Cutting Machine Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love precision and working with diverse materials.
Ensure quality and accuracy in products that impact various industries.
Master the art of cutting with advanced machinery and techniques.

💰 Earn $37K-$53K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 -2.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.

Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Review work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, and adjustments for cutting and slicing machines.
Examine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using measuring devices, such as rulers, micrometers, or scales.
Press buttons, pull levers, or depress pedals to start and operate cutting and slicing machines.
Start machines to verify setups, and make any necessary adjustments.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Shaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

5,200 Annually

Median Earnings

$43,020 in California

$44,310 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Cutting Machine Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Strategic Employment

Strategic employment provides individuals with valuable work experience, opportunities for professional growth and networking, and exposure to an industry where they may want to pursue advancement.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 1-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development Program

A workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years