Career comparison
Forging Machine Operator vs. Press Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Forging machine operators earn more at the median ($49,030 vs. $46,330), while press operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Forging machine operators shape hot metal with presses and hammers to make strong 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
| Forging Machine Operator | Press Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,030 ($23.57/hr) | $46,330 ($22.27/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,800 – $68,720 | $35,760 – $65,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -17.2% (a projected decline) | -10.5% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 600 | 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 | Forging training | NIMS certification |
| Work setting | Operators work in hot, loud forge shops.. | Operators work in stamping plants and fab shops.. |
What each job does
Forging Machine Operator
- Set up forging dies
- Heat billets
- Operate presses and hammers
- Trim flash
- Inspect parts
Press Operator
- Set up dies
- Load material
- Run presses
- Bend parts
- Measure parts
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, 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 forging machine operator if…
- I like heavy industry
- I don’t mind heat
- I’m safety-focused
Choose press operator if…
- I like machines
- I’m careful
- I like measuring
Still torn? Take the Forging Machine Operator fit quiz and the Press Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, forging machine operator or press operator?
Forging Machine Operators earn more at the median: $49,030 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 forging machine operators (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects press operators to grow -10.5% from 2025–35, compared with -17.2% for forging machine operators.