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Brake Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Verstela

Press Brake Operator

Kenosha, WI

$19 - $25/hr

Press Brake Operator Do you have at least 2 years of experience setting up and operating press brake machines in a manufacturing environment? If you're a skilled Press Brake Operator , Metal ...

Verstela

Press Brake Operator

Kenosha, WI

$22.50/hr

We are hiring a Press Brake Operator with at least 3 years of experience to join a growing manufacturing team in Kenosha, WI. This is a full-time, temp-to-hire opportunity for someone who takes pride ...

Fabrifast

Press Brake Operator

Hartford, WI · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Press Brake Operator Location: Hartford, WI Job Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 - $28 Hourly - Based on experience 4 Day Work Week | Monday - Thursday | 6 AM - 4:30 PM Build Your Career with FabriFast ...

FabriFast

Press Brake Operator

Hartford, WI · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Press Brake Operator Location: Hartford, WI Job Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 - $28 Hourly - Based on experience 4 Day Work Week | Monday - Thursday | 6 AM - 4:30 PM Build Your Career with FabriFast ...

FabriFast

Press Brake Operator

Hartford, WI · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Press Brake Operator Location: Hartford, WI Job Type: Full-time Pay Range: $19 - $28 Hourly - Based on experience 4 Day Work Week | Monday - Thursday | 6 AM - 4:30 PM Build Your Career with FabriFast ...

The Bay Family of Companies

Press Brake Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The Press Brake operator will be responsible for running both the Amada and Bystronic Press Brakes. This person will be responsible for the quality of all materials ...

K&S Manufacturing

Press Brake Operator

Ixonia, WI · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

K&S Manufacturing is a privately held, financially sound and growing company seeking a Press Brake Operator to join our team. In business since 1974, we are a vertically integrated leader in the ...

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All JobsBrake Operator JobsBrake Operator Jobs in Wisconsin

Brake Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$14

$18

$23

How much do brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for brake operator in Wisconsin is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.66 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 WI?

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

Brake Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brake Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,943 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Press Brake Operator

Verstela

Kenosha, WI

$19 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Press Brake Operator

Do you have at least 2 years of experience setting up and operating press brake machines in a manufacturing environment? If you're a skilled Press Brake Operator, Metal Fabricator, or Machine Operator looking for a stable opportunity with long-term growth potential, this could be the perfect fit for you.

A leading lighting manufacturer in Kenosha, Wisconsin is hiring a Press Brake Operator. Since 1963, this company has produced high-performance, durable lighting solutions used in hospitals, correctional facilities, cleanrooms, and other critical environments. Their clean, modern facility is part of Legrand, a global leader in building systems and electrical solutions.

What's In It for Me?
  • Temp-to-hire opportunity with long-term career potential
  • Competitive pay based on experience
  • Work with advanced manufacturing equipment and innovative lighting technology
  • Clean, modern production environment
  • Stable company with a strong reputation and decades of success
  • Opportunity to make products that support healthcare, public safety, and essential industries

Job Type: Temp-to-Hire

Press Brake Operator Duties:
  • Set up and operate CNC press brake machines to form sheet metal parts according to specifications
  • Form parts from cold rolled steel, stainless steel, and aluminum following manufacturing procedures and production schedules
  • Read blueprints, work orders, control plans, and manufacturing documentation to ensure quality production
  • Perform quality inspections using measuring tools to verify dimensional accuracy and product quality
  • Support material movement and assist with other fabrication and metal forming operations as needed

Schedule:
Monday-Friday
1st Shift: 7:00 am - 3:30pm

Pay:
$19.00-$25.00 per hour, depending on experience

Press Brake Operator Requirements:
  • At least 2 years of press brake setup and operation experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment
  • Experience operating CNC press brake equipment, preferably Amada HFB-FBD or Safan machines
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
  • Strong measuring, inspection, and shop math skills
  • Experience with sheet metal fabrication, metal forming, or fabrication machinery

Benefits offered by Verstela to temporary employees:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Short Term Disability
  • Term Life and AD and D
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Prescription Plan
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan

Location:
Kenosha, WI
Free on-site parking available. Reliable transportation recommended.

Interested in this Press Brake Operator opportunity? Apply now!

This Client who we are staffing for participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more at: E-Verify.gov
 

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