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Cutter Machine Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Sewing Operator

Edmonton, KY · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

... Sewing, repair, cutting, inspect, packing and shipping of products • Maintain satisfactory ... machinery problems and request service or repairs as needed. • Demonstrate and encourage safe ...

Machine Setup: Install and align cutting tools, adjust machine parameters, and ensure proper ... Supervising and training junior operators on best practices and safety protocols * Inspecting ...

CNC Machinist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Machine Setup: Install and align cutting tools, adjust machine parameters, and ensure proper ... Supervising and training junior operators on best practices and safety protocols * Inspecting ...

Meat Cutter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

... machine, and power saw preferred * Ability to regularly lift 50lbs Join Our Team Become a Big Part ... This independent retail partner location is independently owned and operated by a licensee. Your ...

Meat Cutter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

... machine, and power saw preferred * Ability to regularly lift 50lbs Join Our Team Become a Big Part ... This independent retail partner location is independently owned and operated by a licensee. Your ...

Meat Cutter

Irvine, KY · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... machine, and power saw preferred * Ability to regularly lift 50lbs Join Our Team Become a Big Part ... This independent retail partner location is independently owned and operated by a licensee. Your ...

Meat Cutter

Lexington, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

... machine, and power saw preferred * Ability to regularly lift 50lbs Join Our Team Become a Big Part ... This independent retail partner location is independently owned and operated by a licensee. Your ...

CNC Machinist

Louisville, KY · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Program parts and provide skill development, guidance and training to other machine operators and ... Select, align, and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, and materials ...

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Cutter Machine Operator information

What is a machine operator's job salary?

The salary of a cutter machine operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in specific machinery may earn higher wages and benefits. The job often requires attention to safety protocols and proficiency with machine controls and maintenance.

What qualifications do you need to be a machine operator?

To be a cutter machine operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math skills, and experience with machinery operation. Some positions require certification or training in safety procedures and equipment use. Mechanical aptitude and attention to detail are also important for this role.

What is the difference between Cutter Machine Operator vs Fabric Cutter?

AspectCutter Machine OperatorFabric Cutter
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications in machine operationHigh school diploma; experience in fabric cutting preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsTextile mills, garment factories, production facilities
Job FocusOperating cutting machines, ensuring precision, maintaining equipmentManual or automated cutting of fabric, pattern layout, material handling

The main difference is that a Cutter Machine Operator primarily operates and maintains cutting machinery in industrial settings, while a Fabric Cutter focuses on manually or semi-automatically cutting fabric for garment production. Both roles require attention to detail and knowledge of materials, but the Machine Operator role emphasizes machine operation skills, whereas the Fabric Cutter emphasizes manual cutting techniques.

How much does a CNC operator earn?

CNC machine operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators who work with advanced CNC equipment or hold certifications may earn higher wages.

What are some common challenges faced by Cutter Machine Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Cutter Machine Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision while working at high speeds, handling frequent machine adjustments, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced environment. To address these, operators should stay up to date with equipment training, follow strict safety protocols, and develop strong attention to detail. Collaborating with maintenance teams and supervisors also helps quickly resolve technical issues, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.

What does a Cutter Machine Operator do?

A Cutter Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machines that cut materials—such as paper, metal, textiles, or plastic—into specified shapes and sizes. They read work orders, adjust machine settings, and monitor the cutting process to ensure accuracy and quality. Operators also inspect finished pieces, troubleshoot minor machine issues, and ensure safety protocols are followed in the workplace. This role is essential in manufacturing and production environments where precise material cutting is required.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or manufacturing of complex machinery, where operators with advanced skills, certifications, and experience can earn higher wages. Roles like CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine operators or those working with heavy industrial equipment tend to have higher salaries compared to general machine operators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cutter Machine Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cutter Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with on-the-job training or vocational coursework. Familiarity with cutting machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes basic computer-controlled systems like CNC is typically required. Strong organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top operators apart. These competencies ensure accurate production, operational safety, and efficiency in manufacturing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Cutter Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky? For Cutter Machine Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cutter Machine Operator job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 56% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Brake Press Operator (Sheet Metal Fabrication) - 2nd shift

Brake Press Operator (Sheet Metal Fabrication) - 2nd shift

Donaldson Company, Inc.

Nicholasville, KY

$16.25 - $21/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Donaldson is committed to solving the world's most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.
The Team Member (Machine Operator) at our Nicholasville, KY location involves working collaboratively to bend, cut, form sheet metal for Industrial and Mobile Solutions air filtration systems in an innovative team orientated environment. This is a 2nd shift onsite role, with hours Monday - Thursday 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Role Responsibilities
  • To load raw material into and cut, burn, shear, or bend sheet steel and structural steel per drawings
  • Ability to program, set-up and operate metal cutting machines to cut and shape parts to specifications using CNC programming including performing machine maintenance
  • Perform first piece quality inspections and fill out necessary paperwork for record
  • Material Handling and Transportation of Product
  • Operation of Overhead Cranes and lifting devices
  • Use mechanical ability, work instructions, and hand tools
  • Read blueprints to determine how to make necessary shapes
  • Ability to use proper instruments such as: protractor, calipers, tape measures, steel gauges, etc.
  • Report steel usage and count inventory
  • Receive and properly store sheet steel and structural steel

While this list is representative of essential job duties, it is not an all-inclusive list of duties required to perform this role. Other duties may be assigned in order to fulfill Donaldson's mission, vision and strategic plan objectives.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Read a tape measure and basic blueprints
  • Material handling with forklifts and cranes
  • Inventory counting and material identification
  • Ability to work with close tolerances
  • High School Diploma , GED, or previous experience is required

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Perform a variety of tasks throughout the day in a fast-paced environment
  • Reacts to change productively and handle other tasks as assigned
  • Inventory counting and material identification

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:
  • Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
  • Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.
  • International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Key words: CNC, Brake Press, Blueprints, Tape Measure, Mechanical Ability
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans
Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.
Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.
Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.