 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:    7,660  median: $  38,410
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      500  median: $  42,790
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      320  median: $  43,530
  Retail Trade                             emp:      280  median: $  41,220
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      140  median: $  35,370
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:       50  median: $  41,880
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:       30  median: $  34,890

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (7 total) ---
  Manufacturing                            emp:    7,660  median: $  38,410
  Wholesale Trade                          emp:      500  median: $  42,790
  Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services emp:      320  median: $  43,530
  Retail Trade                             emp:      280  median: $  41,220
  Other Services (except Public Administration) emp:      140  median: $  35,370
  Transportation and Warehousing           emp:       50  median: $  41,880
  Health Care and Social Assistance        emp:       30  median: $  34,890
Wikipedia — no exact match (0 words) N/A ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0
exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:15:21.892462Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: List of The Weekly with Charlie Pickering episodes (similarity: 0.2857)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Weekly_with_Charlie_Pickering_episodes
  QID: Q24189802
  Extract: 


The Weekly with Charlie Pickering is an Australian news satire series on the ABC. The series premiered on 22 April 2015, and Charlie Pickering as host with Tom Gleeson, Adam Briggs, Kitty Flanagan (2015–2018) in the cast, and Judith Lucy joined the series in 2019. The first season consisted of 20

  Title: List of Pawn Stars episodes (similarity: 0.3171)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pawn_Stars_episodes
  QID: Q6349379
  Extract: 


Pawn Stars is an American reality television series that premiered on History on July 19, 2009. The series is filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it chronicles the activities at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, a 24-hour family business operated by patriarch Richard "Old Man" Harrison, hi

  Title: Computer numerical control (similarity: 0.2716)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_numerical_control
  QID: Q190247
  Extract: Computer numerical control (CNC) or CNC machining is the automated control of machine tools by a computer. It is an evolution of numerical control (NC), where machine tools are directly managed by data storage media such as punched cards or punched tape. Because CNC allows for easier programming, mo

  Title: ATM (similarity: 0.0690)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATM
  QID: Q81235
  Extract: An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, funds transfers, balance or account information inquiries, at any time and without the need for direct 

  Title: Automatic lathe (similarity: 0.2000)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_lathe
  QID: Q6024544
  Extract: In metalworking and woodworking, an automatic lathe is a lathe with an automatically controlled cutting process. Automatic lathes were first developed in the 1870s and were mechanically controlled. From the advent of NC and CNC in the 1950s, the term automatic lathe has generally been used for only 
Claude Inference — claude-sonnet-4-20250514 · confidence:high · $0.0537 inferred_at: 2026-06-04T01:51:47 UTC · Boise Standard inference pipeline v1.0
model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on comprehensive O*NET data with detailed task descriptions, clear skill requirements, and robust wage data from BLS OEWS May 2025. The occupation has well-defined boundaries and specific technical requirements that distinguish it from related roles.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T01:51:47.145833+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,765
tokens_output        : 4,778
cost_usd             : $0.053706
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No relevant Wikipedia match found for this specific textile manufacturing occupation. The closest technical reference was Computer Numerical Control, which relates to automated machine control principles used in modern cutting equipment.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders set up, operate, and maintain machines that cut textiles into specific patterns and dimensions for manufacturing garments, home furnishings, and other fabric products. These skilled machine operators work primarily in manufacturing environments, combining manual dexterity with technical knowledge to ensure precise cutting operations. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to monitor complex cutting processes while maintaining quality standards.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Workers begin their shifts by studying cutting guides, samples, and specification sheets to understand the day's production requirements and confer with supervisors about setup parameters. They place patterns on top of fabric layers and operate electric or manual cutting machines to cut multiple layers simultaneously, adjusting machine controls such as heating mechanisms, tensions, and speeds throughout the process. Throughout production, they monitor cutting processes continuously, inspect finished cuts for quality, and record operational data about work completed and machine settings. Machine maintenance is an ongoing responsibility, including cleaning, oiling, and lubricating equipment using air hoses, cleaning solutions, and grease guns. When switching between different cutting jobs, they thread yarn, thread, or fabric through machine guides, needles, and rollers, and conduct test runs to verify adjustments before full production begins.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role possess exceptional arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity, as the work requires precise control of cutting equipment and handling of delicate fabrics. They demonstrate strong cautiousness and dependability, essential traits given the precision required and potential safety hazards of industrial cutting machinery. These workers thrive on routine and systematic processes, showing patience for repetitive tasks while maintaining consistent attention to detail over long periods. The realistic and conventional personality types dominate this field, with workers preferring structured environments and tangible, hands-on problem-solving over abstract or interpersonal challenges.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent, with 67.7% of workers holding this level of education and 32.3% having less than high school completion according to the education distribution data. Entry-level workers typically receive on-the-job training to learn machine operations, safety procedures, and quality standards specific to their employer's equipment and products. The Job Zone 2 classification indicates that very little to some preparation is needed, making this an accessible entry point into manufacturing careers. Previous experience in manufacturing, mechanical work, or detailed manual tasks provides advantages but is not typically required.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Workers can advance to supervisory roles overseeing cutting operations or cross-train on multiple types of cutting and textile machinery to increase their value and job security. Some progress to maintenance technician positions, leveraging their deep knowledge of cutting equipment to specialize in repair and setup of increasingly complex automated systems. Others may transition into quality control, production planning, or training roles within textile manufacturing, or move laterally to similar machine operator positions in related industries such as paper goods, woodworking, or metal cutting operations.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
The occupation employs approximately 9,000 workers nationwide with a median annual wage of $38,760 according to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, with earnings ranging from $28,650 at the 10th percentile to $49,420 at the 90th percentile. Geographic wage variation is significant, with Connecticut offering the highest median wages at $47,160 compared to Puerto Rico's lowest at $22,880, representing a 2.06x ratio reflecting regional manufacturing concentration and cost of living differences. Manufacturing accounts for 85% of employment opportunities with 7,660 positions, followed by wholesale trade and administrative services sectors. The relatively small employment base of 9,000 workers reflects the declining domestic textile manufacturing industry, though demand remains steady for specialized cutting operations that haven't been fully automated or offshored.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Moderate automation risk exists as computerized cutting systems and laser cutting technology continue advancing, particularly for high-volume, standardized cutting operations. However, the role's emphasis on setup, monitoring, and quality control of complex cutting processes provides some protection, as these tasks require human judgment and adaptability that current automation struggles to replicate fully.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [task_similarity] Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-9032.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles involve setting up and operating cutting machines with similar monitoring, adjustment, and maintenance activities.
    data: Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:3.9)
    data: Monitoring Processes (imp:4.1)
    data: Operations Monitoring transferable skill (imp:3.8)
  [skill_overlap] Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Shared machine operation skills including control precision, manual dexterity, and equipment monitoring despite different materials.
    data: Control Precision (imp:3.1, lvl:3.4)
    data: Manual Dexterity (imp:3.2)
    data: Operation and Control transferable skill (imp:3.4)
  [riasec_cluster] Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-9196.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share dominant Realistic (R:6.36) and Conventional orientations with similar structured, hands-on machine operation work.
    data: RIASEC R:6.36, C:4.49
    data: Job Zone 2
    data: Mechanical knowledge (imp:2.8)
  [knowledge_overlap] Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4033.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Common mechanical knowledge requirements and production processing expertise for precision machine operations.
    data: Mechanical knowledge (imp:2.8, lvl:3.0)
    data: Production and Processing knowledge (imp:3.3)
    data: Equipment Maintenance skill (imp:3.0)
  [wage_band] Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing (51-7042.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Similar wage ranges and Job Zone 2 classification indicating comparable skill requirements and market positioning.
    data: Median wage $38,760
    data: Job Zone 2
    data: Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.6, lvl:3.8)
  [career_pathway] Machine Feeders and Offbearers (53-7063.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Entry-level pathway role sharing material handling activities and basic machine operation experience.
    data: Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.7, lvl:4.7)
    data: Job Zone 2
    data: High school education requirement
  [task_similarity] Cutters and Trimmers, Hand (51-9031.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Complementary cutting operations with shared fabric cutting tasks and quality control requirements.
    data: Cut fabrics DWA
    data: Quality Control Analysis skill (imp:3.1)
    data: Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.6, lvl:3.8)

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['textile cutting', 'cutting machine operator', 'fabric cutting', 'automated cutting', 'machine setter', 'cutting equipment', 'textile operator', 'production cutting']
  exclude_keywords : ['hand cutting', 'manual cutting', 'garment design', 'pattern making', 'sewing']
  title_patterns   : ['Cutting Machine', 'Textile Cutting', 'Automated Cutting', 'Machine Operator', 'Machine Setter']
  common_variations: ['textile cutting machine operator', 'automated cutting operator', 'fabric cutting machine setter', 'cutting machine tender', 'textile machine operator', 'industrial cutting operator', 'production cutting specialist', 'cutting equipment operator']
Semantic Manifold — 40 terms · 5 provenance layers employment_word_extractor.py · sources: onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference · Constitutional Law III
total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'cutting', 'production', 'control', 'principles', 'machine', 'machines', 'operations', 'standards', 'products', 'operate', 'quality', 'materials', 'includes', 'objects', 'techniques', 'ideas', 'textile']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
equipment                  49  0.01706  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:47%  dwas:41%  inference:10%
tendency                   42  0.01462  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     40  0.01392  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:95%  dwas:2%  inference:2%
cutting                    29  0.01009  inference            inference:66%  dwas:24%  onet_tasks:7%
production                 26  0.00905  dwas                 dwas:54%  onet_dimensions:31%  inference:15%
control                    20  0.00696  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:60%  inference:25%  wikipedia:15%
principles                 17  0.00592  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:94%  inference:6%
machine                    16  0.00557  inference            inference:56%  wikipedia:19%  onet_tasks:12%
machines                   15  0.00522  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:47%  onet_tasks:40%  inference:13%
operations                 14  0.00487  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:43%  inference:43%  onet_tasks:7%
standards                  13  0.00453  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  dwas:15%  inference:15%
products                   12  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:42%  dwas:25%  onet_tasks:17%
operate                    12  0.00418  dwas                 dwas:42%  onet_dimensions:25%  onet_tasks:17%
quality                    12  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  inference:42%  onet_tasks:8%
materials                  12  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:83%  dwas:17%
includes                   12  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
techniques                 11  0.00383  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  onet_tasks:9%
ideas                      11  0.00383  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
textile                    11  0.00383  dwas                 dwas:55%  inference:45%
problems                   10  0.00348  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  onet_tasks:10%
needed                     10  0.00348  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  onet_tasks:20%  inference:10%
tools                      10  0.00348  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:50%  dwas:20%  wikipedia:20%
activities                 10  0.00348  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  wikipedia:10%
body                       10  0.00348  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
hand                        9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  onet_tasks:11%  inference:11%
monitoring                  9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
needs                       9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  dwas:11%
procedures                  9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
resources                   9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
quickly                     9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00313  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
manufacturing               9  0.00313  inference            inference:100%
patterns                    8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:38%  onet_tasks:25%  inference:25%
mechanical                  8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  onet_tasks:12%  dwas:12%
attention                   8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
understand                  8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
problem                     8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
rules                       8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
human                       8  0.00279  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
◈ Boise Standard Employment Graph · 51-6062.00 · built 2026-06-02 · Sources declared above are authoritative originals. This page synthesizes but does not replace them. Every claim traceable. Full provenance. Constitutional Law I.
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