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The differences between press brake operators and 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 $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.
The top three skills for a press brake operator include calipers, tape measure and math. The most important skills for a machine operator are basic math, CNC, and math.
| Press Brake Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $36,359 | $32,874 |
| Hourly rate | $17.48 | $15.80 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 57,264 | 96,834 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
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.
Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output. Machine operators must know the inner workings of the machine such that they can easily address any problems that may arise. They must ensure that all components of the machine are working well. They perform maintenance routine checks to ensure that the machine is working at the most efficient capacity, is well-stocked with needed materials, and producing the best output. Machine operators are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and sanitation of the machine.
Press brake operators and machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Brake Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average salary | $36,359 | $32,874 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $45,000 | Between $26,000 And $40,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hartford, CT | Minneapolis, MN |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Minnesota |
| Best paying company | Johnson Controls | BD |
| Best paying industry | Finance | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a press brake operator and a machine operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Brake Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press brake operators' and machine operators' demographics:
| Press Brake Operator | Machine Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9% | Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7% |
| 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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 3% | 5% |