FAQ
Slicing Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a slicing machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a slicing machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about slicing machine operators
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.
Is slicing machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -0.9% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 5,400 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that blade hazards.
What skills does a slicing machine operator need?
Key technical skills include machine setup, blade setting, measurement, and material handling. Employers also value attention to detail, safety focus, and reliability.
What certifications are available for slicing machine operators?
Common credentials include Machine safety training, Food safety training, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Slicing Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with Hand Cutter, or explore Slicing Machine Operator training.
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.