How to hire a cutter operator

How to hire a cutter operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cutter operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cutter operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cutter operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your cutter operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a cutter operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A cutter operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, cutter operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of cutter operators.

   Type of Cutter Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Cutter Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-19
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Assembling Machine Operator	An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues... Show more	$11-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Pallets
   • Math
   • Troubleshoot
   • Quality Standards
   • Pallet Jack
   • Basic Math
   • Bindery
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Laser
   • Production RUN
   • Safety Policies
   • Collating
   • Customer Specifications

   Check all skills

   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.

   More cutter operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the cutter operator job description is a good way to get more applicants. A cutter operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a cutter operator in North Carolina may be lower than in Alaska, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level cutter operator. Additionally, a cutter operator with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average cutter operator salary

   $16.33hourly

   $33,960 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level cutter operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 28, 2025

   Average cutter operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	North Dakota	$44,906	$22
   2	Wisconsin	$39,236	$19
   3	Connecticut	$36,680	$18
   4	California	$36,472	$18
   5	Michigan	$35,648	$17
   6	Indiana	$34,725	$17
   7	Texas	$32,953	$16
   8	Missouri	$32,372	$16
   9	North Carolina	$30,504	$15
   10	Florida	$29,326	$14
   11	Tennessee	$27,168	$13

   Average cutter operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Schreiber Foods	$42,415	$20.39	20
   2	J.R. Simplot	$42,298	$20.34	10
   3	Lamb Weston	$39,940	$19.20	10
   4	Valmont Industries	$38,696	$18.60	4
   5	GSP	$38,527	$18.52	1
   6	WestRock	$38,358	$18.44	32
   7	Graphic Packaging International	$37,454	$18.01	30
   8	Southern Champion Tray	$37,322	$17.94	20
   9	A&S Kinard	$36,911	$17.75	8
   10	ABC Imaging	$36,721	$17.65	1
   11	Ashland	$36,623	$17.61
   12	Brunswick	$36,376	$17.49	3
   13	Fort Dearborn	$36,339	$17.47
   14	Quad	$36,139	$17.37	21
   15	Mittera	$36,106	$17.36	13
   16	SG360	$36,060	$17.34	6
   17	Vivid Inc	$36,005	$17.31
   18	The Wood Company	$36,005	$17.31	5
   19	Jostens	$35,490	$17.06	1
   20	Allied Printing	$33,951	$16.32

4. Writing a cutter operator job description

   A cutter operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a cutter operator job description:

   Cutter operator job description example

   Cutter Operator, 2nd Shift Sheridan. Be part of something greater. Your career awaits join us!

   LOCATION: Hanover, NH

   Sheridan NH has operated in Hanover, New Hampshire, for more than 200 years. It is a full web printer exclusively dedicated to printing short run publications, journals and catalogs on full-size web presses.

   Job Summary:

   • Perform manual and machine operation tasks related to the paper cutter machine.
   • Review job ticket and set-up cutter in accordance with designated instructions.
   • Operate paper cutter.
   • Maintain equipment and repair/service as needed.
   • Operate lift truck to transport material to the next area of process.

   Basic Qualifications:

   • A minimum of a High School diploma or GED/HiSET required.
   • Proven organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills required.
   • Proven mechanical ability required.
   • Basic verbal and written communication skills.
   • Ability to learn the job and perform work productively and safely.
   • Reliable; good attendance is required.
   • Required to work mandatory overtime as needed.
   • Must possess ability to work at a rapid pace.
   • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to a maximum of 50 lbs. frequently.
   • Continuous standing, frequent walking & stooping, occasional sitting, crouching, and reaching/working overhead required.
   • Good visual acuity and manual dexterity required.
   • Work environment involves exposure to excessive noise, being near moving machinery, and exposure to potential arm and wrist fatigue.
   • Must wear hearing protection and safety shoes.

   Schedule is Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 11 PM - 40 hours/week

   • Overtime pays time and a half after 40 hours per week
   • 2nd shift pays an extra 8%
   • Eligible for $1,000 hiring bonus after 12 weeks!

   Why work for Sheridan?

   • Job training
   • Career advancement
   • College tuition up to $5,250 per year
   • Paid vacation & holidays
   • Competitive compensation
   • Medical (PPO and HSA Plans), Dental, Vision
   • Teledoc - convenient and no cost
   • Company paid basic life and AD&D insurance
   • Voluntary life
   • 401(k) with company match
   • Company paid short term disability
   • FSA Health and Dependent Care savings accounts
   • HSA Health saving account
   • EAP program

   CJK Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

   If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to apply for employment, please contact the location HR Manager at or .

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find cutter operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cutter operator job on Zippia to find and recruit cutter operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit cutter operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cutter operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the cutter operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new cutter operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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