How to hire a press break operator

How to hire a press break operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step press break operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a press break operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new press break operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the press break operator you need to hire. Certain press break operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A press break operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, press break operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of press break operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Press Break Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Press Break Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$12-20
   Metal Fabricator	A metal fabricator manipulates metal for construction and manufacturing companies. They are required to cut, shape, position and align different metals... Show more	$13-23
   Machine Operator	Machine operators are responsible for managing the machines assigned to them. They set up, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and ensure quality output... Show more	$12-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Operate CNC
   • Calipers
   • Laser Machine
   • Tape Measure
   • Aluminum
   • Safety Regulations
   • Precision Bends
   • Computer Numeric
   • Amada
   • RAN
   • MIG
   • Stainless Steel
   • Quality Checks
   • Blueprint Specs

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate conventional mill and conventional lathe machines, cold see, spot-welding & MIG & TIG.
   • Work as an Oasys punch machine operator and help the hot stamp and the final count for the cards.
   • Maintain strict quality requirements using scales, calipers and micrometers.
   • Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your press break operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A press break operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, press break operators' average salary in florida is 34% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level press break operators earn 36% less than senior-level press break operators.
   • Certifications. A press break operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a press break operator's salary.

   Average press break operator salary

   $16.44hourly

   $34,189 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level press break operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 13, 2025

4. Writing a press break operator job description

   A press break operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a press break operator job description:

   Press break operator job description example

   Job DescriptionWinholt Equipment is seeking to hire a Press Break/Shear Operator.
   
   Job Responsibilities/Duties: Shear Operator

   • Review the list that is ready to cut.
   • Measure all the material ready for cut.
   • Determine how much material it is needed for that specific job.
   • Find material that is needed through other workers.
   • Label all the cut parts.
   • Count and store extra material in inventory.
   • Ability to communicate effectively and demonstrates good listening skills.
   • General cleaning in the area.
   • Obey the safety standards of ACS and follow local, state, and federal regulations.
   • Responsible for any other tasks that may arise.

   
   Job Responsibilities/Duties: Brake Operator

   • Receive flat material.
   • Form specific part utilizing the break press to form the contour of the material.
   • Store material in a designated area.
   • May utilize crane to maneuver material to be formed with the break press.
   • This position may require working with another worker.
   • Ability to communicate effectively and demonstrates good listening skills.
   • General cleaning in the area.
   • Obey the safety standards of ACS and follow local, state, and federal regulations.
   • Responsible for any other tasks that may arise.

   
   Qualifications and Skills

   • Must have a minimum of 1-year experience in a shop/production environment.
   • 1-3 years press brake experience.
   • Must be able to read tape measure/knowledge of material types/ must be able to operate multiple types of saw machines.
   • Must pass a drug screen and background check for employment.

   
   Education:

   • High School Diploma or GED.

   
   WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while preforming the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made by enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the daily work environment is usually moderate and can change during the business day and/or during travel to other company offices.
   
   About Winholt Equipment:
   
   

   Founded in 1946, Winholt is a leading manufacturer of Food Service, Food Handling and Material Handling Equipment. For over 71 years, our broad product line, technical support, Customer Care Coordinators and multiple manufacturing/distribution facilities give us a global supply chain advantage. Winholt offers excellent quality and capacity. We provide enhanced 3D modeling design, powder coating and advanced manufacturing techniques.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find press break operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your press break operator job on Zippia to find and recruit press break operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit press break operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new press break operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect press break operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new press break operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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