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Brake Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Anchor Fabrication

First Shift Brake Fabricator

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Anchor Fabrication Press Brake Operator 1st Shift Anchor Fabrication, a precision metal fabrication company located in Lavergne, Tennessee, is seeking experienced Press Brake Operators for the 1st ...

Wise Staffing

Brake Press Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16/hr

Brake Press Operator Salary: $16 per hour Schedule: Monday to Friday We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator to join our team. As a Brake Press Operator, you will be responsible for setting up ...

Laborup

Press Brake Technician

Nashville, TN

$60 - $70K/hr

Overview We're hiring Press Brake Operators for our architectural metal fabrication shop in Nashville. You'll set up and run CNC press brakes - Trumpf and Safan-Darley - forming metal details and ...

Wise Staffing

Brake Press Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16/hr

Brake Press Operator Salary: $16 per hour Schedule: Monday to Friday We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator to join our team. As a Brake Press Operator, you will be responsible for setting up ...

Laborup

Press Brake Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60 - $70K/hr

Overview We're hiring Press Brake Operators for our architectural metal fabrication shop in Nashville. You'll set up and run CNC press brakes - Trumpf and Safan-Darley - forming metal details and ...

Laborup

Press Brake Technician

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60 - $70K/hr

Overview We're hiring Press Brake Operators for our architectural metal fabrication shop in Nashville. You'll set up and run CNC press brakes -- Trumpf and Safan-Darley -- forming metal details and ...

Wise Staffing Group

Brake Press Operator

Knoxville, TN

$16/hr

Brake Press Operator Salary: $16 per hour Schedule: Monday to Friday We are seeking a skilled Brake Press Operator to join our team. As a Brake Press Operator, you will be responsible for setting up ...

Nextaff

Nights-Laser/Brake Press Operator

Jackson, TN · On-site

$20/hr

We are seeking an experienced Laser and/or Brake Press Operator for a 2nd shift position. Responsibilities include setting up and operating laser cutting and brake press machines, reading and ...

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All JobsBrake Operator JobsBrake Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Brake Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$16

$21

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for brake operator in Tennessee is $16.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.69 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 TN?

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

Brake Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brake Operator job openings in Tennessee 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 $34,118 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Press Brake Operator

Tradesmen International, Inc.

Portland, TN • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Press Brake Operators for projects located in the Portland, TN area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is $24-26/hour based on experience and skill level. If you are a Press Brake Operator and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity, and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career! 

Job Scope:          

  • Read blueprints and work orders
  • Interpret engineering drawings
  • Understand bend dimensions, tolerances, and angles
  • Determine the sequence of bends needed to make the part correctly
  • Select and install tooling the press brake uses: punches dies
  • Program the cincinnati machine using the cincinnati model enter bend angles
  • Input material type and thickness
  • Program backgauge positions
  • Create or edit cnc programs
  • Perform test bends
  • Check dimensions using calipers and tape measures.
  • Run production, and monitor quality
  • Troubleshoot problems

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

“Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


US-TN-PORTLAND

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