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The differences between press 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 operator and a press brake operator. Additionally, a press brake operator has an average salary of $36,359, which is higher than the $34,568 average annual salary of a press operator.
The top three skills for a press operator include quality standards, press machine and quality checks. The most important skills for a press brake operator are calipers, tape measure, and math.
| Press Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $34,568 | $36,359 |
| Hourly rate | $16.62 | $17.48 |
| Growth rate | -5% | -5% |
| Number of jobs | 55,215 | 57,264 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines. Press operators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry and the ability to work under pressure and strict deadlines.
A press brake is a machine used to manipulate metal into various shapes and forms. Press brake operators manufacture tools, metal, and other pieces of equipment using a press brake to make punches, bends, and cuts into sheet or plate metal. These operators may have their own business, work in a factory setting, or other types of machinery shops.
Press operators and press brake operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Press Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Average salary | $34,568 | $36,359 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $42,000 | Between $29,000 And $45,000 |
| Highest paying City | Westfield, MA | Hartford, CT |
| Highest paying state | New Hampshire | Rhode Island |
| Best paying company | ProAmpac | Johnson Controls |
| Best paying industry | Automotive | Finance |
There are a few differences between a press operator and a press brake operator in terms of educational background:
| Press Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 51% | High School Diploma, 51% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between press operators' and press brake operators' demographics:
| Press Operator | Press Brake Operator | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 76.6% Female, 23.4% | 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% |