Use hand tools or hand-held power tools to cut and trim a variety of manufactured items, such as carpet, fabric, stone, glass, or rubber.
SOC: 51-9031.00
Common Job Titles
Cloth Cutter
Leather Cutter
Offline Cutter
Trimmer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onCoordinate monitoring processes and controlling hand-held machinery during continuous cutting operations to maintain production efficiency and safety.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform precision cutting and trimming of manufactured materials including carpet, fabric, stone, glass, and rubber using hand tools and hand-held power tools in manufacturing or workshop settings.
Developing
Hands-onHandle materials and workpieces during cutting operations while performing general physical activities to position and manipulate items weighing up to standard production loads.
Developing
KnowledgeEstimate measurements and dimensions of materials for cutting using measurement tools such as rules, straightedges, and layout squares to meet production specifications.
Developing
Hands-onOperate specialized cutting equipment including carpet knives, glass cutting tools, rotary cutters, and power saws following safety protocols and production standards under general supervision.
Developing
KnowledgeEvaluate quality of cut materials and finished products by inspecting edges, dimensions, and overall appearance to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Developing
KnowledgeApply production and processing knowledge to select appropriate cutting methods based on material type, thickness, and required finish specifications.
Developing
MindsetEngage with supervisors, peers, and team members to coordinate work activities, communicate production needs, and establish effective working relationships.
Developing
KnowledgeOrganize work priorities and production tasks to meet deadlines while managing time effectively in manufacturing environments.
Developing
Hands-onDetect defects, irregularities, or safety hazards in materials and equipment through visual inspection and tactile assessment during cutting operations.
Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Cutters and Trimmers, Hand (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
7,070
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $29,910. 25th percentile: U.S. $33,860. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,800. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,790. 90th percentile: U.S. $57,820. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$29,910
10% of workers earn the following or more
$57,820
Workers on average earn
$41,960
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Production and Processing3.3/5
Mathematics2.4/5
English Language2.2/5
Public Safety and Security2.1/5
Computers and Electronics1.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
