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What does a press machine operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a press machine operator do
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Press machine operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real press machine operator resumes:

  • 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.
  • Foil stamp & emboss books and other materials.
  • Operate steel un coiler, overhead crane and hi-lo.
  • Work closely with a team/department to produce multiple HVAC parts in a timely manner.
  • Run various press brakes as well as Amadas making all the internal and external components in commercial/residential HVAC units
  • Press operator on misc multicolore Heidelberg and Komori presses

Press machine operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Press Machine Operators are proficient in CNC, Punch Press Machine, and Quality Checks. They’re also known for soft skills such as Computer skills, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.

We break down the percentage of Press Machine Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CNC, 11%

    Refilled coolant into CNC Machines as often as needed.

  • Punch Press Machine, 11%

    Adjusted and operated the die cutting/punch press machines to insure the windows stayed in the correct positions throughout the entire run.

  • Quality Checks, 9%

    Operate an automatic press and tooling machine, load/unload aluminum bumpers, and making quality checks.

  • Safety Guidelines, 8%

    Operate a presser machine while using safety guidelines.

  • Brake Press, 7%

    Meet daily shift quota by spot welding and shearing wire products, using Punch and Brake Press machines.

  • Product Quality, 6%

    Inspected and determined product quality.

"cnc," "punch press machine," and "quality checks" are among the most common skills that press machine operators use at work. You can find even more press machine operator responsibilities below, including:

Computer skills. The most essential soft skill for a press machine operator to carry out their responsibilities is computer skills. This skill is important for the role because "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to use programmable devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor." Additionally, a press machine operator resume shows how their duties depend on computer skills: "perform quality checks and sign off and log in on computer using writron software. "

Mechanical skills. press machine operators are also known for mechanical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to press machine operator responsibilities, because "these workers must be comfortable with machines and have a good understanding of how all the parts work." A press machine operator resume example shows how mechanical skills is used in the workplace: "operate machines; keep mechanical parts running efficiently all while meeting/exceeding hourly production standards. "

Physical strength. For certain press machine operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical strength." The day-to-day duties of a press machine operator rely on this skill, as "metal and plastic machine workers must be able to secure and tighten heavy fixtures into place." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what press machine operators do: "perform various quality inspections every half hour (physical dimensions, weight, hardness, dryness). "

All press machine operator skills

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Compare different press machine operators

Press machine operator vs. Molder operator

A molder operator sets up for the production of millwork, which is a crucial and major output of precision wood products. This position requires experience with all machinery associated with the woodworking industry. The responsibilities of a molder operator include setting up and operating the molder, inspecting the stock being cut, and verifying the dimensions of cut material to ensure they match specifications.

If we compare the average press machine operator annual salary with that of a molder operator, we find that molder operators typically earn a $6,052 lower salary than press machine operators make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between press machine operators and molder operators are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like cnc, quality checks, and safety guidelines.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between press machine operators and molder operator. For instance, press machine operator responsibilities require skills such as "punch press machine," "brake press," "product quality," and "hydraulic press." Whereas a molder operator is skilled in "gmp," "dexterity," "troubleshoot," and "basic math." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Molder operators tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $33,149. In contrast, press machine operators make the biggest average salary, $46,189, in the finance industry.On average, molder operators reach similar levels of education than press machine operators. Molder operators are 0.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Press machine operator vs. Set-up operator

A machine set-up operator operates machinery such as grinders, bores, and mills. They prepare machines to be used by organizing tools, setting valve directions, sharpening tools as needed, positioning tools, and conducting regular maintenance.

A career as a set-up operator brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a press machine operator. In fact, set-up operators salary is $1,510 higher than the salary of press machine operators per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Press machine operators and set-up operators both require similar skills like "quality checks," "brake press," and "assembly line" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, press machine operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cnc," "punch press machine," "safety guidelines," and "product quality." Meanwhile, a set-up operator has duties that require skills in areas such as "calipers," "cnc machines," "hand tools," and "math." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Set-up operators may earn a higher salary than press machine operators, but set-up operators earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $44,628. On the other hand, press machine operators receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $46,189.In general, set-up operators achieve similar levels of education than press machine operators. They're 0.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Press machine operator vs. Machine operator/forklift operator

A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment. They manage the stability of the vehicles, ensuring its efficiency and optimization during operations, performing engine repairs for any inconsistencies to avoid delays on deliveries. A machine operator/forklift operator should strictly follow the safety protocols of the business, as well as have knowledge of the mechanical industry.

On average scale, machine operator/forklift operators bring in lower salaries than press machine operators. In fact, they earn a $5,307 lower salary per year.By looking over several press machine operators and machine operator/forklift operators resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "cnc," "quality checks," and "assembly line." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a press machine operator is likely to be skilled in "punch press machine," "safety guidelines," "brake press," and "product quality," while a typical machine operator/forklift operator is skilled in "safety standards," "drive forklift," "load trucks," and "machine operation."

Machine operator/forklift operators earn the highest salary when working in the automotive industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,711. Comparatively, press machine operators have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $46,189.machine operator/forklift operators typically earn similar educational levels compared to press machine operators. Specifically, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Press machine operator vs. Cell operator

A Cell Operator is someone who handles a production cell in a company or factory. This position ensures that a cell unit of the production functions properly and efficiently. The position also does other miscellaneous tasks related to production, such as inspection, sorting, and other assembly operations, depending on the type of company, business, or manufactured product. This person generally has strong organizational and problem-solving skills and has a knack for troubleshooting.

Cell operators tend to earn a higher pay than press machine operators by an average of $107 per year.According to resumes from press machine operators and cell operators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "cnc," "quality checks," and "product quality. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A press machine operator uses "punch press machine," "safety guidelines," "brake press," and "production process." Cell operators are more likely to have duties that require skills in "hand tools," "math," "calipers," and "micrometers. "In general, cell operators earn the most working in the technology industry, with an average salary of $41,770. The highest-paying industry for a press machine operator is the finance industry.In general, cell operators hold similar degree levels compared to press machine operators. Cell operators are 1.6% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of press machine operator

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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