FAQ
Press Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a press operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a press operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about press operators
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.
Is press operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -10.5% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 13,200 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a press operator need?
Key technical skills include press setup, die installation, press brake bending, and measurement. Employers also value attention to detail, safety focus, and reliability.
What certifications are available for press operators?
Common credentials include NIMS certification, Press brake training, OSHA 10, and Forklift certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Press Operator fit quiz, compare with Tool and Die Maker, or explore Press Operator 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.