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What is a cutter operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
The average cutter operator salary is $33,960. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 2-4 years of experience to become a cutter operator. Cutter operators with a OSHA Safety Certificate certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 7% and produce 56,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreCutter OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.7

Avg. Salary $33,960

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
9.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.90%

Asian 2.89%

Black or African American 15.65%

Hispanic or Latino 18.10%

Unknown 4.44%

White 58.02%

Gender

female 18.83%

male 81.17%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.8

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Cutter operator career paths

Key steps to become a cutter operator

  1. Explore cutter operator education requirements

    Most common cutter operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    57.9 %

    Associate

    15.9 %

    Diploma

    13.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific cutter operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Quality Checks11.63%
    Pallets10.63%
    Math10.45%
    Troubleshoot7.01%
    Quality Standards6.73%
  3. Complete relevant cutter operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cutter 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 cutter operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cutter operator resumes.
  4. Research cutter operator duties and responsibilities

    • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
    • Assist with other bindery operations in the department which include cutting, padding, collating, drilling and hole punching.
    • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
    • Inspect product for defects house keeping, AIB, preventive maintenance.
  5. Prepare your cutter operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cutter 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 cutter 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 cutter operator resume templates

    Build a professional cutter 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 cutter operator resume.
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
    Cutter Operator Resume
  6. Apply for cutter operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cutter 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 cutter operator job

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Average cutter operator salary

The average cutter operator salary in the United States is $33,960 per year or $16 per hour. Cutter operator salaries range between $27,000 and $41,000 per year.

Average cutter operator salary
$33,960 Yearly
$16.33 hourly

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Cutter operator reviews

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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


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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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