Occupation · SOC 51-9032
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tobacco, food, paper, or insulating material.
Median wage
$45,700
$34,890–$60,430
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
47,540
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
1 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlQuality Control AnalysisMonitoringReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingCoordinationEquipment Maintenance
Knowledge areas
Production and ProcessingMathematicsMechanical
Technology & tools
Spreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Representative tasks
Set up, operate, or tend machines that cut or slice materials, such as glass, stone, cork, rubber, tReview work orders, blueprints, specifications, or job samples to determine components, settings, anExamine, measure, and weigh materials or products to verify conformance to specifications, using mea
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Cutting and slicing machine controls — identify and operate buttons, levers, and pedals under direct supervision on a production floor.Stock and raw materials — feed into cutting machines by threading, guiding, or pushing under step-by-step instructor direction.Work orders and job samples — read and interpret basic specifications with supervisor guidance to determine required machine settings.Measuring devices such as rulers and scales — use to check cut material dimensions against specifications under close oversight.Machine startup procedures — follow established protocols to verify setups and confirm initial cuts meet basic requirements.Cut materials — stack and sort by type and size according to labeled instructions for packaging or further processing.Machine malfunctions and supply levels — recognize warning signs and report observations to a supervisor during monitored shifts.Personal protective equipment and safety protocols — apply consistently when working in proximity to cutting blades and moving machinery.Basic production terminology and blueprint symbols — recognize and interpret with support to prepare for daily task assignments.Electronic mail and word processing software — use at a basic level to receive shift instructions and document simple production notes.
developing
Cutting and slicing machine settings — adjust independently for routine jobs based on reviewed work orders and established job specifications.Materials such as glass, rubber, food, and paper — feed onto conveyors or under blades with consistent accuracy and minimal rework.Rulers, micrometers, and scales — apply routinely to measure and weigh finished cuts and verify conformance to dimensional tolerances.Machine operation across a standard shift — monitor continuously to detect malfunctions early and replenish supplies before production interruptions occur.Setup verification runs — execute start-up cuts, evaluate output quality, and make standard adjustments without supervisor prompting.Sorted and stacked cut materials — organize efficiently by size and product type to meet downstream packaging and shipping timelines.Routine equipment maintenance tasks — perform scheduled cleaning and lubrication to sustain reliable machine performance on the production line.Blueprints and component specifications — read with sufficient comprehension to select correct cutting dies, blades, or guides for assigned jobs.Basic troubleshooting of common machine faults — isolate and resolve familiar issues such as misfeeds or blade alignment without escalation.Spreadsheet and ERP software — enter production counts and material usage data accurately to support inventory and output tracking.
proficient
Full range of cutting and slicing machine types — set up, operate, and tend autonomously across varied materials including stone, cork, tobacco, and insulating material.Complex work orders and multi-component blueprints — analyze independently to determine precise settings, adjustments, and tooling for non-routine jobs.Measurement and inspection using micrometers, scales, and precision gauges — conduct thorough quality control analysis to catch dimensional deviations before downstream impact.Machine malfunctions of varying severity — troubleshoot systematically, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions with minimal production downtime.Production scheduling and material flow — coordinate feeding, cutting, sorting, and stacking operations to sustain throughput targets across a full shift.Equipment maintenance needs — assess proactively, plan preventive service, and communicate required repairs to maintenance teams with detailed documentation.Non-standard materials and cutting parameters — apply visualization and mechanical knowledge to adapt machine configurations for unfamiliar jobs.Quality defects and process deviations — apply critical thinking to distinguish acceptable variation from systematic problems and adjust operations accordingly.ERP and spreadsheet software — use proficiently to track production data, generate output reports, and flag material shortages for procurement action.New operators and trainees — guide informally through machine operation tasks, sharing techniques for control precision and safe material handling.
advanced
Cutting and slicing operations department — lead daily workflow, set performance expectations, and establish production standards across multiple machine types and shifts.Competency development programs — design and deliver structured on-the-job training for operators at all experience levels, covering safety, setup, and quality control.Process improvement initiatives — identify systemic inefficiencies in cutting and sorting workflows and implement measurable changes to reduce waste and cycle time.Quality management systems — establish inspection criteria, measurement protocols, and conformance standards that align departmental output with organizational quality goals.Equipment lifecycle decisions — evaluate machine performance data, recommend capital investments or replacements, and coordinate with maintenance and procurement leadership.Production scheduling and capacity planning — collaborate with supervisors and planners to align machine availability, staffing, and material supply with order demand.ERP and operational data — analyze production metrics at department level to identify trends, forecast needs, and present actionable recommendations to management.Safety culture and hazard mitigation — lead review of cutting area procedures, champion continuous improvement of safety protocols, and ensure regulatory compliance.Cross-functional coordination — serve as technical authority bridging production operators, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain teams on cutting-related issues.Operator performance and development — conduct evaluations, provide feedback, mentor high-potential workers, and support career progression within the production organization.
Also known as
377 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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