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Brake Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ludlow Manufacturing

Press Brake Operator

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Press Brake Operator 📍 Location: Ludlow Manufacturing, Waukegan 💲 Pay: $20 - $28/hour (based on experience) ✨ Full Benefits Package after 90 days 1st shift 7:00AM - 3:30PM Monday -Thursday ...

CST Industries Inc

Press Brake Operator

Dekalb, IL

$18 - $23.25/hr

Press Brake Operator This position is responsible for the set up and operation of press brakes and safely produce product per instructions and blueprint. Essential Duties And Other Responsibilities:

CST Industries Inc

Press Brake Operator

Dekalb, IL

$18 - $23.25/hr

Press Brake Operator This position is responsible for the set up and operation of press brakes and safely produce product per instructions and blueprint. Essential Duties And Other Responsibilities:

Elite Staffing

PRESS BRAKE Operator

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

PRESS BRAKE Operator Min. Qualifications: 4 years of experience in press brake operations Ability to communicate in English Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Organized, detail oriented, and ...

Staff On Site

Brake Press Operator

Rockton, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

SP14483 REV 1 Press Brake Operator-5.207 Page 2 OTHER DUTIES: 1. Services press brake as required and perform preventive maintenance on equipment. 2. Maintains cleanliness of work area and follows ...

Bonnell Industries Inc.

Press Brake Operator

Dixon, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Operates a press brake to manufacture tools, equipment, and other components from sheet metal or metal plates. * Prepares, sets up, and adjusts press brake as required by product plans and production ...

Bonnell Industries Inc

Press Brake Operator

Dixon, IL · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Operates a press brake to manufacture tools, equipment, and other components from sheet metal or metal plates. * Prepares, sets up, and adjusts press brake as required by product plans and production ...

Bonnell Industries Inc

Press Brake Operator

Dixon, IL

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Operates a press brake to manufacture tools, equipment, and other components from sheet metal or metal plates. * Prepares, sets up, and adjusts press brake as required by product plans and production ...

Eaton

Press Brake Operator - 2nd Shift

Pinckneyville, IL · On-site

$22.93/hr

Eaton's ES GEIS BLD division is currently seeking a Press Brake Operator - 2nd Shift at our Pinckneyville, IL location! The core hours are Monday-Friday, 3:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Overtime may exceed ...

CST Industries, Inc.

Press Brake Operator

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Safely and productively set-up and operate brake presses, including but not limited to the LVD and Pacific * Processes any and all transactions in company systems in an accurate and timely manner

TekSky

CNC Press Brake Operator

University Park, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

We are looking for an experienced brake press operator. You will do a variety of tasks such as operating and setting up press brakes and other equipment. You will be responsible for all forming ...

Komline Sanderson

Brake Press Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

The Brake Press Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining press brake machines to bend, form, and shape metal parts according to specifications. This role requires attention ...

OPTO International

Be Seen First

Press Brake Operator (Machine Operator)

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Operates a press brake to manufacture parts and other components from sheet metal. Prepares press tooling, download programs to machine control, and adjusts press brake as required to meet production ...

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All JobsBrake Operator JobsBrake Operator Jobs in Illinois

Brake Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$17

$22

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for brake operator in Illinois is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a brake operator?

Brake Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating machines called press brakes, which are used to bend, shape, and form sheet metal and other materials. They read blueprints or production drawings to determine the appropriate machine settings, adjust the equipment, and ensure that finished products meet precise specifications. Brake Operators play a key role in manufacturing industries, particularly in metal fabrication and automotive sectors.

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

To thrive as a Brake Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with press brake machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These skills ensure precise fabrication, maintain workplace safety, and contribute to efficient production processes.

What are some typical challenges a brake operator faces during daily operations?

Brake Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision while forming metal parts, ensuring safety around heavy machinery, and meeting tight production deadlines. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical, as mistakes can lead to material waste or equipment damage. Staying updated with machine maintenance procedures and effectively communicating with team members helps address these challenges and ensures smooth workflow in a manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Brake Operator vs Press Brake Operator?

AspectBrake OperatorPress Brake Operator
CertificationsOften requires OSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsSimilar certifications, including safety and machine operation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, metal fabrication shopsMetalworking shops, manufacturing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate brake presses to bend metal sheetsSet up and operate press brakes for precise bending
Industry UsageCommon in metal fabrication, manufacturingCommon in sheet metal work, manufacturing

Both roles involve operating metal bending equipment and require safety certifications. The main difference is that a Brake Operator may refer broadly to operating various brake machines, while a Press Brake Operator specifically focuses on using press brakes for precise metal bending tasks. They often overlap in work environment and certifications, but the Press Brake Operator role emphasizes detailed setup and operation of press brakes for complex projects.

How much do brake operators make?

Brake operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work in manufacturing or transportation environments, operating machinery to bend, cut, or shape metal parts. Salaries can vary based on certifications, shift differentials, and company size.

Is a press brake operator a good job?

A press brake operator is a skilled manufacturing role responsible for bending metal sheets using a press brake machine. It offers steady employment opportunities, requires attention to safety protocols, and often involves working in a manufacturing or fabrication environment. The job can provide a stable career with opportunities for skill development and advancement.

What are popular job titles related to Brake Operator jobs in IL?

For Brake Operator jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Brake Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brake Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,427 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Press Brake Operator

Ludlow Manufacturing

Waukegan, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Press Brake Operator
📍 Location: Ludlow Manufacturing, Waukegan
💲 Pay: $20 - $28/hour (based on experience)
✨ Full Benefits Package after 90 days
1st shift 7:00AM – 3:30PM Monday -Thursday
2nd shift 3:30PM – 2:00AM Monday -Thursday
Weekend 5:00AM - 5:30PM Friday, Saturday, Sunday work 36 hours paid for 40 hours
Summary
Produce formed parts per instruction. Validate parts being produced to expected rates, validate quality of parts being produced, monitor equipment is performing as expected.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties and responsibilities include but not limited to the following.
  • Form parts per instruction.
  • Measure parts to print.
  • Report quantities produced into ERP system.
  • Move parts into next operation.
  • Maintain safe operations by adhering to safety procedures.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area.
  • Perform Daily and Weekly Preventative maintenance as assigned

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Education and/or Experience
Required:                                           
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • 2 to 3 years’ experience operating press brake equipment.
  • Ability to use measuring tools.
  • Computer experience

Ludlow uses E-Verify to verify eligibility to work in the United States.
Benefits after 90 days. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, IRA with company match, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, MetLaw, LifeLock, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, accident insurance, paid time off (PTO), holiday pay, and floating holiday pay.
 

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