Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Press Operator
What press operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a press operator?
Review the job. From there, the day usually includes set up dies, load material, and run presses. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a press operator working full time.
- Review the job.
- Set up a stamping die.
- Run first article.
- Run production.
- Check dimensions.
- Change over to brake work.
- Log counts.
Where press operators work
Operators work in stamping plants and fab shops.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up dies
- Load material
- Run presses
- Bend parts
- Measure parts
- Inspect quality
- Maintain dies
Tools you’ll use every day
- Stamping presses
- Press brakes
- Shears
- Calipers
- Height gauges
- Die carts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Many plants hire
- Overtime
- Path to setup tech
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Noise
- Repetitive
- Hand injury risk
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like machines
- I’m careful
- I like measuring
- I can do repetitive work
- I want short training
- I want a path to setup tech
Not sure? Take the free Press Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Never bypass guards
- Use light curtains
- Lock out for die changes
- Wear cut gloves