What Does a Press Operator Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a press operator do?

Cutting, punching and press machine setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic, set up, operate or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend or straighten material. The median pay is $46,330 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -10.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$46,330
$22.27/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-10.5%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
13,200
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
171,000
Employment, 2025

What press operators do

Press operators make parts with force. They set up stamping dies and press brakes, load metal, run presses to punch, cut and bend parts, measure parts and keep dies in good shape. They work in auto, appliance and metal product plants.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects decline as automation grows.

Typical duties

Set up dies
Load material
Run presses
Bend parts
Measure parts
Inspect quality
Maintain dies

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in stamping plants and fab shops.

Schedule: Full time, often shifts.

A day in the life

6:00 AMReview the job.
6:30 AMSet up a stamping die.
7:30 AMRun first article.
8:00 AMRun production.

See a full day in the life of a press operator →

Press Operator salary

Half of press operators earned more than $46,330 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,760 for the lowest 10% to $65,510 for the top 10%.

$35,76010th$46,330Median$65,51090th

Full press operator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a press operator

Finish high school
Get hired
Learn presses
Learn setups
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a press operator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Press setup
Die installation
Press brake bending
Measurement
Blueprint reading

People skills

Attention to detail
Safety focus
Reliability
Focus

All press operator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

No degree needed
Many plants hire
Overtime
Path to setup tech

Cons

Declining employment
Noise
Repetitive
Hand injury risk

Certifications and licenses

NIMS certification: Metalforming.
Press brake training: Employer.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Forklift certification: Helpful.

Career path

Operator: Entry.
Setup Technician: Setups.
Die Maintenance: Tooling.
Supervisor: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Press Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as set up a press brake bend and use press safety devices correctly, safety and how to land your first job.

View Press Operator training Is this career right for me?

Tool and Die Maker

Build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts.

$64,050
4 years (apprenticeship)

Metal Fabricator

Cut, shape and fit steel parts into frames, structures and machinery.

$51,330
Several months on the job

CNC Operator

Run computer-controlled machines that cut precise metal and plastic parts.

$50,690
A few months on the job

Sheet Metal Worker

Fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding and other products made from sheet metal.

$61,800
4–5 years (apprenticeship)

Compare: Press Operator vs. Tool and Die Maker · Press Operator vs. Metal Fabricator · Press Operator vs. CNC Operator · Press Operator vs. Sheet Metal Worker

Press Operator FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects decline.

Is it dangerous?

With guards and training, risks are controlled.

How much does a press operator make?

The median annual wage for press operators was $46,330 ($22.27 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,760 and the highest 10% earned more than $65,510.

How long does it take to become a press operator?

Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Do you need a degree to be a press operator?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4031 (Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Press Operator