Punch press operator vs machine operator

The differences between punch press operators and machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, which is higher than the $32,874 average annual salary of a machine operator.

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

Punch press operator vs machine operator overview

	Punch Press Operator	Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$37,977	$32,874
Hourly rate	$18.26	$15.80
Growth rate	-5%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,830	96,834
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 53%
Average age	46	44
Years of experience	2	-

Punch press operator vs machine operator salary

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

	Punch Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average salary	$37,977	$32,874
Salary range	Between $29,000 And $48,000	Between $26,000 And $40,000
Highest paying City	Brooklyn Park, MN	Minneapolis, MN
Highest paying state	Minnesota	Minnesota
Best paying company	Fortune Brands Home & Security	BD
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Automotive

Differences between punch press operator and machine operator education

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

	Punch Press Operator	Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 52%	High School Diploma, 53%
Most common major	General Studies	Business
Most common college	-	-

Punch press operator vs machine operator demographics

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

	Punch Press Operator	Machine Operator
Average age	46	44
Gender ratio	Male, 80.7% Female, 19.3%	Male, 72.3% Female, 27.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	3%	5%

Differences between punch press operator and machine operator duties and responsibilities

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.

Machine operator example responsibilities.

Conduct preventative maintenance checks on industrial brake manufacturing machines and forklifts.
Follow company and safety procedures using industrial chemicals and PPE to efficiently clean and sanitize all equipment.
Operate forklift and bobcat as needed.
Run a line in a PVC pipe production plant.
Operate machinery including forklift, bobcat and various power tools.
Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

Punch press operator vs machine operator skills

Common punch press operator skills

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

Common machine operator skills

Basic Math, 11%
CNC, 9%
Math, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Machine Operation, 6%
Quality Standards, 5%

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Production and Manufacturing Industry
Punch Press Operator
Punch Press Operator vs Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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