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What is a cut-out machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a cut-out machine operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $16.97 an hour? That's $35,298 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -8% and produce -83,800 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreCut-Out Machine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.8

Avg. Salary $35,298

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.0

Growth rate -8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.87%

Asian 5.99%

Black or African American 4.82%

Hispanic or Latino 14.59%

Unknown 5.43%

White 68.29%

Gender

female 18.54%

male 81.46%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Cut-out machine operator career paths

Key steps to become a cut-out machine operator

  1. Explore cut-out machine operator education requirements

    Most common cut-out machine operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.9 %

    Associate

    16.7 %

    Bachelor's

    14.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific cut-out machine operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CNC20.89%
    Quality Checks18.58%
    Hand Tools12.62%
    Calipers8.20%
    Laser Cutting8.08%
  3. Complete relevant cut-out machine operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cut-out machine operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cut-out machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cut-out machine operator resumes.
  4. Research cut-out machine operator duties and responsibilities

    • Attach specialty jams to windows.
    • Work on inventory team used RF gun and cycle counts.
    • Perform calibration checks on all measuring devices such as measuring tapes etc.
    • Perform other personnel functions as needed or assign to include labeling, etc.
  5. Prepare your cut-out machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cut-out machine operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cut-out machine operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable cut-out machine operator resume templates

    Build a professional cut-out machine operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your cut-out machine operator resume.
    Cut-Out Machine Operator Resume
    Cut-Out Machine Operator Resume
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    Cut-Out Machine Operator Resume
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    Cut-Out Machine Operator Resume
  6. Apply for cut-out machine operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cut-out machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first cut-out machine operator job

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Average cut-out machine operator salary

The average cut-out machine operator salary in the United States is $35,298 per year or $17 per hour. Cut-out machine operator salaries range between $26,000 and $47,000 per year.

Average cut-out machine operator salary
$35,298 Yearly
$16.97 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do cut-out machine operators rate their job?

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Cut-out machine operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time

Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

There is something new all the time ,one day your doing parts for a water pump,and the next day you could be doing parts going to Mars I did on the land,rover

Cons

If your not careful what you are doing you can put a whole order in the trash or break a brooch


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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