Shearing machine operator vs punch press operator

The differences between shearing 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 shearing machine operator and a punch press operator. Additionally, a punch press operator has an average salary of $37,977, which is higher than the $30,810 average annual salary of a shearing machine operator.

The top three skills for a shearing machine operator include shear machine, brake press and calipers. The most important skills for a punch press operator are calipers, turret punch press, and micrometers.

Shearing machine operator vs punch press operator overview

	Shearing Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Yearly salary	$30,810	$37,977
Hourly rate	$14.81	$18.26
Growth rate	-5%	-5%
Number of jobs	53,915	49,830
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 52%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	2	2

Shearing machine operator vs punch press operator salary

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

	Shearing Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average salary	$30,810	$37,977
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $38,000	Between $29,000 And $48,000
Highest paying City	-	Brooklyn Park, MN
Highest paying state	-	Minnesota
Best paying company	-	Fortune Brands Home & Security
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between shearing machine operator and punch press operator education

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

	Shearing Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 46%	High School Diploma, 52%
Most common major	Business	General Studies
Most common college	-	-

Shearing machine operator vs punch press operator demographics

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

	Shearing Machine Operator	Punch Press Operator
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 98.8% Female, 1.2%	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 shearing machine operator and punch press operator duties and responsibilities

Shearing machine operator example responsibilities.

Change equipment over to new product.
Use hand or power tools and use precision measuring tools and equipment.
Load or unload material or work piece into machinery; maintain or repair industrial or relate.
Set up operations and measurement of material and machinery
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Move completed product via forklift to warehouse.

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.

Shearing machine operator vs punch press operator skills

Common shearing machine operator skills

Shear Machine, 24%
Brake Press, 18%
Calipers, 16%
CNC, 15%
Trim Knives, 10%
Blueprint Specifications, 7%

Common punch press operator skills

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

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

Updated January 8, 2025

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