Forge operator vs press brake operator

The differences between forge operators and press brake operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a forge operator, becoming a press brake operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $33,751 average annual salary of a forge operator.

The top three skills for a forge operator include hand tools, safety rules and calipers. The most important skills for a press brake operator are calipers, tape measure, and math.

Forge operator vs press brake operator overview

	Forge Operator	Press Brake Operator
Yearly salary	$33,751	$36,359
Hourly rate	$16.23	$17.48
Growth rate	7%	-5%
Number of jobs	57,462	57,264
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	43	46
Years of experience	4	2

Forge operator vs press brake operator salary

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

	Forge Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average salary	$33,751	$36,359
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $41,000	Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	Hartford, CT
Highest paying state	-	Rhode Island
Best paying company	-	Johnson Controls
Best paying industry	-	Finance

Differences between forge operator and press brake operator education

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

	Forge Operator	Press Brake Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 67%	High School Diploma, 51%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Forge operator vs press brake operator demographics

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

	Forge Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average age	43	46
Gender ratio	Male, 93.4% Female, 6.6%	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 14.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 2.6% White, 60.4% 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	4%	3%

Differences between forge operator and press brake operator duties and responsibilities

Forge operator example responsibilities.

Perform quality checks using micrometers, calipers and other gauges to assure finish forged stabilizer bars are within specification.
Use cnc operate saws shears lathes and mills to size billet charges.
Operate 5,000 ton press daily, operation are manual or automatic using a CNC numerical screen.
Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot creatively, solve problems effectively, and make inform decisions while successfully guiding others through constant change.
Perform repair and preventive maintenance on machinery including cleaning, oiling and adjusting.

Press brake operator example responsibilities.

Set up machines and troubleshoot.
Set up and run a turret punch
Maintain and ensure proper use of PPE.
Promote from tool operator to dye shop.
Hold tight tolerances and always use your PPE.
Used math skills to produce parts to a specific dimension.

Forge operator vs press brake operator skills

Common forge operator skills

Hand Tools, 22%
Safety Rules, 16%
Calipers, 12%
Cranes, 8%
Gauges, 7%
CNC, 6%

Common press brake operator skills

Calipers, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Math, 8%
Hand Tools, 7%
Amada, 5%
Safety Procedures, 4%

Forge Operator vs. similar jobs

Forge Operator related careers

Forge Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Transportation Industry
Forge Operator
Forge Operator vs Press Brake Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse transportation jobs