Brake operator vs press operator

The differences between brake operators and press operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a brake operator and a press operator. Additionally, a brake operator has an average salary of $38,911, which is higher than the $34,568 average annual salary of a press operator.

The top three skills for a brake operator include calipers, basic math and tape measure. The most important skills for a press operator are quality standards, press machine, and quality checks.

Brake operator vs press operator overview

	Brake Operator	Press Operator
Yearly salary	$38,911	$34,568
Hourly rate	$18.71	$16.62
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	46,164	55,215
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Brake operator vs press operator salary

Brake operators and press operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Brake Operator	Press Operator
Average salary	$38,911	$34,568
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $49,000	Between $27,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	-	Westfield, MA
Highest paying state	-	New Hampshire
Best paying company	-	ProAmpac
Best paying industry	-	Automotive

Differences between brake operator and press operator education

There are a few differences between a brake operator and a press operator in terms of educational background:

	Brake Operator	Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Brake operator vs press operator demographics

Here are the differences between brake operators' and press operators' demographics:

	Brake Operator	Press Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%	Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%	Black or African American, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between brake operator and press operator duties and responsibilities

Brake operator example responsibilities.

Experience using micrometers, squares, calipers and protractors.
Perform light mig and tig welding and metal refinishing.
Align motor, air end and coupling using calipers, dial indicators and straight edges.
Operate brake press to meet OE specifications.
Perform basic troubleshooting of extrusion machinery and plastics processes.
Measure part angle with protractor, flange length with measureing tape and material thickness with micrometer.

Press operator example responsibilities.

Work on the assembly line making tire covers for Honda and Toyota.
Maintain SPC records using a bore gauge and calipers.
Ensure quality of parts produce per ISO-9000 standards through the use of calipers, micrometers, and several custom-made gauges.
Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
Adjust colors to become PMS accurate, with gradations.
Assist fab with mig welding.

Brake operator vs press operator skills

Common brake operator skills

Calipers, 15%
Basic Math, 14%
Tape Measure, 12%
Hand Tools, 10%
Pallets, 6%
Read Blueprints, 6%

Common press operator skills

Quality Standards, 12%
Press Machine, 9%
Quality Checks, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
Safety Guidelines, 5%
Digital Press, 4%