Hand Cutter
Cut and trim materials by hand with knives and shears.
- $38,020
- A few weeks on the job
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Slicing Machine Operator
Also called: Cutting Machine Operator · Slitter Operator · Food Slicer Operator · Converting Operator
What slicing machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a slicing machine operator do?
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators and tenders set up, operate or tend machines that cut or slice materials such as paper, plastic, food, stone or glass. The median pay is $46,570 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -0.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$46,570$22.39/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-0.9%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year5,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs45,900Employment, 2025
What slicing machine operators do
Slicing machine operators cut products to size. They run slicers, slitters, die cutters and saws, set blade depths and widths, feed material, check size and quality, and change blades.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects little change.
Typical duties
- Set up cutters
- Set widths and depths
- Feed material
- Monitor cuts
- Check sizes
- Change blades
- Clean machines
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in food, paper, film and stone plants.
Schedule: Full time, often shifts.
A day in the life
- Review orders.
- Set up the slitter.
- Run film rolls.
- Measure widths.
See a full day in the life of a slicing machine operator →
Slicing Machine Operator salary
Half of slicing machine operators earned more than $46,570 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,930 for the lowest 10% to $61,120 for the top 10%.
Full slicing machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a slicing machine operator
- Finish high school
- Get hired
- Learn setups
- Learn blade care
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a slicing machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Machine setup
- Blade setting
- Measurement
- Material handling
- Quality checks
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Safety focus
- Reliability
- Focus
All slicing machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- No degree needed
- Steady demand
- Training provided
- Clear tasks
Cons
- Blade hazards
- Repetitive
- Shift work
- Noise
Certifications and licenses
- Machine safety training: Employer.
- Food safety training: For food plants.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Forklift certification: Helpful.
Career path
- Operator: Entry.
- Setup Operator: Setups.
- Lead: Lead.
- Supervisor: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Slicing Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up a roll slitter and change slicer blades safely, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Slicing Machine Operator vs. Hand Cutter · Slicing Machine Operator vs. Packaging Machine Operator · Slicing Machine Operator vs. Paper Machine Operator · Slicing Machine Operator vs. Food Batchmaker
Slicing Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects little change.
Where do they work?
Food, paper, film and stone plants.
How much does a slicing machine operator make?
The median annual wage for slicing machine operators was $46,570 ($22.39 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,930 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,120.
How long does it take to become a slicing machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a slicing machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More slicing machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-9032 (Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.