Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$44,030
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.17
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-5% vs US median
US median $46,570
State Rank
#36 of 47
1,260 employed here

How much do Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Tennessee?

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders working in Tennessee earn a median salary of $44,030 per year, or about $21.17 per hour. That is 5% below the national median of $46,570 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $35,210 while the top 10% make $50,000 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,630 and $46,270 a year.

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,210$16.93
25th percentile (early career)$37,630$18.09
50th percentile (median)$44,030$21.17
75th percentile (experienced)$46,270$22.25
90th percentile (top earners)$50,000$24.04

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 36th out of 47 states and territories for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Minnesota$58,260
2Vermont$52,220
3Colorado$51,750
4Montana$51,540
5Oregon$51,180

Working as Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in Tennessee

Nationally, about 45,000 people work as Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($44,030) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in Tennessee?
The median Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Tennessee is $44,030 per year, or about $21.17 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,210 at the entry level to $50,000 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders about 5% less than the national median of $46,570. Tennessee ranks 36th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,030 a year. About 1,260 Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary report

Related salaries

Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

$35,650
median pay · 3,000 employed

Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders

$41,590
median pay · 31,000 employed

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

$46,680
median pay · 77,000 employed

Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

$50,270
median pay · 96,000 employed

Prepress Technicians and Workers

$48,690
median pay · 24,000 employed

Plant and System Operators, All Other

$62,470
median pay · 14,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.