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Press Brake Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Press Brake Operator Erlanger, KY **REQUIRES 1 YEAR PRIOR PRESS BRAKE OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND THE ABILITY TO DO SET-UPS, CHANGEOVERS AND PROGRAMMING THE MACHINE** RESPONSIBILITIES: * Must have prior ...

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Press Brake Operator

Burlington, KY · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

The Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC and manual press brakes to bend, form, and shape sheet metal according to precise engineering blueprints and job ...

Press Brake Operator

Burlington, KY · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

The Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining CNC and manual press brakes to bend, form, and shape sheet metal according to precise engineering blueprints and job ...

Press Brake Operator - 2nd Shift

Louisville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

We are seeking a reliable and motivated Press Brake Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up, adjusting, and operating press brake machinery to ...

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Full Experienced CNC Press Brake Operator. Responsibilities include: * Operate CNC Accupres Press Brake and Shear to manufacture parts to required specifications, * Operates a press brake to ...

Press brake Operator 1

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Directs crane operator regarding the proper material to be brought to the Press Brake. * Operates gantry crane/crane/forklift, as needed. 2. Setup and verify accuracy of machine settings to confirm ...

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Press Brake Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$17

$23

How much do press brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for press brake operator in Kentucky is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a press brake operator?

Press Brake Operators are skilled workers who operate press brake machines to bend, shape, or form metal sheets and plates. They read blueprints or work instructions to set up the machine for precise bends and ensure that finished pieces meet quality standards. These operators are responsible for adjusting machine settings, performing routine maintenance, and inspecting parts for accuracy. Their work is essential in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, and metal fabrication.

What does a press brake operator do?

As a press brake operator, your job is to operate press brake machines to shape various types of metal. In this role, you may inspect blueprints for a project, set up your machine, perform regular maintenance, inspect metal while shaping it, and make adjustments as needed. Press brake operators often monitor supply levels, check the final products to ensure they are free of defects, and ensure work areas are clean and organized. Press brake operators usually work full shifts, and you may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays as needed to meet customer demand. Areas with active press brakes can be loud, so operators often wear personal protective equipment to minimize risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a press brake operator?

To thrive as a Press Brake Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with metal fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC press brake machines, blueprint reading, and measurement tools like calipers and micrometers is typically required. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and a commitment to safety are key soft skills that make someone stand out. These skills ensure precision, efficiency, and safety in producing high-quality metal components in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by press brake operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Press Brake Operators often encounter challenges such as handling complex bend sequences, maintaining precision with tight tolerances, and managing multiple job setups throughout a shift. To overcome these, operators typically rely on careful reading of blueprints, regular calibration of equipment, and ongoing communication with engineers or supervisors. Developing strong troubleshooting skills and staying updated on best practices in metal forming can also help manage workload and ensure product quality.

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

AspectPress Brake OperatorCNC Machine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in press brake operationHigh school diploma, CNC programming or operation training
Work EnvironmentMetal fabrication shops, manufacturing plantsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusBending and shaping metal sheets using press brakesOperating CNC machines to produce parts
Common UsageFabrication of metal components, structural partsMass production of precision parts and components

While both roles involve working with metal fabrication equipment, a Press Brake Operator primarily focuses on bending and shaping metal sheets with press brakes, requiring specific training in machine operation. A CNC Machine Operator handles computer-controlled machines for precise manufacturing. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in their technical focus and equipment used.

How much do press brake operators make?

Press brake operators in the United States typically earn an average annual salary between $35,000 and $55,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. In Texas, wages tend to be within this range, with some positions offering higher pay for skilled operators familiar with CNC machinery and safety standards.

Is press brake operation a good career?

Press brake operation is a skilled manufacturing job that involves shaping metal sheets using a machine called a press brake. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially in manufacturing and fabrication industries, and often requires technical skills and safety training. The role can lead to advancement into supervisory or specialized technical positions.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Press Brake Operator jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Press Brake Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Press Brake Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,049 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Press Brake Operator

Erlanger, KY • On-site

Beneficial Talent Source
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees

$18 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Press Brake Operator

Erlanger, KY

**REQUIRES 1 YEAR PRIOR PRESS BRAKE OPERATING EXPERIENCE AND THE ABILITY TO DO SET-UPS, CHANGEOVERS AND PROGRAMMING THE MACHINE**

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Must have prior experience with setting-up, adjusting, and programming press brake
  • Must understand shop math and angles
  • Reads blueprints to select the appropriate tools, machines, and materials for fabrication work.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to lift 30 to 50 pounds
  • Minimum of one year experience with a CNC hydraulic brake press
  • Ability to read, calibrate gauges, select tools, use a protractor, angle finder tape measurer.
  • Possesses practical application of fractions, percentages

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About Beneficial Talent Source

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a business that believes that personal relationships with our candidates and clients are the best avenue to success. In today’s world and technological access there is an absence of a personal touch. We meet with all candidates and clients to ensure accurate information for reliable communication and creating long lasting working relationships. From years of experience in the recruiting and staffing industry we’ve seen it all and we’ve learned from it. We guarantee that your experience will be everything we promise. We give concise and prompt results that allow you to make the best decisions for you and your needs. From a small and modest beginning to becoming the first stop for staffing needs, we are proud to be your Beneficial Talent Source.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Thornville, OH, US

Year founded

2011

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