Take a break and learn about a career as a press brake operator.
Despite already having experience with several jobs, many working adults are unable to answer the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Our monthly Job Spotlight blog series is designed to help answer that question. In this series, we review all the basics of specific jobs, from pay and duties, to why people do the jobs they do.
Press Brake Operator
In this month’s Job Spotlight, we’re learning about what it takes to be a press brake operator. A press brake is a machine pressing tool used to bend sheet and plate material. Key qualities to have include a record of safe work habits and attention to detail.
Required Education: Typically, a high school diploma. Most are trained on the job, although some learn through training or apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, or community and technical colleges.
Pay
This varies depending on a variety of factors (e.g. experience, geographic area, industry, etc.), but Press Brake Operators can make as much as $15 to $20 an hour or more.
What Press Brake Operators Do:
Press Brake Operators deal with a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Operating press brake machines
- Running bend and forming operations using standard and custom punches
- Adjusting ram and back gauge locations per process control instructions and blueprints
- Checking height, depth, and thickness using micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, gauges, and other precision-measuring instruments
- Performing complex programming using all features of the press brake
- Working with tight tolerances
- Producing parts for assembly operations
- Meeting customer specifications and delivery requirements
- Performing spot inspections of parts
- Completing and maintaining paperwork
- Identifying assembly parts
What Companies Look for in Press Brake Operators:
Every position is different, but many companies need the following skills and attributes:
- Previous experience as a Press Brake Operator a plus
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- A record of safe work habits
Not sure where to find a position like this?
We can help.
Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S. and Canada. If you have any questions about Press Brake Operator jobs in your area or job search in general, contact your local Express office, download the ExpressJobs app from your mobile store, or fill out our online contact form.
Are you a Press Brake Operator? What else should people know about your job? Let us know in the comments section below!
For More on Our Job Spotlight Series:
- Insurance Agent
- Warehouse Worker
- Housekeeper
- Administrative Assistant
- Medical Secretary
- Welder
- Sales Representative
- Human Resources Generalist
- Shipping and Receiving Clerk
- Plant/Manufacturing Supervisor
- Pick-and-Pack
- Customer Service Representative
- Graphic Designer
- Banquet Server
- Grounds/Maintenance
- Accountant/Finance
- Materials Handler
- Data Entry Specialist
- AutoCAD Drafter
- CNC Machinist
- Claim Services Assistant
- Plumber
- Mechanic
- Mail Clerk
- Medical Office Manager
- General Construction Worker
- HVAC Technician
