Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Cutting and Slicing Machine Operators Make?
Cutting and Slicing Machine Operators earn a median annual salary of $45,700 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,890 at the 10th percentile to $60,430 at the 90th percentile — a range of $25,540. The highest-paying state is Minnesota at $56,430.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,890 |
| 25th percentile | $38,540 |
| Median (50th) | $45,700 |
| 75th percentile | $52,000 |
| 90th percentile | $60,430 |
Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Minnesotatop | $56,430 |
| Illinois | $52,360 |
| Iowa | $52,310 |
| New Hampshire | $52,270 |
| Colorado | $51,140 |
| Wisconsin | $50,750 |
| Missouri | $50,270 |
| Maine | $49,000 |
| Oregon | $48,860 |
| Washington | $48,270 |
| Nevada | $48,000 |
| Mississippi | $47,790 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,580 |
| Idaho | $47,280 |
| North Dakota | $47,050 |
| New York | $46,850 |
| Nebraska | $46,820 |
| Kansas | $46,620 |
| South Carolina | $46,450 |
| Kentucky | $46,210 |
| New Jersey | $45,990 |
| Montana | $45,910 |
| Arkansas | $45,830 |
| Indiana | $45,540 |
| Arizona | $45,320 |
| Ohio | $45,280 |
| Utah | $44,830 |
| Michigan | $44,310 |
| California | $44,230 |
| Virginia | $44,080 |
| Tennessee | $43,720 |
| Vermont | $43,720 |
| Maryland | $43,690 |
| South Dakota | $43,570 |
| North Carolina | $43,140 |
| Connecticut | $41,950 |
| Florida | $41,870 |
| Massachusetts | $41,570 |
| Texas | $40,620 |
| Rhode Island | $40,230 |
| Louisiana | $40,060 |
| Georgia | $39,730 |
| Alaska | $39,350 |
| Alabama | $37,450 |
| West Virginia | $37,440 |
| Oklahoma | $36,150 |
| New Mexico | $32,270 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Cutting and Slicing Machine Operators
Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$34,890 – $38,540 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$45,700 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$52,000 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $60,430+ |
How to Earn More as a Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Cutting and Slicing Machine Operators in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earn $65,560 — $19,860 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($52,000) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Operatorthis career | $45,700 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Operator | $45,590 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Operator | $45,190 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator | $48,620 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Cutting and Slicing Machine Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 51-9032.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.