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What is a press machine operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
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The average press machine operator salary is $37,759. The most common degree is a high school diploma degree with an business major. It usually takes 1-2 years of experience to become a press machine operator. Press machine operators with a Forklift Safety and Inspector certification earn more money. Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -5% and produce -45,900 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScorePress Machine OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $37,759

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.5

Growth rate -5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.78%

Asian 1.68%

Black or African American 7.93%

Hispanic or Latino 13.41%

Unknown 4.36%

White 71.84%

Gender

female 21.52%

male 78.48%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
6.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.5

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Press machine operator career paths

Key steps to become a press machine operator

  1. Explore press machine operator education requirements

    Most common press machine operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    52.2 %

    Associate

    16.7 %

    Diploma

    14.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific press machine operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CNC11.26%
    Punch Press Machine10.87%
    Quality Checks9.29%
    Safety Guidelines7.69%
    Brake Press6.72%
  3. Complete relevant press machine operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New press machine operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a press machine operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real press machine operator resumes.
  4. Research press machine operator duties and responsibilities

    • Perform necassary quality checks using caliper, micrometers, and optical comparators to insure product meets specifics of blueprints.
    • Order new material predict troubles and delays for production schedules check out final product to ensure that it meet ISO standards
    • Stamp press operator, QC and SPC gauge parts, and assembly
    • Load supplies into machines either by hand or using hoists, replace molds and cutting surfaces.
  5. Prepare your press machine operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your press machine operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a press machine operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable press machine operator resume templates

    Build a professional press machine operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your press machine operator resume.
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
    Press Machine Operator Resume
  6. Apply for press machine operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a press machine operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first press machine operator job

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Average press machine operator salary

The average press machine operator salary in the United States is $37,759 per year or $18 per hour. Press machine operator salaries range between $30,000 and $46,000 per year.

Average press machine operator salary
$37,759 Yearly
$18.15 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do press machine operators rate their job?

-/5

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Press machine operator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

It challenging I love challenge to work as a operator it a very challenging job

Cons

Short time at work that to day U not working we will call you when we have busy I need a full time job not part time


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

It was challenging sort of an artistic job

Cons

Heavy lifting a very physical job


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A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

There is something new all the time ,one day your doing parts for a water pump,and the next day you could be doing parts going to Mars I did on the land,rover

Cons

If your not careful what you are doing you can put a whole order in the trash or break a brooch


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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