How To Become A Press Brake Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a press brake operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

A press brake operator most commonly works in manufacturing and production, handling tasks related to setting up and operating press brakes. They perform duties such as verifying the accuracy of machine settings and functions, detecting and reporting equipment malfuction, and working on products that conform to quality control.

As an essential part of the production line, a press brake operator must be knowledgeable in the machines and tools related to their duties and responsibilities. They also have to communicate with shift supervisors and next shift operators regarding all production-related items and processes.

To qualify for the job, a press brake operator is required to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Preferably, they also have prior experience in operating press brakes. Because of the nature of their work, they need physical stamina, the ability to read blueprints, familiarity with metals and measuring tools, and computer literacy.

ScorePress Brake OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $36,359

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 1.68%

Black or African American 7.93%

Hispanic or Latino 13.41%

Unknown 4.36%

White 71.84%

Gender

female 8.87%

male 91.13%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress level

6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a press brake operator

Explore press brake operator education requirements

Most common press brake operator degrees

High School Diploma

51.5 %

Associate

17.2 %

Diploma

14.2 %

Start to develop specific press brake operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Calipers	11.79%
Tape Measure	9.08%
Math	7.72%
Hand Tools	7.16%
Amada	4.77%

Complete relevant press brake operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New press brake operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a press brake operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real press brake operator resumes.

Research press brake operator duties and 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.

Prepare your press brake operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your press brake operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a press brake operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable press brake operator resume templates

Build a professional press brake operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your press brake operator resume.