Duties

• Belt splicers cut out, shape and trim materials or articles such as canvas goods, cloth, knit goods, elastic, lace, ribbons, felt, leather or plastic using hand-held or bench-mounted power tools. Other hand tools such as scissors, knives, dies and mallets also are used. Belt splicers work orders to determine cutting dimensions, locations and quantities. They adjust guides and stop to control the depth and width of cuts. Splicers use grinders, brushes, chisels and cleaning and polishing materials to clean, treat, buff and polish finished items or products. Belt splicers also identify and mark or discard items with defects. If there is excess material or thread, the belt splicer trims the excess to create a more attractive-looking finished product.
  
  

Knowledge

• Knowledge of production and processing is necessary for a career as a belt splicer. Belt splicers must have a general knowledge of raw materials, production processes and techniques to maximize effectiveness in the manufacture and distribution of goods. Belt splicers must also have a general knowledge of mathematics and measurements. Mechanical knowledge such as the use of machines and tools is also necessary.
  
  

Prevalence

• Employment as a belt splicer can be found in various industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest levels of employment are found in plastics product manufacturing, cut and sew apparel manufacturing and rubber product manufacturing. Belt splicers are most prevalent in plastics product manufacturing. The highest concentration of employment is found in leather and hide tanning and finishing with 2.74 percent of employment in the industry.
  
  

Top-Paying Industries

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top paying industry for employment as a belt splicer is foundation, structure and building exterior contractors. Its average annual salary is $38,760. Other top paying industries in this field include motor vehicle manufacturing, building finishing contractors and ship and boat building. However, there is low concentration of employment in this field.