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Bending Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DRT Holdings, LLC

Tube Forming Setup Technician

Sidney, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Press Operator, Tube Press Operator, Tube Bending Operator, Manufacturing Jobs Sidney OH, Aerospace Manufacturing Jobs, Entry-Level Machine Operator, Production Operator Jobs, Metal Forming Jobs, CNC ...

Cooper Standard

CNC Bending/Setup Operator

Livonia, MI · On-site

$26/hr

The Cooper Standard Livonia, MI Manufacturing Plant is looking to hire a CNC Bending/Setup Operator. The pay rate is $26.00 per hour. Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00AM - 4:30PM & Saturday 6:00AM - 2 ...

Cooper Standard

CNC Bending/Setup Operator

Livonia, MI · On-site

$26/hr

The Cooper Standard Livonia, MI Manufacturing Plant is looking to hire a CNC Bending/Setup Operator. The pay rate is $26.00 per hour. Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00AM - 4:30PM & Saturday 6:00AM - 2 ...

Sanmina

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Fremont, CA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Sanmina

Press Brake Operator -2nd Shfit

Fremont, CA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Sanmina

Press Brake Operator -1st Shift

Fremont, CA

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

High school diploma or GED equivalent 5 + years of work experience as a brake press or bending operator Proven experience as a Brake Operator or Bending Machine Operator in a metal fabrication or ...

Midwest Hose and Specialty

CNC Tube Bender

OK · On-site

Midwest Hose is seeking a skilled CNC Tube Bending Programmer / Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC tube bending machinery to ...

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Bending Operator information

See salary details

$10

$23

$37

How much do bending operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for bending operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Bending Operators and how can they be overcome?

Bending Operators often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex blueprints, maintaining precision in repetitive tasks, and handling different types of metals with varying properties. To overcome these, it's important to develop strong attention to detail, continuously update knowledge of machinery, and communicate closely with engineering and quality control teams. Regular training on safety procedures and equipment calibration also helps ensure both accuracy and a safe work environment.

How much does a CNC operator earn?

A CNC operator typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Bending operators with CNC skills may have similar earnings, especially if they operate advanced machinery and hold relevant certifications.

What is a Bending Operator?

A Bending Operator is a skilled worker who operates machinery designed to bend metal, plastic, or other materials into specific shapes and angles, often as part of a manufacturing or fabrication process. They read blueprints or technical drawings, set up and adjust the bending machines, and inspect finished products to ensure they meet required specifications. Bending Operators often work with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) press brakes or manual bending machines, and are responsible for maintaining equipment safety and producing parts with precision. The role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What is the highest salary of a CNC operator?

The highest salary for a CNC operator can reach around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, especially for those with advanced skills, certifications, or experience working with complex machinery. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and level of expertise, with some specialized roles offering higher compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Bending Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bending Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metal fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC press brakes, manual bending machines, and the ability to read blueprints or technical drawings is essential. Good problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators ensure quality and safety on the production floor. These skills are crucial for producing precise parts efficiently while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

What is the difference between Bending Operator vs Welding Technician?

AspectBending OperatorWelding Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications like AWS
Work EnvironmentMetal fabrication shops, manufacturing plantsManufacturing facilities, construction sites
Industry UsageMetal forming, pipe bending, sheet metal workMetal joining, welding, fabrication

The main difference between a Bending Operator and a Welding Technician lies in their core tasks. Bending Operators focus on shaping metal sheets and pipes through bending machines, while Welding Technicians specialize in joining metal parts via welding processes. Both roles require technical skills and are common in manufacturing industries, but they serve distinct functions in metal fabrication processes.

What is a bending machine operator?

A bending machine operator is responsible for operating machinery that shapes metal or plastic materials by bending, folding, or forming them to specified angles and dimensions. They set up, adjust, and monitor the equipment, ensuring safety and precision, often requiring knowledge of blueprints and safety protocols. This role typically involves working in manufacturing or fabrication environments and may require certification or training in machine operation and safety standards.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

Bending operators, especially those working in specialized industries like aerospace or heavy manufacturing, can earn higher wages due to the technical skills and precision required. Advanced certifications, experience, and working with complex machinery such as CNC bending machines can also increase earning potential for machine operators.
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What job categories do people searching Bending Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Bending Operator jobs are:
Bending Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Bending Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Production Operator Helper -1st Shift

Production Operator Helper -1st Shift

Sanmina

Fremont, CA

$41K - $47K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Sanmina rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 141 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Sanmina Corporation (Nasdaq: SANM) is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina Corporation provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors. Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.

The Sanmina Fremont facility is a full-service enclosure systems solution manufacturing plant. Located in California's Silicon Valley, this facility produces low-to-mid volume New Product Introduction (NPI) runs to full-scale volume. The Fremont facility offers everything from small piece parts to fully integrated and tested systems.

In addition, this location offers in-house painting capabilities and flexible logistics solutions in distribution, inventory management and hubbing, as well as repair services. Job Purpose: We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Production Operator Helper to assist with the daily operations of our production floor. The candidate will be responsible to assist the bending operator with handling materials.

Nature of Duties: Assist with the loading and unloading of heavy materials to the brake press and NC Laser machine. Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping Operate warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks Perform general production duties as needed Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent Previous production experience preferred Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 pounds Strong attention to detail Ability to work independently and as part of a team Basic computer skills This is an ITAR facility and applicant must be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Salary Range (annual): $41600 - $47,840 ($20.00 - $23.00) Actual base pay within this range (determined at the offer stage) will be based on a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, and skills, and is just one element of our total rewards package.

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