Press / Press Brake Operator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$44,054
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth-4.61%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Press or Press Brake Operator operates a press brake, a machine used to bend sheet metal into shape.
Core Tasks:
- Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
- Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
- Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
- Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
- Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
- Load workpieces, plastic material, or chemical solutions into machines.
- Test and adjust machine speeds or actions, according to product specifications, using gauges and hand tools.
- Turn controls to set cutting speeds, feed rates, or table angles for specified operations.
- Clean work area.
What to expect as a Press / Press Brake Operator
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
35% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Press / Press Brake Operator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
799 openings for Press / Press Brake Operators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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