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Press Brake Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated ... Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which ...

This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated ... Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which ...

Machine Operator (Entry Level) Location: Onsite Schedule: Second Shift -12-hour shifts Compensation: $19.50 per hour For those who want to keep growing, learning, and evolving. We at Kelly ® hear ...

New

Machine Operator

Crofton, MD · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Machine Operator Architectural Products Group Crofton, Maryland, United States Job ID: 527639 Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are the leading ...

Perform routine machine maintenance * Assist other operators to set up machines and any other necessary tasks to adhere to deadlines and completion of product * Make sure all housekeeping is ...

Machine Operator

Laurel, MD · On-site

$10 - $48/hr

... operating machine tools to convert materials into parts, sub-assemblies, and assemblies • Surface finishing of parts, components, and assembled items including washing/painting/plating/anti ...

Transfer Machine Operator

Clinton, MD

$17 - $20.25/hr

Transfer Machine Operator ABOUT THE ROLE Amrize, a leading supplier of quality, construction building materials in the United States, has immediate openings for a Transfer Machine Operator in our ...

Showing results 21-40

Press Brake Operator information

See Washington salary details

$15

$23

$30

How much do press brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for press brake operator in Washington is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $25.87 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.

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Press Brake Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Press Brake Operator job openings:

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

Infographic showing various Press Brake Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,313 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Press Journeyman/Woman

Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$48K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Dow Jones rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 19 rated publishing


Job description

Job Description:
About the Team:
The team is part of the Print Operations Business.
About the Role
Production department: Printing and packaging of various newspaper titles including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investors business daily and New York Post. You will perform daily press operations in the manufacturing of Dow Jones' and contract print publications in a cost-effective manner, with the highest quality standards available using existing technology. This includes Preparing, Operating and Maintain newspaper printing presses and all associated pressroom equipment. You will report to the Foreman/Woman and be based in White Oak, Maryland.
You Will:
  • Prepare presses for nightly operation of Dow Jones & Co. publications.
  • Perform press operations to continuously improve upon the Production Quality Score, which integrates key performance measures such as reproduction quality, content freshness, productivity, and cost-effective materials consumption.
  • Maintain open communication with supervisor and other employees to reach the goals and objectives of the department.
  • Assist in the training of new employees.
  • Meet established performance standards, attend recommended training and complete active assignments.
  • Understand and follow all corporate and plant policies/practices.
  • Keep accurate, useful and timely operational and maintenance records.
  • Work with the production manager to set equipment maintenance priorities.
  • Make pasters, web presses, push rolls, hang printing plates, set color and registration and general equipment cleaning and maintenance.
  • Meet customer expectations for reproduction quality, content freshness and productivity, while managing materials consumption cost-effectively.

You Have:
  • 4-5 Years of newspaper press experience.
  • Ability to stand for 7.25 hours, be able to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, stoop and reach out and over head, climb stairs and ladders and push rolls of newsprint.
  • High School Graduate/GED or equivalent work experience preferred.
  • Good color perception and are mechanically inclined.
  • Previous experience in a production environment preferably in cold web offset newspaper printing production environment.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Proficient in the use of business PC applications and press controls.

Our Benefits
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plans
  • Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Plans
  • Education Benefits
  • Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Family Care Benefits
  • Subscription Discounts
  • Employee Referral Program

#LI-Onsite
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. EEO/Disabled/Vets
Reasonable Accommodation
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application or participating in an interview due to a disability, email us at talentresourceteam@dowjones.com. Please put "Reasonable Accommodation" in the subject line and provide a brief description of the type of assistance you need. This inbox will not be monitored for application status updates.
Please refer to the privacy notice at the bottom of this page for submitting any data access, deletion, or other data subject rights requests, where permitted under your local laws and regulations.
Business Area:
Dow Jones - Print Operations
Job Category:
Production & Skilled Trades
Union Status:
Non-Union role
Base Pay Range: $48,048 - $70,000
We're committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation to attract top talent. This pay range reflects our good faith estimate for the role and may vary based on a candidate's experience, skills, location, and other relevant factors.
For bonus-eligible roles, targets are determined based on multiple considerations, including market benchmarks and individual contributions.
For benefits-eligible roles, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more, along with optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.

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