Hand Cutters and Trimmers
Hand Cutters and Trimmers work with their hands and various tools to precisely cut and shape materials like fabric, carpet, glass, and rubber for manufacturing. They use both traditional hand tools like scissors and knives, as well as modern power tools to trim materials to exact specifications. This job requires attention to detail for measuring, marking cutting lines, and checking for defects to ensure high-quality finished products. Many workers in this field develop strong hand-eye coordination and can find opportunities in textile, automotive, and construction industries.
Did you know?
This occupation requires prolonged standing, repetitive hand movements, and precise manual dexterity, which can lead to musculoskeletal injuries without proper ergonomic practices.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$39,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Things to consider
Automation and Job Security
Many cutting and trimming tasks are increasingly automated in American manufacturing, potentially limiting long-term job growth and requiring workers to adapt to new technologies.
Workplace Safety Compliance
Workers must adhere to strict OSHA safety standards when using sharp tools and equipment, requiring ongoing safety training and protective equipment usage.
Key responsibilities
Read work orders to determine dimensions, cutting locations, and quantities to cut.
Mark or discard items with defects such as spots, stains, scars, snags, chips, scratches, or unacceptable shapes or finishes.
Count or weigh and bundle items.
Trim excess material or cut threads off finished products, such as cutting loose ends of plastic off a manufactured toy for a smoother finish.
Mark cutting lines around patterns or templates, or follow layout points, using squares, rules, and straightedges, and chalk, pencils, or scribes.