Puncher vs cut-out machine operator

The differences between punchers and cut-out machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 3-6 months to become a puncher, becoming a cut-out machine operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a cut-out machine operator has an average salary of $35,298, which is higher than the $35,011 average annual salary of a puncher.

The top three skills for a puncher include punch holes, and . The most important skills for a cut-out machine operator are CNC, quality checks, and hand tools.

Puncher vs cut-out machine operator overview

	Puncher	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$35,011	$35,298
Hourly rate	$16.83	$16.97
Growth rate	3%	-8%
Number of jobs	71	59,713
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 77%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	40	43
Years of experience	6	2

Puncher vs cut-out machine operator salary

Punchers and cut-out machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Puncher	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Average salary	$35,011	$35,298
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $52,000	Between $26,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City	-	Reading, PA
Highest paying state	-	Pennsylvania
Best paying company	-	Olympic Steel
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between puncher and cut-out machine operator education

There are a few differences between a puncher and a cut-out machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Puncher	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 77%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Accounting	Business
Most common college	-	-

Puncher vs cut-out machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between punchers' and cut-out machine operators' demographics:

	Puncher	Cut-Out Machine Operator
Average age	40	43
Gender ratio	Male, 58.5% Female, 41.5%	Male, 81.5% Female, 18.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 3.8% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 6.0% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	6%

Differences between puncher and cut-out machine operator duties and responsibilities

Puncher example responsibilities.

Assist in event billing and service for EMBA, and etc.
Help set up or operate soldering and welding equipment, fabricating machines, etc.
Participate in shop fabrication, operation of breaks, press, sheer, fabrication of mock-ups and jigs.
Load, transport, unload, and furnish an experience craft worker with materials, tools, equipment and supplies.
Clean taps and lines, switch out kegs, and service keg line fobs to ensure the best quality beer pour.
Slice and pit fruit for garnishing drinks.

Cut-out machine operator example responsibilities.

Attach specialty jams to windows.
Work on inventory team used RF gun and cycle counts.
Perform calibration checks on all measuring devices such as measuring tapes etc.
Perform other personnel functions as needed or assign to include labeling, etc.
Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
Operate and set up vertical ba nd see, drill, and use cutting torches.

Puncher vs cut-out machine operator skills

Common puncher skills

Punch Holes, 100%

Common cut-out machine operator skills

CNC, 21%
Quality Checks, 19%
Hand Tools, 13%
Calipers, 8%
Laser Cutting, 8%
CAD, 7%

Puncher vs. similar jobs

Puncher related careers

Puncher related jobs

What similar roles do

Cut-Out Machine Operator responsibilities

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs