Career comparison
CNC Operator vs. Press Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
CNC operators earn more at the median ($50,690 vs. $46,330), while press operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). CNC operators run computer-controlled machines that cut precise metal and plastic parts. Press operators run presses that cut, punch and bend metal and plastic parts.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| CNC Operator | Press Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,690 ($24.37/hr) | $46,330 ($22.27/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $38,140 – $73,890 | $35,760 – $65,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -9.4% (a projected decline) | -10.5% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 12,500 | 13,200 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | NIMS CNC Operator | NIMS certification |
| Work setting | CNC operators work in machine shops and manufacturing plants.. | Operators work in stamping plants and fab shops.. |
What each job does
CNC Operator
- Load material
- Start CNC programs
- Monitor cycles
- Measure parts
- Adjust offsets
Press Operator
- Set up dies
- Load material
- Run presses
- Bend parts
- Measure parts
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, steady routines, shift work, and indoor work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose CNC operator if…
- I like technology and machines
- I measure carefully
- I can focus
Choose press operator if…
- I like machines
- I’m careful
- I like measuring
Still torn? Take the CNC Operator fit quiz and the Press Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, CNC operator or press operator?
CNC Operators earn more at the median: $50,690 versus $46,330 for press operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Press Operators typically train faster (A few months on the job) than CNC operators (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects CNC operators to grow -9.4% from 2025–35, compared with -10.5% for press operators.