Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing

O*NET 51-9195.03 · SOC 51-9195

Stone Cutter is a solid career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +5.8% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 5,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+5.8%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$46k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
5k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Cut stone slabs to specified dimensions using diamond-blade saws
  • Carve decorative patterns into granite or marble by hand
  • Grind and polish stone surfaces to achieve smooth finishes
  • Read shop drawings to determine cut angles and dimensions
  • Chip away excess stone using chisels and pneumatic hammers

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Stone Cutter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Stone Cutter? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Creative and professional skill classes
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Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Stone Cutter involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningCut stone slabs to specified dimensions using diamond-blade saws
MiddayCarve decorative patterns into granite or marble by hand
AfternoonGrind and polish stone surfaces to achieve smooth finishes

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Artistic (Creators)3.8
Conventional (Organizers)3.8
Investigative (Thinkers)1.9
Social (Helpers)1.2
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.0

Who Thrives as Stone Cutter?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISFPThe ComposerISTJThe InspectorESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Stone Cutter Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing is projected to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

45/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·45% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Stone Cutter make?

The median Stone Cutter earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Stone Cutter jobs?

Our model puts Stone Cutter at 45 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 45% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.

Is Stone Cutter a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 5.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 5,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Stone Cutter?

Most Stone Cutter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Stone Cutter?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Stone Cutter career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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