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The differences between press brake operators and assembling machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a press brake operator, becoming an assembling machine operator takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $31,275 average annual salary of an assembling machine operator.
The top three skills for a press brake operator include calipers, tape measure and math. The most important skills for an assembling machine operator are assembly line, safety procedures, and CNC.
| Press Brake Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,359 | $31,275 |
| Hourly rate | $17.48 | $15.04 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 57,264 | 87,253 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal. These operators may have their own business, work in a factory setting, or other types of machinery shops.
An assembling machine operator's role is to ensure the efficiency of assembly machines by setting or positioning the necessary components according to their sequence. Moreover, they must monitor the materials that the device produces, implement corrective measures if necessary, make sure that the machine is in good condition to maintain a safe working environment, and coordinate with the managers or supervisors should there be any issues. Furthermore, an assembling machine operator needs to adhere to the safety regulations and policies at all times.
Press brake operators and assembling machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Brake Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,359 | $31,275 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $24,000 And $39,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | Johnson Controls | Press-Seal Gasket Corporation |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a press brake operator and an assembling machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Brake Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press brake operators' and assembling machine operators' demographics:
| Press Brake Operator | Assembling Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 57.4% Female, 42.6% |
| 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, 11.2% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.8% Asian, 2.0% White, 74.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 6% |