Press Machine Operator

Your Fit

Income

$46K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-10.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Press Machine Operator?

Press Machine Operators are responsible for operating and maintaining mechanical or hydraulic presses that shape and form metal, plastic, or other materials. They work with precision to ensure that the final products meet specific design specifications and quality standards.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Press Machine Operator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Press Machine Operator earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$38K per year	$46K per year	$52K per year	$63K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.91K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Press Machine Operator do?

Work environment

Press Machine Operators typically work in manufacturing plants, factories, or workshops. The environment is often noisy and requires adherence to strict safety protocols due to the presence of heavy machinery and moving parts. Operators may be required to wear protective gear and work in standing positions for extended periods.

Quick task list

Sets up and operates press machines to cut, bend, or shape materials.
Reads and interprets blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications.
Inspects and measures finished products to ensure conformity to specifications.
Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on press machinery.
Follows safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Metal Press Operation: Specializing in the operation of presses that shape and form metal products.
Plastic Molding: Operating presses used for molding plastic materials.
Stamping Press Operation: Specializing in stamping presses used for creating patterns or designs on materials.
High-Speed Press Operation: Operating high-speed presses for mass production environments.

Description

Press Machine Operators play a critical role in the manufacturing industry, producing parts and components used in various products from automobiles to household items. The job requires a combination of mechanical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise instructions. Operators must be able to adjust machine settings for different materials and designs, ensuring each product meets the required dimensions and quality.

A significant part of the role involves problem-solving and troubleshooting, as operators must quickly identify and correct issues with the machinery or the materials being used. This requires a good understanding of the machinery they are operating, as well as the properties of different materials.

The occupation can be highly satisfying for those who enjoy working with machinery and seeing the tangible results of their work. It offers opportunities for continuous learning and skill development, particularly as technology advances in manufacturing processes.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Mastery of technical skills and machinery operation.
Producing high-quality products that are essential in various industries.
The challenge of meeting precise manufacturing specifications.

You might make a good Press Machine Operator if you are...

Interested in mechanical processes and machinery operation.
Detail-oriented with the ability to follow specific instructions.
Good at problem-solving and troubleshooting.
Able to work in a fast-paced industrial environment.
Committed to adhering to safety standards and protocols.

Pros:

The role of a Press Machine Operator offers a steady and stable career in various manufacturing industries.
Opportunities for hands-on work with machinery, appealing to those who enjoy technical and mechanical tasks.
Potential for career growth, with the ability to advance to supervisory or specialized technical roles.
A clear and structured work environment with defined tasks and goals.

Cons:

The job can be physically demanding, often requiring long periods of standing and operating heavy machinery.
Repetitive nature of the work might be monotonous for some individuals.
Working environments can be noisy and require adherence to strict safety protocols to avoid accidents.
Shift work may be required, including evenings and weekends, depending on the manufacturing schedules.

How to become a Press Machine Operator

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally sufficient, with most skills and techniques learned through on-the-job training. Some operators may pursue additional vocational training or certification in machine operation.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in metalworking or mechanics to gain basic skills in handling machinery.
Physics to understand the principles of machinery and motion.
Mathematics for accurate measurements and calculations related to machine operations.
Technical drawing or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) courses to understand blueprints and technical specifications.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in robotics clubs or similar groups to gain experience with machines and automation.
Engaging in DIY projects or mechanics workshops, if available.
Joining a makerspace or community workshop to gain practical experience with various tools and machinery.

Preparation after high school

Attending a technical or vocational school with programs in machine operation, industrial technology, or related fields.
Seeking apprenticeships or entry-level positions in manufacturing companies to gain hands-on experience with press machines and other industrial equipment.
Pursuing certifications related to machine operation, maintenance, and safety.
Gaining experience with different types of press machines, including mechanical, hydraulic, and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) presses.

More resources

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) - Offers training and certification for skills in metalworking and machine operation.
Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) - Provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for professionals in the metalforming industry.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Machine Guarding - Offers guidelines and resources for safe operation of machinery, including press machines.
Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) - Offers educational programs, industry news, and resources for manufacturing professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.