Molding press operator vs press brake operator

The differences between molding press operators and press brake 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 molding press operator and a press brake operator. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $31,705 average annual salary of a molding press operator.

The top three skills for a molding press operator include inspect products, air pressure and safety procedures. The most important skills for a press brake operator are calipers, tape measure, and math.

Molding press operator vs press brake operator overview

	Molding Press Operator	Press Brake Operator
Yearly salary	$31,705	$36,359
Hourly rate	$15.24	$17.48
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	46,023	57,264
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Molding press operator vs press brake operator salary

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

	Molding Press Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average salary	$31,705	$36,359
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $38,000	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 molding press operator and press brake operator education

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

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

Molding press operator vs press brake operator demographics

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

	Molding Press Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 69.5% Female, 30.5%	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
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 molding press operator and press brake operator duties and responsibilities

Molding press operator example responsibilities.

Require molding expect rate of part producing and achieving ISO QualityStandards.
Operate CNC and manual machines for the manufacturing of various metal parts.
Research and choose new ASTM testing methods that can be used with the current tools available when present with new projects.
Demonstrate efficient manual dexterity at a rapid and continuous rate.
Build car parts for Honda.
Run molding machine to make mold mud flaps for all Honda vehicles.

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.

Molding press operator vs press brake operator skills

Common molding press operator skills

Inspect Products, 17%
Air Pressure, 14%
Safety Procedures, 13%
Quality Checks, 11%
Plastic Injection, 8%
Press Machine, 6%

Common press brake operator skills

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

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Molding Press Operator
Molding Press Operator vs Press Brake Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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