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Press brake operator vs cell operator

The differences between press brake operators and cell operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cell operator has an average salary of $37,866, which is higher than the $36,359 average annual salary of a press brake operator.

The top three skills for a press brake operator include calipers, tape measure and math. The most important skills for a cell operator are hand tools, math, and quality standards.

Press brake operator vs cell operator overview

Press Brake OperatorCell Operator
Yearly salary$36,359$37,866
Hourly rate$17.48$18.20
Growth rate-5%7%
Number of jobs57,26466,532
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4643
Years of experience2-

What does a press brake operator do?

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.

What does a cell operator do?

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Press brake operator vs cell operator salary

Press brake operators and cell operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Press Brake OperatorCell Operator
Average salary$36,359$37,866
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $31,000 And $45,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTBothell, WA
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWashington
Best paying companyJohnson ControlsCummins
Best paying industryFinanceTechnology

Differences between press brake operator and cell operator education

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

Press Brake OperatorCell Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Press brake operator vs cell operator demographics

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

Press Brake OperatorCell Operator
Average age4643
Gender ratioMale, 91.1% Female, 8.9%Male, 68.8% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack 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, 9.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 7.6% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage3%5%

Differences between press brake operator and cell operator duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Cell operator example responsibilities.

  • Work with QC on parts.
  • Capture torque data for SPC charts.
  • Read and implement PC (product criteria).
  • Work with engineering to make specialty repair parts for hoists.
  • Adjust CNC machines as needed to ensure that parts are made to spec.
  • Assist in editing CNC programs and develop new part setups and tooling while working closely with manufacturing engineers.
  • Show more

Press brake operator vs cell operator skills

Common press brake operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Tape Measure, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Amada, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common cell operator skills
  • Hand Tools, 12%
  • Math, 10%
  • Quality Standards, 8%
  • CNC, 8%
  • Calipers, 7%
  • Micrometers, 6%

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