Production · SOC 51-9032
Physical stock feeding, machine monitoring, and jam-clearing keep cutting and slicing machine operators hands-on and essential.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: CNC cutting automation is expanding, but the physical feed, jam-response, and multi-material adaptability of operator work in smaller facilities limits displacement through at least 2030.
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$49,900 median pay
$45,190 median pay
$33,880 median pay
$38,160 median pay
$38,260 median pay
$42,530 median pay
AI job-risk card
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is 20/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
20 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Entering instructions and activating CNC or computer programs. Harder to automate: Feeding varied stock through machines safely and precisely, Monitoring machine operation by ear and eye for faults, Pressing controls and pedals in real time during runs, Clearing jams and adjusting guides mid-production.
Lean into Cutting and slicing machine setup, Material feed and handling, Machine maintenance basics, Production safety practices. Consider roles such as CNC cutting machine programmer or Manufacturing quality technician or Production supervisor.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.