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What is a knife operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a knife operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.37 an hour? That's $38,218 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreKnife OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,218

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.3

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.80%

Asian 2.99%

Black or African American 13.26%

Hispanic or Latino 19.60%

Unknown 4.51%

White 55.84%

Gender

female 33.49%

male 66.51%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.8

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Knife operator career paths

Key steps to become a knife operator

  1. Explore knife operator education requirements

    Most common knife operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    51.3 %

    Associate

    20.5 %

    Diploma

    11.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific knife operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    RAN61.50%
    Quality Standards38.50%
  3. Complete relevant knife operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New knife operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a knife operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real knife operator resumes.
  4. Research knife operator duties and 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.
  5. Prepare your knife operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your knife operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a knife operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable knife operator resume templates

    Build a professional knife operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your knife operator resume.
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
    Knife Operator Resume
  6. Apply for knife operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a knife operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first knife operator job

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Average knife operator salary

The average knife operator salary in the United States is $38,218 per year or $18 per hour. Knife operator salaries range between $29,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average knife operator salary
$38,218 Yearly
$18.37 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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