How to hire a press brake operator

How to hire a press brake operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step press brake operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a press brake operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new press brake operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a press brake operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your press brake operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a press brake operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A press brake operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, press brake operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of press brake operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Press Brake Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Press Brake Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-21
   Production Operator	A production operator is responsible for handling and monitoring manufacturing machines in a factory or similar establishment, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to schedule. Aside from assisting with the processing and packaging of goods, a production operator must also conduct necessary inspections to the machine or equipment that they are using to make sure that it is in good condition and is safe to use... Show more	$12-21
   Set-Up Operator	A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.	$13-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • Tape Measure
   • Math
   • Hand Tools
   • Amada
   • Safety Procedures
   • Hydraulic Press
   • Punch Press
   • CNC Brake
   • Aluminum
   • Quality Standards
   • Quality Checks
   • Machine Operation
   • Plastic Material

   Check all skills

   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.

   More press brake operator duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your press brake operator job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A press brake operator salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a press brake operator in Alabama may be lower than in Rhode Island, and an entry-level press brake operator usually earns less than a senior-level press brake operator. Additionally, a press brake operator with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average press brake operator salary

   $36,359yearly

   $17.48 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level press brake operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average press brake operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Connecticut	$41,477	$20
   2	Wisconsin	$40,530	$19
   3	Washington	$39,482	$19
   4	Minnesota	$39,251	$19
   5	Kansas	$38,843	$19
   6	California	$38,516	$19
   7	Oregon	$38,276	$18
   8	South Carolina	$35,924	$17
   9	Ohio	$35,760	$17
   10	Indiana	$35,754	$17
   11	Illinois	$35,416	$17
   12	Nebraska	$34,400	$17
   13	Missouri	$33,995	$16
   14	Georgia	$33,897	$16
   15	North Carolina	$33,788	$16
   16	Iowa	$33,486	$16
   17	Alabama	$33,312	$16
   18	Oklahoma	$33,304	$16
   19	Florida	$32,817	$16
   20	Texas	$32,568	$16

   Average press brake operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Johnson Controls	$49,354	$23.73	10
   2	VSR Industries	$47,501	$22.84	2
   3	Globus Medical	$46,518	$22.36	2
   4	Simpson Manufacturing Co	$46,465	$22.34	2
   5	Kloeckner Metals	$46,080	$22.15	8
   6	SPX	$46,073	$22.15	6
   7	Steris	$45,712	$21.98	11
   8	Federal Signal	$45,002	$21.64	9
   9	Eaton	$44,611	$21.45	57
   10	Armstrong World Industries	$43,926	$21.12	3
   11	Toro	$43,826	$21.07	2
   12	Olympic Steel	$43,623	$20.97	10
   13	Micro Metals Inc.	$43,464	$20.90
   14	McElroy	$43,082	$20.71
   15	Wabtec Corporation	$43,037	$20.69	5
   16	REV Group	$43,030	$20.69	3
   17	GPAC	$42,936	$20.64
   18	Metals USA	$42,440	$20.40	20
   19	VisionCorp Rep	$42,379	$20.37	5
   20	rms	$42,049	$20.22	2

4. Writing a press brake operator job description

   A press brake operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a press brake operator job description:

   Press brake operator job description example

   • Accurately work with calipers, squares, gauges, protractors and other measuring tools
   • Have good math ability and problem solving skills
   • Read and interpret blueprints efficiently
   • Stand continuously and lift objects up to 50#

   
   

   We are seeking a team player who is reliable and punctual and willing to commit to our fabrication team having fun while working safe and producing quality efficiently

   
   
   

   AMERICAN MADE SINCE 1959

   Olympic Industries began operations in 1959 with the goal of becoming the most reliable and trusted source for steel fabrication services in the area. By combining the finest metal-working craftsmen available and state of the art fabrication equipment, OI's goal is to constantly improve and evolve while earning customer respect along every step of the way.

   
   

   Today, Olympic Industries has a combined production area of over 50,000 sf, with state of the art laser, punch press, press brake, welding, and milling machinery. Our extensive production equipment capabilities are complimented by our skilled workforce, and commitment to providing our customers on-time, turnkey solutions.

   
   

   At Olympic Industries there is the firm belief that great people are the backbone to a great company. We take pride in servicing our customers the right way and know that such pride starts with every operator in a job well done.

   
   

   We offer our employees wonderful benefits, including: 401(k) participation, health insurance, vision and dental insurance, disability insurance, paid holidays and time off, and a retirement plan.

   
   

   For consideration for this position, please apply online here. No in-person applicants or employment/temporary services at this time.

   
   

   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Everyone welcome and encouraged to apply.

   
   

   Fabrication

   Production

   Skilled Trade

   Press Brake Operator

   Metal Fabrication

   
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro
   

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right press brake operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your press brake operator job on Zippia to find and recruit press brake operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit press brake operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new press brake operator

   Once you've found the press brake operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new press brake operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a press brake operator?