Press brake operator vs punch press operator

The differences between press brake operators and punch press operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a press brake operator and a punch press operator. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, 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 punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Press brake operator vs punch press operator overview

	Press Brake Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$36,359	$37,977
Hourly rate	$17.48	$18.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	57,264	49,830
Job satisfaction	5	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Press brake operator vs punch press operator salary

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

	Press Brake Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$36,359	$37,977
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $45,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Hartford, CT	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	Rhode Island	Minnesota
Best paying company	Johnson Controls	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between press brake operator and punch press operator education

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

	Press Brake Operator	Punch Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 51%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Press brake operator vs punch press operator demographics

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

	Press Brake Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% Asian, 1.7% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	3%	3%

Differences between press brake operator and punch press 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.

Punch press operator example responsibilities.

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or veneer calipers.
Die room equipment Gerber profile 408 cnc router table.
Set up and run all aspects of the stamping process
Possess the ability to effectively utilize advance shop math and computer skills.
Operate forklifts, pallet jacks and hoists to move stock and product.
Grind out burrs and sharp edges, using portable grinders, speed lathes, and polishing jacks.

Press brake operator vs punch press operator skills

Common press brake operator skills

Calipers, 12%
Tape Measure, 9%
Math, 8%
Hand Tools, 7%
Amada, 5%
Safety Procedures, 4%

Common punch press operator skills

Calipers, 14%
Turret Punch Press, 10%
Micrometers, 8%
Math, 7%
Punch Press Machine, 6%
Machine Operation, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Press Brake Operator
Press Brake Operator vs Punch Press Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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