Press machine operator vs punch press operator

The differences between press machine 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 machine operator and a punch press operator. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, which is higher than the $37,759 average annual salary of a press machine operator.

The top three skills for a press machine operator include CNC, punch press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Press machine operator vs punch press operator overview

	Press Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$37,759	$37,977
Hourly rate	$18.15	$18.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	84,779	49,830
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Press machine operator vs punch press operator salary

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

	Press Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$37,759	$37,977
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $46,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	Minneapolis, MN	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	New Hampshire	Minnesota
Best paying company	Johnson Controls	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	Finance	Manufacturing

Differences between press machine operator and punch press operator education

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

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

Press machine operator vs punch press operator demographics

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

	Press Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 78.5% Female, 21.5%	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 machine operator and punch press 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.

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 machine operator vs punch press 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 punch press operator skills

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

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 Punch Press Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse production and manufacturing jobs