Will AI replace cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders?AI replacement risk 51% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$46,570
25th–75th pct. $39,440–$53,800
Top pay (est.)
$79,500
Top 10% $61,120
Pay in 5 years
$53,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$60,900est.
$52,400–$70,700
Outlook score
41/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
51%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−0.9%
5,400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders? AI replacement risk

51%
Moderate
Ranked #536 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
4.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.9
Operation and Control
3.9
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Troubleshooting
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Repairing
3.0
Coordination
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.5
Administration and Management
3.8
Education and Training
3.8
English Language
3.8
Computers and Electronics
3.8
Mechanical
3.8
Engineering and Technology
3.7
Design
3.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Control PrecisionReaction TimeFinger DexterityNear VisionDepth PerceptionMultilimb Coordination

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
35%
6–12 months
29%
4–10 years
14%
1–3 months
12%
1–2 years
9%
None / short demo
2%

Related work experience

None
39%
1–2 years
15%
2–4 years
14%
4–6 years
14%
6–12 months
6%
3–6 months
6%
1–3 months
4%
Up to 1 month
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.