Folder operator vs knife operator

The differences between folder operators and knife operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a folder operator, becoming a knife operator takes usually requires Less than 1 month. Additionally, a knife operator has an average salary of $38,218, which is higher than the $37,807 average annual salary of a folder operator.

The top three skills for a folder operator include quality standards, machine operation and machine components. The most important skills for a knife operator are RAN, quality standards, and .

Folder operator vs knife operator overview

	Folder Operator	Knife Operator
Yearly salary	$37,807	$38,218
Hourly rate	$18.18	$18.37
Growth rate	7%	-5%
Number of jobs	50,487	30,267
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	49	48
Years of experience	4	-

Folder operator vs knife operator salary

Folder operators and knife operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Folder Operator	Knife Operator
Average salary	$37,807	$38,218
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $45,000	Between $29,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between folder operator and knife operator education

There are a few differences between a folder operator and a knife operator in terms of educational background:

	Folder Operator	Knife Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 56%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Folder operator vs knife operator demographics

Here are the differences between folder operators' and knife operators' demographics:

	Folder Operator	Knife Operator
Average age	49	48
Gender ratio	Male, 73.8% Female, 26.2%	Male, 66.5% Female, 33.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.9% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 3.0% White, 55.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.8%
LGBT Percentage	8%	8%

Differences between folder operator and knife operator duties and responsibilities

Folder operator example responsibilities.

Manage mail heads, stackers and print pockets and train crew members on same.
Sort and count articles remove from dryers.
Fold sheets, blankets napkins, table cloths etc.
Train on Inkjet operation to ensure quality is maintained.
Gain the knowledge and experience with running a small UV coater.
Perform hand collating of short-run projects while maintaining correct sequence of order.

Knife operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Work in the board plant making drywall board-also run forklift
Guide stackers in the proper methods and procedures for the manufacturing of corrugate sheets and develop team interaction and growth.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Identify business through analyzing results, sales plan and effectively utilize payroll hours

Folder operator vs knife operator skills

Common folder operator skills

Quality Standards, 38%
Machine Operation, 10%
Machine Components, 8%
Straight Line, 7%
Customer Satisfaction, 6%
Check Quality, 5%

Common knife operator skills

RAN, 61%
Quality Standards, 39%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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