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Brake Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Anchor Fabrications

Press Operator

La Vergne, TN

$18 - $20/hr

Qualified candidates will be self-motivated and work with limited supervision setting up and operating Brake to bend, form and straighten metal stock to blueprint or specifications. Duties and ...

Anchor Custom Fabrications

Press Operator

La Vergne, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Qualified candidates will be self-motivated and work with limited supervision setting up and operating Brake to bend, form and straighten metal stock to blueprint or specifications. Duties and ...

Anchor Fabrications

Press Operator

La Vergne, TN

$18 - $20/hr

Qualified candidates will be self-motivated and work with limited supervision setting up and operating Brake to bend, form and straighten metal stock to blueprint or specifications. Duties 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 11, 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 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 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.

Is a press brake operator a good job?

A press brake operator is a skilled manufacturing role that involves shaping metal sheets using a press brake machine. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing and fabrication industries, and requires attention to safety protocols and mechanical skills. The job can be physically demanding and may involve shift work, but it provides a clear career path with potential for skill development and advancement.

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 and other materials.

What does a brake operator do?

A brake operator is responsible for operating and maintaining brake machinery used in manufacturing or metalworking processes. They set up, adjust, and monitor brake presses to shape metal parts according to specifications, often using hand tools and safety equipment. Attention to detail and knowledge of machine operation are essential for ensuring quality and safety.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Brake Operator jobs in Tennessee? For Brake Operator jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Brake Operator jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Brake Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 12% Contract, and 2% 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 Operator

Anchor Fabrications

La Vergne, TN

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Press Operators & Punch Operators 1st shift 6am-2:30pm

Anchor Fabrication

Anchor Fabrication, LLC, a precision metal fabrication company is seeking an experienced Press Operator.

Qualified candidates will be self-motivated and work with limited supervision setting up and operating Brake to bend, form and straighten metal stock to blueprint or specifications.

Duties and Functions:

The position requires the operator to set up and operate all press brakes, including numerical control press brake, to bend metal to dimensions and angles. Verify dimensions of work piece using template, scale or other precision measuring instruments.

  • Read, plan and make calculations for machine operation
  • Sets up and operate the press brake to bend, form and straighten
  • Determine and select dies for operation
  • Plan sequence of operations applying knowledge of physical properties of metal
  • Set up dies and support equipment for operation
  • Run press brake and produce parts as required
  • Verify final product from press brake and perform all final Quality Check activities
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of machines and dies
  • Operate machine and handle tooling using safe manufacturing practices
  • Utilize gauges, sample parts and poke yoke fixtures to fabricate parts to spec
  • Figure bend lines and calculate size and angles using calculators and or charts
  • Ability to make required checks and make changes in programs to produce parts to spec
  • Ability to read calipers, height gauges and tape measure
  • Prioritize production runs to make sure required dates are met
  • Responsible for utilizing set-up scrap pieces so that jobs complete with required qty.’s
  • Collaborate on Safety, production and machine TIS’s
  • Ability to build a bend program from scratch and enter program into machine
  • Claim labor correctly utilizing computers
  • Ability to train new employees in all duties of a Press Brake Operator
  • Ability to make sure employees run correct jobs utilizing the Production monitor screens
  • Ability to troubleshoot scrap issues and correct
  • Ability to program all Brakes
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • Blueprint reading
  • Good math skills
  • G/D & T Knowledge and must pass test
  • Amada and Trumpf Brake experience a plus
  • Epicor experience a plus

Education:

  • High School or Equivalent
  • Technical School Experience a plus

Benefits:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401k
  • Paid time off

Work Remotely

  • No

All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities.