1

Bender Operator Jobs in Flint, MI (NOW HIRING)

Bender Operator information

See Flint, MI salary details

$10

$22

$36

How much do bender operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for bender operator in Flint, MI is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a bender operator?

Bender Operators are skilled workers who operate machines that bend metal or other materials into specific shapes and angles according to blueprints or work orders. They typically work in manufacturing or fabrication settings, ensuring that materials are formed accurately and meet quality standards. Their duties include setting up and adjusting machines, monitoring operations, inspecting finished products, and performing maintenance on equipment. Attention to detail and safety awareness are important aspects of this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a bender operator?

To thrive as a Bender Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metal fabrication processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with CNC or manual bending machines, blueprint reading, and quality control tools like calipers and gauges is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a commitment to workplace safety help individuals excel in this role. These abilities ensure precise, efficient production of high-quality parts while maintaining safety and meeting manufacturing standards.

What challenges do bender operators face and how can they be addressed?

Bender Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision and accuracy while working with different types of materials, interpreting complex blueprints, and handling machine malfunctions. To address these, it's important to stay attentive to detail, regularly calibrate equipment, and communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. Continuous training and familiarity with safety protocols also help operators adapt to various production requirements and resolve issues quickly.

What is the difference between Bender Operator vs Pipe Bender?

AspectBender OperatorPipe Bender
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, machinery operation certificationsSimilar certifications, often including pipe fitting and safety training
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, metal fabrication shopsConstruction sites, manufacturing facilities, pipe installation environments
Job ResponsibilitiesOperating bending machines, ensuring precise bends, inspecting finished productsShaping pipes, bending metal tubes to specifications, maintaining equipment

Both roles involve metal bending and require safety and machinery operation skills. While Bender Operators focus on operating bending machines and inspecting finished parts, Pipe Benders specialize in shaping pipes and tubes for construction or industrial use. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their specific tasks differ based on the materials and end-use applications.

What are popular job titles related to Bender Operator jobs in Flint, MI?

For Bender Operator jobs in Flint, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bender Operator jobs in Flint, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Bender Operator jobs in Flint, MI are:

What cities near Flint, MI are hiring for Bender Operator jobs?

Cities near Flint, MI with the most Bender Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Bender Operator job openings in Flint, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,624 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Machine Operator Apprentice 1

Lee Industrial Contracting

Holly, MI • On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Lee Industrial Contracting rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Founded in 1989, Lee Industrial Contracting is a 100% employee-owned company based in Pontiac, Michigan. We are the premier industrial contractor of choice for a broad variety of equipment installation, construction, and service projects. As employee-owners, we all strive to demonstrate the core values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, and Dedication each and every day. As a team, our mission is to provide our customers with the finest people, material, and equipment available. We encourage anyone who shares our values to apply today!
We are proud to offer our employees:
  • Apprenticeship and Comprehensive Training Programs
  • Paid Holidays Upon Hire
  • Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • HSA with Employer Contribution
  • Paid Time Off
  • Company Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • Safety Bonus Program
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • Work Travel Incentive
  • Holiday Bonus
  • Company provided tools
  • And so much more!

Responsibilities:
  • Support other apprentices and foreman on various projects
  • Follow instructions from members of your team and supervisors to ensure tasks are completed efficiently
  • Keep the job site clean and well-organized
  • Handle the loading and unloading of materials, tools, and equipment
  • Ensure attention to detail and follow safety standards
  • Gain essential machine operation skills to progress within the weld/fab department

Requirements:
  • Mechanically inclined with common hand tools (tape measure, power drills, levels, screwdrivers, etc.)
  • Basic Math & Geometry knowledge
  • 1-2 years' experience in the commercial/industrial setting or technical schooling experience
  • Ability to work effectively with all personality types
  • Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions
  • Self-directed and can work independently
  • Valid Driver's License

Preferred Requirements:
  • Torch cutting experience
  • Blueprint reading experience

Equipment and tool experience:
  • Forklift Operation - Material handling and loading/unloading experience
  • Trailer loading of construction material
  • Basic operation of trucks and equipment (Preferred)
  • Overhead crane certified & qualified (NCCER/NCCCO - Preferred)
  • Use of fitting table (Preferred)
  • Combi lifts (Preferred)
  • Ocean beam processor (Preferred)
  • Waterjet table (Preferred)
  • Plasma table (Preferred)
  • Brake press (Preferred)
  • Automated tube bender (Preferred)
  • Radial drill (Preferred)
  • Pipe coper (Preferred)
  • Cold saw (Preferred)
  • Iron worker (Preferred)
  • Drill press (Preferred)
  • Hand grinders (Preferred)
  • Fab shop electric and hand tools

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs, and/or operate scissor/boom lifts while working at height.
  • Work in permit & non-permit required confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
  • Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds regularly/occasionally
  • Must be able to respond quickly to auditory alarms, visual signals, or other effective means to communicate hazards
  • Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work in cold/hot environments.
  • Must be able to traverse irregular and steep terrain.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, and nothing herein restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Lee Industrial Contracting employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom