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Cutting Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graphic Packaging Holding

Die Cutting Operator

Groveport, OH

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Knowledge and experience with operating Bobst Die Cutters 145 and 162. * Responsible for press make ready: adjust press to accommodate for new product sheets being cut (set feeder, lock up die, set ...

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Cutting Operator information

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$10

$18

$24

How much do cutting operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cutting operator in the United States is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cutting Operator vs Fabricator?

AspectCutting OperatorFabricator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plantsWorkshops, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageManufacturing, metalworking, textilesMetalworking, construction, manufacturing
Job FocusOperating cutting machinery, precision cuttingAssembling, welding, fabricating materials

The main difference is that a Cutting Operator primarily operates cutting machinery to cut materials, while a Fabricator is involved in assembling and shaping materials, often using various tools and techniques. Both roles are essential in manufacturing but focus on different stages of production.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Jobs for cutting operators typically do not pay $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive, specialized medical, or high-level corporate roles. Skilled trades like cutting operators generally earn lower six-figure incomes, with top earners reaching around $100,000 to $150,000 per year depending on experience and industry. Achieving a $500,000 salary often requires advanced certifications, management positions, or ownership of a business.

What are some common challenges Cutting Operators face on the job, and how can they be addressed?

Cutting Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under tight deadlines, managing machine malfunctions, and ensuring consistent quality across large production runs. Adhering to regular maintenance schedules, double-checking measurements, and collaborating closely with quality control teams can help address these issues. Additionally, staying up-to-date with equipment training and safety protocols contributes to smoother operations and reduces downtime.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

For a Cutting Operator, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, or heavy equipment operation. Many high-paying roles in these fields focus on technical proficiency, safety certifications, and shift work, rather than formal degrees.

What are Cutting Operators?

Cutting Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machines that cut materials such as metal, plastic, fabric, or paper according to specified measurements and patterns. They read work orders, set up cutting equipment, and ensure the finished pieces meet quality and safety standards. Cutting Operators play a vital role in manufacturing, textiles, packaging, and other industries where precise material cutting is essential. Their job also involves maintaining equipment and troubleshooting minor issues to keep the production process running smoothly.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Jobs for cutting operators typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like high-level consultants, executive contractors, or certain skilled trades in industries like oil and gas, construction, or manufacturing. Achieving this level of income often requires extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-demand environments with premium pay rates.

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

To thrive as a Cutting Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with experience in manufacturing or machining environments. Proficiency in operating cutting machines (such as CNC or manual cutters), reading technical drawings, and sometimes holding safety or machine operation certifications is typical. Reliability, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for maintaining workflow and addressing issues promptly. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure precision, efficiency, and safety in producing quality parts or materials.

What is the highest paying operator job?

The highest paying operator jobs are often found in specialized fields such as oil and gas drilling operators, power plant operators, and aerospace equipment operators, with salaries exceeding $80,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience working with complex machinery or in high-risk environments.
More about Cutting Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Cutting Operator jobs? Cities with the most Cutting Operator job openings:
What states have the most Cutting Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Cutting Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cutting Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cutting Operator jobs are:
Cutting Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cutting Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,872 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Cutting Operator

Cutting Operator

Graphic Packaging International

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Graphic Packaging International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 110 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities.

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.


 

JOB SUMMARY: The person who occupies this position should be able to work in a fast-paced environment. They are responsible for preparing and running the cutting machine as efficiently as possible while overseeing the quality of products processed.

 

JOB FUNCTIONS: Job functions include, but are not limited to, the following.

  • Responsible for press make ready: adjust press to accommodate for new product sheets being cut (set feeder, lock up die, set stripper, blanker, and delivery).
  • Inspect quality of each load run: responsible for checking random sheets from each cut load to ensure for quality.
  • When cutting problems are encountered, Pressman is to flag and isolate poorly produced materials (all defective loads are to be tagged). Pressman is to make proper corrections before continuing the order.
  • Remove cut loads from press by use of hand truck.
  • Maintain written records of production. Records of waste, production time, waiting time etc. are to be kept.
  • Responsible for running press as efficiently as possible.
  • Perform score bend readings.

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE / SKILLS:

  • Manufacturing experience preferred
  • Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software:
  • Bobst Cutting Press, electric hand truck, and company provided tooling.
  • Stock booster experience preferred.
  • Must be flexible: Able to work overtime, other shifts, and Saturdays/Sundays when needed.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Schedules are up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off.  However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
  • Some Departments/Jobs may run a M-F 8-hour Shift Schedule.
  • Must be willing and able to work overtime.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.
  • Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
  • Routine Lifting up to 20 lbs.
  • Occasional Lifting up to 75 lbs.
  • Push/pull pallet jack with up to 45lb force load.
  • Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
  • Use of various hand and electrical tools and equipment.
  • Work in areas of fluctuating temperature.

Pay Range:    - 

Graphic Packaging is an equal opportunity employer and abides by all applicable federal, state provincial and local laws with respect to the recruitment and hiring process.  We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and hiring process free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  Should you require an accommodation for a disability, please contact your Human Resources representative or email accommodations@graphicpkg.com. 


 

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