How much does a fabric cutter make?
a year · about $19 an hour
A typical fabric cutter in the United States makes $38,760 a year, about $19 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read work orders, lay patterns over fabric layers, and use an electric knife or computer-controlled cutter to slice garment or toy pieces. They check the cuts, adjust machine settings, and record what was made.
Did you know? A fabric cutter can slice through several layers at once, making parts for things as different as hats and stuffed toys.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $28,650 and $49,420How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is common, though some jobs do not require it; beginners can learn on the job, with training ranging from days to about a year. O*NET lists no national certification for this job.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience and skill with more complex machine setups can lead to higher pay. Pay also varies by the employer’s industry and location, and some workplaces add extra pay for night or weekend shifts.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Connecticut ($47,160), lowest in Nevada ($28,630).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $28,650 | $38,760 | $49,420 | about 9,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $47,160 | about 50 |
| New York | $46,810 | about 170 |
| New Hampshire | $45,930 | about 80 |
| Hawaii | $45,760 | — |
| Washington | $45,380 | about 140 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut textiles.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-6062.00
- www.onetonline.org/skills/zone/51-6062.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/opub/hom/eci/concepts.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/localcert/51-6062.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY