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Brake Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

OPTO International

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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 ...

OPTO International

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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 ...

Bo/Gar Enterprises

Brake Press Operator

Wyoming, IL · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Overview We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator to join our dynamic team in Wyoming, IL. In this role, you will play a crucial part in our manufacturing process, ensuring precision and quality ...

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 ...

Bo/Gar Enterprises

Brake Press Operator

Wyoming, IL

$18 - $25/hr

Overview We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator to join our dynamic team in Wyoming, IL. In this role, you will play a crucial part in our manufacturing process, ensuring precision and quality ...

Eaton Aerospace

$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 ...

W3Global Inc.

Brake Press Operator

Crete, IL

$20 - $28/hr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Brake Press Operator to join our manufacturing team in University Park, IL. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience setting up and operating ...

Proman Staffing

Brake Press Operator

Wood Dale, IL

$22/hr

Brake Press Operator Job Summary * $22/HR based of experience * 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm * Monday - Friday * Able to carry basic math calculations to find missing dimensions * Shape various types of metal ...

Proman Staffing

Brake Press Operator

Wood Dale, IL

$22/hr

Brake Press Operator Job Summary * $22/HR based of experience * 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm * Monday - Friday * Able to carry basic math calculations to find missing dimensions * Shape various types of metal ...

Ludlow Manufacturing

Press Brake Lead

Waukegan, IL · On-site

Directly supervises and leads Press Brake Operators. Qualifications Education & Experience Required: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising employees. * 5 ...

Ludlow Manufacturing

Press Brake Lead

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Directly supervises and leads Press Brake Operators. Qualifications Education & Experience Required: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising employees. * 5 ...

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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 23, 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 (Machine Operator)

OPTO International

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

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Job description

Job description:

OPTO is a fast-paced, constantly-growing retail store fixture manufacturing company selling to the retail industry. We believe in relentlessly communicating, both internally and to our customers, in an effort to constantly improve ourselves. We are obsessively focused on helping our clients be successful, which in turn makes us successful. OPTO employs joined-up, responsive and adaptive people who work hard as a tight team. We have first-class marketing and a design-led customer sales interface focused on fully understanding and guiding each customer to be successful through the purchase of our product. The product itself is high-quality, customizable, durable, and built from inventory based components. This gives us industry-leading speed and reliability in execution, which in turn gives our customers the confidence to make us business partners for years to come.

Job Summary: 

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 schedules. Ensures that there are sufficient raw materials available. Responsible for daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance of machine and workspace.

Key Responsibilities:

Interpret technical drawings and workorders

Knowledge of tooling punch and die

Monitor production quality and quantities

Inspects products, evaluating finished parts to verify compliance with quality standards and specifications

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly routine preventative maintenance on the press brake Maintains a clean and organized work area

Essential Skills:

Must be able to use measuring tools: square, tape measure, caliper, protractor

Able to read and interpret drawings

Basic math skills such addition, subtraction and multiplications

Understand and follow safety policies and protocol

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance

Work Location: In person