How to hire a die cut operator

How to hire a die cut operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step die cut 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 die cut operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new die cut operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a die cut operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A die cut operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, die cut 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 die cut operators.

   Type of Die Cut Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Die Cut Operator		$15-24
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Hand Tools
   • Data Entry
   • Calipers
   • Quality Checks
   • Trouble Shoot
   • Pallets
   • Quality Standards
   • Flexo
   • ISO
   • Production Schedules
   • Bobst Die
   • RAN
   • Print Plates
   • Customer Orders

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate all Flexo machines such as the 133D/C , 136D/Cand currently the 132 flexo.
   • Calibrate or adjust equipment to ensure quality production using tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Remove finished product off of production line onto designate pallet.
   • Set up Bobst flat die and run machine with no asistance.

   More die cut operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your die cut operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A die cut operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, die cut operators' average salary in new jersey is 31% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level die cut operators 36% less than senior-level die cut operators.
   • Certifications. A die cut operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a die cut operator's salary.

   Average die cut operator salary

   $40,333yearly

   $19.39 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level die cut operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 21, 2025

   Average die cut operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Nebraska	$45,879	$22
   2	Mississippi	$44,593	$21
   3	South Dakota	$43,932	$21
   4	Ohio	$43,141	$21
   5	California	$40,968	$20
   6	North Carolina	$40,849	$20
   7	Wisconsin	$40,735	$20
   8	Illinois	$40,206	$19
   9	Minnesota	$39,739	$19
   10	Washington	$38,593	$19
   11	Michigan	$38,351	$18
   12	Arizona	$38,071	$18
   13	Oregon	$37,901	$18
   14	Indiana	$36,968	$18
   15	Virginia	$36,744	$18
   16	Georgia	$35,651	$17
   17	Texas	$35,583	$17

   Average die cut operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amcor	$43,596	$20.96	29
   2	Greif	$43,374	$20.85	5
   3	WestRock	$42,368	$20.37	18
   4	PaperWorks	$42,265	$20.32	1
   5	MeadWestvaco	$41,156	$19.79
   6	Malnove Holding	$40,856	$19.64
   7	Material Bank	$40,663	$19.55
   8	Graphic Packaging International	$40,482	$19.46	29
   9	Belmark	$40,184	$19.32	2
   10	Oliver	$40,129	$19.29	9
   11	Fortis Solutions Group	$40,047	$19.25	8
   12	4over	$39,925	$19.19	13
   13	Randstad North America, Inc.	$38,815	$18.66	7
   14	Bell Incorporated	$38,542	$18.53
   15	Aerotek	$36,369	$17.49	205
   16	MCC Label	$35,846	$17.23	13
   17	Trc Staffing Services	$31,071	$14.94

4. Writing a die cut operator job description

   A good die cut operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a die cut operator job description:

   Die cut operator job description example

   Die Cutting Operator FULL-TIME
   $23.24/hr, plus $1500 new hire bonus, see details below This Job Description is only a guideline, you may be asked to do other functions as needed. Due to work load changes in each department, you may also be asked to help out in other areas and/or departments from time to time. 1. Read job ticket for information necessary pertaining to job 2. Register printing to cutting 3. Check for correct copy & size & style 4. Set up and operate assigned die cutter 5. Check the quality of your die cutting before starting the production run 6. Make sure all cutting rule is cutting cleanly with a minimum of nicks 7. Make sure all round scores are of good quality so cartons will fold straight without cracking 8. Have all jobs okayed by your supervisor or gluing supervisor or lead person 9. Do not start a job without an OK'd carton from the job ticket 10. Operator will fold and inspect all positions from the tops of each finished load-more often if time allows 11. Testing to be performed on cartons per customer requests (i.e. 3M scorebends and caliper) 12. Remark all loads with flags from printing department 13. Flag all die cutting problems or any other problems you find. 14. Make sure the maintenance of the machine has been done (oiling or greasing, replace worn or broken parts, etc.) Notify your supervisor if a service man needs to be called in. 15. With ever changing technology, you may be asked to change the way we MR, prepare jobs, etc. ATL-03 WS-03
   Schedule
   Shift start: 3:00PM or 11:00PM
   Shift length: 8 - 12 hours
   Rotating Schedule
   Benefits
   Health, dental, vision insurance - available after 30 days Paid time off 401(k) plan
   Qualifications
   Must pass drug screen Must pass background check Can lift 50 lbs Must be at least 18+ years old 1. Make sure your machine is clean, also the whole area around it. Clean areas make it better for safer working conditions. 2. Work closely with your pre-make ready person (work as a team). 3. Stay at your machine to check quality and assure the safety of the machine. You need to be there if something breaks or jams. 4. Pay special attention to single sheets that are discarded (do not set on a load performing other duties, sheet(s) are scrapped immediately It is the responsibility as an operator to stay busy and set an example for others.
   
   $1500 new hire incentive
   You are eligible to receive $250, paid every two months, for the first year of employment. About Graphic Packaging International
   Graphic Packaging International is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, they are a leading global provider of paper-based packaging solutions for a wide variety of products for food, beverage, foodservice and other consumer products companies. They strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in their industry and in the communities where they operate. Graphic Packaging has approximately 17,000 employees working in more than 60 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. They are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the best in the industry to reward the talented people who make their company successful.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right die cut operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your die cut operator job on Zippia to find and recruit die cut 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 die cut 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.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   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 die cut operator

   Once you've found the die cut operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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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