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Mat Cutter Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cutting, tapping and laying of acoustical floor mat. * Breaking open bags of gypcrete and pouring them into a mixer. * Setting up the hose for pouring and connecting to the mixer. * Operating a ...

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... Education: BS in ME, EE, ChemE, Mat Sci, or related area. Advanced degree preferred * Experience: 8 ...

Mat Cutter information

See Boston, MA salary details

$8

$17

$21

How much do mat cutter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for mat cutter in Boston, MA is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Mat Cutters and how can they be addressed?

Mat Cutters often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise measurements and clean edges, especially when working with custom or intricate designs. Working in fast-paced environments like frame shops or art galleries can also require balancing multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines. Developing strong attention to detail, maintaining sharp tools, and practicing efficient time management can help address these challenges. Collaboration with designers, artists, or customers is also crucial to ensure the finished product meets expectations. Staying organized and communicating clearly with team members can further streamline workflow and reduce errors.

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

To thrive as a Mat Cutter, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and experience with measuring and cutting tools, often supported by on-the-job training or a background in framing or art handling. Familiarity with specialized mat cutting machines, blades, and safety equipment is typically required. Precision, patience, and good visual judgment are important soft skills that help ensure high-quality, aesthetically pleasing results. These skills and qualities are vital to produce accurate, professional mat cuts that enhance artwork and meet customer expectations.

What is the difference between Mat Cutter vs Framer?

AspectMat CutterFramer
Required CredentialsBasic tools, sometimes certification in art or framingHigh school diploma, certification in framing or carpentry often preferred
Work EnvironmentArt studios, framing shops, galleriesConstruction sites, workshops, retail stores
Industry UsageArt, photography, gallery framingConstruction, interior design, retail framing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Mat Cutter and a Framer is their focus and work environment. A Mat Cutter specializes in cutting mats for artwork and photographs, often working in art studios or galleries. A Framer, on the other hand, constructs and installs frames for various purposes, including art, mirrors, and windows, typically working in construction or retail settings. While both roles involve framing, their skills, tools, and industries differ significantly.

What are mat cutters and what do they do?

Mat cutters are professionals who use specialized tools to cut mats, which are the colored or decorative borders placed around artwork or photographs before framing. They measure, mark, and cut mat boards to precise sizes and angles, often creating custom designs to enhance the presentation and protection of the framed piece. Mat cutters may work in art galleries, frame shops, or independently, and require attention to detail and skill with cutting equipment to produce clean, professional results.
What are popular job titles related to Mat Cutter jobs in Boston, MA? For Mat Cutter jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mat Cutter jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Mat Cutter jobs in Boston, MA are:
Infographic showing various Mat Cutter job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,262 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Assistant Exhibitions Preparator, Paper Conservation

Assistant Exhibitions Preparator, Paper Conservation

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Boston, MA

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Under the general direction of the Senior Exhibitions Preparator, Paper:
Prepare art on paper for loan, exhibition, and storage.
Essential Functions:
• Assist in the preparation, mounting, and packing of art objects for exhibition display, transport, and storage. Including but not limited to, framing and unframing, cutting window mats, hinging artwork, and creating custom enclosures.
• Manage projects as assigned by Senior Exhibitions Preparator, including alerting supervisor and stakeholders to potential problems and proposing solutions.
• Collaborate with conservators, curators, project managers, designers, and others as required to support the production of exhibitions, installations, and loans.
• Design and execute specialized supports for proper storage of art objects to promote their long-term preservation.
• Take active role in gallery and exhibition installations to ensure safe handling of art objects.
• Prepare and protect objects for handling and movement, and transport objects within the museum.
• Monitor the condition of art objects in storage and on exhibit, recommend steps to address problems and assist with condition reporting following departmental standards.
• Research materials and develop fabrication techniques and strategies. Keep abreast of latest developments in storage and display solutions through professional publications, courses, and conferences.
• Become familiar with the collection of works on paper in order to evaluate and address specific and special handling and storage needs.
• Create and produce matting/framing records and reports in the collections management database.
• Label art objects according to collections management procedures.
• Travel, courier - be responsible for art in transit and for safe install of touring exhibitions and loans - understanding and applying professional standards and conservation protocols.
• Order and maintain shop materials and supplies as needed.
• Perform routine dusting and cleaning in galleries.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in art related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Must have at least three years of practical experience in art handling and preparation of works on paper in a museum or equivalent environment.
• Must be aware of inherent vulnerability of paper based artwork and exercise appropriate care and handling.
• Must be comfortable working with high value artwork.
• Must have knowledge of conservation concerns, archival materials, and storage and installation standards for works on paper.
• Must have familiarity with the latest in field practices and techniques.
• Must have excellent communication skills and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Facility with the TMS database preferred.
• Familiarity with operating a computerized mat cutter a plus.
Salary Range:
Full-Time Salary, 35 hours per week
Starting salary: $57,219 - $ 58,935
This position is affiliated with the United Auto Worker's Union.
Application materials must be received by June 29, 2026. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé using the online portal. Please contact conservation@mfa.org with any questions.
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.