Press machine operator vs press brake operator

The differences between press machine operators and press brake 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 machine operator and a press brake operator. Additionally, a press machine operator has an average salary of $37,759, which is higher than the $36,359 average annual salary of a press brake operator.

The top three skills for a press machine operator include CNC, punch press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a press brake operator are calipers, tape measure, and math.

Press machine operator vs press brake operator overview

	Press Machine Operator	Press Brake Operator
Yearly salary	$37,759	$36,359
Hourly rate	$18.15	$17.48
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	84,779	57,264
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 51%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Press machine operator vs press brake operator salary

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

	Press Machine Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average salary	$37,759	$36,359
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $46,000	Between $29,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Hartford, CT
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Rhode Island
Best paying company	Johnson Controls	Johnson Controls
Best paying industry	Finance	Finance

Differences between press machine operator and press brake operator education

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

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

Press machine operator vs press brake operator demographics

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

	Press Machine Operator	Press Brake Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%	Male, 91.1% Female, 8.9%
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 machine operator and press brake operator duties and responsibilities

Press machine operator example 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.
Verify conformance to specifications, using calipers.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.

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.

Press machine operator vs press brake operator skills

Common press machine operator skills

CNC, 11%
Punch Press Machine, 11%
Quality Checks, 9%
Safety Guidelines, 8%
Brake Press, 7%
Product Quality, 6%

Common press brake operator skills

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

Press Machine Operator vs. similar jobs

Press Machine Operator related careers

Press Machine Operator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Production and Manufacturing Industry
Press Machine Operator
Press Machine Operator vs Press Brake Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs