How much does a metal press operator make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical metal press operator in the United States makes $46,330 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read a work order, load metal or plastic, set the machine, then watch it cut, punch, or bend pieces to size. They use gauges to adjust the machine, record its operation, and clean the work area.
Did you know? Some power presses use two trigger buttons that must be operated together to start a stroke—a built-in safety feature on a machine that punches metal.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,760 and $65,510How do you become one?
In the US, a high school diploma or GED is usual; classes in math, computers, and vocational technology help. New operators usually learn on the job for about a year, and press-operator apprenticeships are another route.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experienced operators and those skilled at machine setup or more complex jobs may earn more. Pay also varies by employer or industry, local area, and hours—night or weekend work and overtime can affect total pay. Extra training or credentials may help when employers value them.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($53,680), lowest in Florida ($39,440).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a metal press worker averages $30,537. Metal press operator salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,760 | $46,330 | $65,510 | about 171,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $53,680 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $51,160 | about 2,000 |
| Colorado | $50,790 | about 1,000 |
| Minnesota | $49,770 | about 6,000 |
| Wisconsin | $49,270 | about 8,000 |
Official definition: Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/Production/Metal-and-plastic-machine-workers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-4031.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.osha.gov/etools/machine-guarding/presses/two-hand-trips
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY