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Cutting Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cutting Operator

Perry, GA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Operate and maintain the Rotary/Platen cutter JOB FUNCTION: Job functions include, but are not ... Ensures accuracy and compliance of operator documentation involving all aspects of the assigned ...

Cutting Operator

Perry, GA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Operate and maintain the Rotary/Platen cutter JOB FUNCTION: Job functions include, but are not ... Ensures accuracy and compliance of operator documentation involving all aspects of the assigned ...

Cutting Operator

Perry, GA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Operate and maintain the Rotary/Platen cutter JOB FUNCTION: Job functions include, but are not ... Ensures accuracy and compliance of operator documentation involving all aspects of the assigned ...

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 ...

Digital Cutting Operator

Machesney Park, IL

$17.25 - $20/hr

Position Summary The Digital Cutting Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining digital cutting equipment (e.g., Zünd, Kongsberg, Colex) used in the post-press finishing ...

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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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 is a cutting operator?

A cutting operator is a worker who operates machinery to cut, shape, or trim materials such as metal, wood, or fabric. They typically use tools like shears, saws, or laser cutters and must follow safety protocols and precise measurements to ensure quality and accuracy.

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Cutting Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,872 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Cutting Operator

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Graphic Packaging International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 109 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

If you are a GPI employee, please click the Employee Login before applying.
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.
Position Summary:
Operate and maintain the Rotary/Platen cutter
JOB FUNCTION: Job functions include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Operate and maintain the Rotary/Platen cutter.
  • Continuous walking, standing, constant pulling and turning movements that are associated with moving the cartons across an air table.
  • Responsible for positioning 5000-pound rolls of paper at the unwind station using an air pallet. Duties also include frequently positioning rolls with a forklift.
  • Complies with all company and department safety, quality, productivity, and security procedures.
  • Ensures accuracy and compliance of operator documentation involving all aspects of the assigned machines. This includes production reports, specification verification, quality requirements, machine logbooks and checklists.
  • Completes quality checks on rolls before mounting on cutter.
  • Sets up and maintains auto splicing unit.
  • Enter production order into RFGEN.
  • Communicates all machine and department issues effectively to department manager and supervisors and presents data-based solutions in keeping with continuous Improvement Objectives.
  • Makes roll size change adjustments.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by department manager.
  • Understands and monitors the 5S system and takes full ownership of working environment.
  • Assist Finishing Area as needed and when possible, to improve and optimize up-time, productivity, waste and quality.
  • Completes preventative and routine maintenance on splicer unit to include: oiling, greasing and cleaning.
  • Must be willing to accept training and feedback as needed (for compliance with job requirements).
  • Must be able to work in an environment that is dusty, noisy, hot and humid.
  • Must be able to work any shift and work overtime with short notice.

Required Skills:
  • Ability to communicate effectively in order to establish a strong working relationship with all team members.
  • This position warrants continuous walking, twisting, bending, stooping and lifting of up to 50lbs.
  • Must be able to visually identify quality issues.
  • Must be able to think "outside the box" and collect and utilize data in decision making.

Required Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Manufacturing experience.
  • Candidates must be proficient in English, with the ability to communicate, read, and understand work-related instructions and safety procedures and requirements.

Safe Quality Food Responsibilities for all employees:
  • Follow all Plant rules, Processes, Hygiene, and Allergens procedures, related to production of Safe Quality Foods.
  • Report to person of authority to record any potentially unsafe conditions which may result in unsafe foods or noncompliance to SQF related procedures.
  • Participate in SQF Root Cause and Corrective Actions (from customer complaints, SQF audits, validation, and verification activities) as required.
  • Follow all procedures related to producing Safe Quality Foods (SQF).
  • Report any potentially unsafe SQF conditions or customer complaints to a person of authority to record and/or correct the situation.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of GPI Forklift Certification
Candidates must be proficient in English, with the ability to communicate, read, and understand work-related instructions and safety procedures and requirements.
GPI's Benefit Program
  • Competitive Pay
  • 401(k) w/employer matching
  • Health & Welfare Benefits
    • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
    • Short and Long-Term Disability
    • Life Insurance
    • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
    • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Various Voluntary benefits
  • Adoption Assistance Program
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off + 11 paid company holidays each year

Applications accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
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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