Cutters and Trimmers, Hand

SOC code 51-9031 · O*NET-SOC 51-9031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Cutters and Trimmers, Hand pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$38,020

a year

Hourly

$18.28

per hour

10th$26,630Median$38,02090th$57,870

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$41,050

$19.74 per hour

Middle 50%

$34,050 – $47,850

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$26,630 – $57,870

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

6,060

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $26,630; $12.80/hr
25th percentile: $34,050; $16.37/hr
Median percentile: $38,020; $18.28/hr
75th percentile: $47,850; $23.01/hr
90th percentile: $57,870; $27.82/hr

What do cutters and trimmers, hand do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Mark or discard items with defects such as spots, stains, scars, snags, chips, scratches, or unacceptable shapes or finishes.
Trim excess material or cut threads off finished products, such as cutting loose ends of plastic off a manufactured toy for a smoother finish.
Cut, shape, and trim materials, such as textiles, food, glass, stone, and metal, using knives, scissors, and other hand tools, portable power tools, or bench-mounted tools.
Position templates or measure materials to locate specified points of cuts or to obtain maximum yields, using rules, scales, or patterns.
Read work orders to determine dimensions, cutting locations, and quantities to cut.
Mark cutting lines around patterns or templates, or follow layout points, using squares, rules, and straightedges, and chalk, pencils, or scribes.
Mark identification numbers, trademarks, grades, marketing data, sizes, or model numbers on products.
Unroll, lay out, attach, or mount materials or items on cutting tables or machines.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 73% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma73%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)16%
Some College Courses6%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%

Common questions

How much does a cutters and trimmers, hand earn?

The national median is $38,020 a year. The full range runs from $26,630 at the 10th percentile to $57,870 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a cutters and trimmers, hand without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening2.9/5
Speaking2.9/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Monitoring2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving.