Cutter operator vs machine operator

The differences between cutter operators and 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

The top three skills for a cutter operator include quality checks, pallets and math. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.

Cutter operator vs machine operator overview

	Cutter Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$33,960	$32,874
Hourly rate	$16.33	$15.80
Growth rate	7%	-6%
Number of jobs	65,046	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	43	44
Years of experience	4	-

Cutter operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Cutter Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$33,960	$32,874
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $41,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Grand Forks, ND	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Alaska	Minnesota
Best paying company	Schreiber Foods	BD
Best paying industry	Automotive	Automotive

Differences between cutter operator and machine operator education

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

	Cutter Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 58%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Cutter operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Cutter Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	43	44
Gender ratio	Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	5%

Differences between cutter operator and 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.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Cutter operator vs machine operator skills

Common cutter operator skills

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

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Transportation Industry
Cutter Operator
Cutter Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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