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Press brake operator vs general machine operator

The differences between press brake operators and general machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $32,414 average annual salary of a general machine operator.

The top three skills for a press brake operator include calipers, tape measure and math. The most important skills for a general machine operator are math, CNC, and safety procedures.

Press brake operator vs general machine operator overview

Press Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Yearly salary$36,359$32,414
Hourly rate$17.48$15.58
Growth rate-5%7%
Number of jobs57,264138,111
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 50%
Average age4644
Years of experience2-

Press brake operator vs general machine operator salary

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

Press Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average salary$36,359$32,414
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $45,000Between $26,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityHartford, CTOshkosh, WI
Highest paying stateRhode IslandWisconsin
Best paying companyJohnson ControlsReckitt Benckiser
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between press brake operator and general machine operator education

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

Press Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 51%High School Diploma, 50%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Press brake operator vs general machine operator demographics

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

Press Brake OperatorGeneral Machine Operator
Average age4644
Gender ratioMale, 91.1% Female, 8.9%Male, 81.2% Female, 18.8%
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, 11.9% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 7.3% White, 61.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage3%5%

Differences between press brake operator and general machine 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

General machine operator example responsibilities.

  • Lift work pieces to machines using hoists.
  • Control & troubleshoot automate extrusion line adjusting speed & feed, monitoring temperature, & finish material specification per customers order.
  • Overlook daily operations of single/twin screw extruders and packaging of finish product.

Press brake operator vs general machine operator skills

Common press brake operator skills
  • Calipers, 12%
  • Tape Measure, 9%
  • Math, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 7%
  • Amada, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 4%
Common general machine operator skills
  • Math, 12%
  • CNC, 10%
  • Safety Procedures, 10%
  • Troubleshoot, 9%
  • Production Process, 8%
  • Machine Operation, 6%

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