Post job

Forge operator vs press operator

The differences between forge operators and press 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 operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a press operator has an average salary of $34,568, 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 operator are quality standards, press machine, and quality checks.

Forge operator vs press operator overview

Forge OperatorPress Operator
Yearly salary$33,751$34,568
Hourly rate$16.23$16.62
Growth rate7%-5%
Number of jobs57,46255,215
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 51%
Average age4346
Years of experience42

Forge operator vs press operator salary

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

Forge OperatorPress Operator
Average salary$33,751$34,568
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $41,000Between $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 forge operator and press operator education

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

Forge OperatorPress Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 67%High School Diploma, 51%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Forge operator vs press operator demographics

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

Forge OperatorPress Operator
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 93.4% Female, 6.6%Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage4%3%

Differences between forge operator and press 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 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.
  • Show more

Forge operator vs press operator skills

Common forge operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 22%
  • Safety Rules, 16%
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Cranes, 8%
  • Gauges, 7%
  • CNC, 6%
Common press operator skills
  • Quality Standards, 12%
  • Press Machine, 9%
  • Quality Checks, 8%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 8%
  • Safety Guidelines, 5%
  • Digital Press, 4%

Browse transportation jobs