Forge press operator vs punch press operator

The differences between forge press operators and punch 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 press operator, becoming a punch press operator takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, which is higher than the $33,563 average annual salary of a forge press operator.

The top three skills for a forge press operator include forge press, calipers and minor maintenance. The most important skills for a punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Forge press operator vs punch press operator overview

	Forge Press Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$33,563	$37,977
Hourly rate	$16.14	$18.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	44,853	49,830
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	48	46
Years of experience	4	2

Forge press operator vs punch press operator salary

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

	Forge Press Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$33,563	$37,977
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $40,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between forge press operator and punch press operator education

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

	Forge Press Operator	Punch Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Precision Metal Working	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Forge press operator vs punch press operator demographics

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

	Forge Press Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	48	46
Gender ratio	Male, 95.6% Female, 4.4%	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 7.4% White, 64.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	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	5%	3%

Differences between forge press operator and punch press operator duties and responsibilities

Forge press operator example responsibilities.

Flute grinders, brad point machines and chop see.
Use of calipers, mics and various tools to assure forge parts are to spec.
Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
Operate an overhead remote crane to move and stage raw material.
Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses

Punch press operator example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or veneer calipers.
Die room equipment Gerber profile 408 cnc router table.
Set up and run all aspects of the stamping process
Possess the ability to effectively utilize advance shop math and computer skills.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks and hoists to move stock and product.
Grind out burrs and sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, and polishing jacks.

Forge press operator vs punch press operator skills

Common forge press operator skills

Forge Press, 18%
Calipers, 16%
Minor Maintenance, 14%
Hand Tools, 14%
Quality Checks, 12%
Tongs, 7%

Common punch press operator skills

Calipers, 14%
Turret Punch Press, 10%
Micrometers, 8%
Math, 7%
Punch Press Machine, 6%
Machine Operation, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Forge Press Operator
Forge Press Operator vs Punch Press Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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