Cutter operator vs handle machine operator

The differences between cutter operators and handle machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cutter operator has an average salary of $33,960, which is higher than the $29,598 average annual salary of a handle machine operator.

The top three skills for a cutter operator include quality checks, pallets and math. The most important skills for a handle machine operator are forklifts, cranes, and production lines.

Cutter operator vs handle machine operator overview

	Cutter Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,960	$29,598
Hourly rate	$16.33	$14.23
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	65,046	110,258
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	4	-

Cutter operator vs handle machine operator salary

Cutter operators and handle machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cutter Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,960	$29,598
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $41,000	Between $23,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	Grand Forks, ND	Redwood City, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	Schreiber Foods	Land O'Lakes
Best paying industry	Automotive	Manufacturing

Differences between cutter operator and handle machine operator education

There are a few differences between a cutter operator and a handle machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Cutter Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 57%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cutter operator vs handle machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between cutter operators' and handle machine operators' demographics:

	Cutter Operator	Handle Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%	Male, 79.6% Female, 20.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 15.6% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 2.9% White, 58.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 7.1% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	5%

Differences between cutter operator and handle machine operator duties and responsibilities

Cutter operator example 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.

Handle machine operator example responsibilities.

Operate CNC to manufacture table tops, end tables, desks, and other products.
Produce machined parts by programming, setting up and operation a computer numerical control CNC machine.
Document lens specifications according to FDA regulations.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Cutter operator vs handle machine operator skills

Common cutter operator skills

Quality Checks, 12%
Pallets, 11%
Math, 10%
Troubleshoot, 7%
Quality Standards, 7%
Pallet Jack, 7%

Common handle machine operator skills

Forklifts, 13%
Cranes, 13%
Production Lines, 13%
Safety Procedures, 10%
Customer Orders, 8%
Electric Pallet Jack, 6%

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Transportation Industry
Cutter Operator
Cutter Operator vs Handle Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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