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Press Brake Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Legacy Talent Search

Press Brake Operator

Canby, OR · On-site

$25/hr

Legacy Talent Search is currently seeking candidates for a Press Brake Operator role in Canby, OR. Our client is a well-established industry leader known for innovation and a commitment to delivering ...

Sulzer AG

Press Brake Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $25.25/hr

This position is primarily responsible for operating NC Press Brake to produce high-quality stainless-steel components according to engineering drawings and specifications. The ideal candidate will ...

Legacy Talent Search

Press Brake Operator

Clackamas, OR

$25 - $27/hr

Legacy Talent Search is currently seeking candidates for a Press Brake Operator role in Clackamas, OR. Our client is a well-established industry leader known for precision manufacturing, innovation ...

Legacy Talent Search

Press Brake Operators

Boring, OR · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

Legacy Talent Search is currently seeking candidates for a Press Brake Operator role in Boring, OR. Our client is a well-established industry leader known for innovation and a commitment to ...

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All JobsPress Brake Operator JobsPress Brake Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Press Brake Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$21

$28

How much do press brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for press brake operator in Portland, OR is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $24.28 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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Cities near Portland, OR with the most Press Brake Operator job openings:

Press Brake Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Press Brake Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,384 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Press Brake Operator

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Clackamas, OR

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Madden Industrial Craftsmen is seeking a Press Brake Operator for a long-term role in Clackamas, OR. The Press Brake Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the Cincinnati Press Brake 350PF+10 to bend, form, and shape steel plates, sheets, and fabricated components according to blueprints, shop drawings, work orders, and production requirements.

Pay: $25-$27/hr

Press Brake Operator Responsibilities:

• Set up and operate the Cincinnati Press Brake 350PF+10 to bend, form, or straighten steel plates, sheets, and other metal components.

• Review blueprints, shop drawings, sketches, work orders, and specifications to determine bend requirements, dimensions, tolerances, material type, and sequence of operations.

• Select, install, and adjust appropriate tooling, dies, punches, back gauges, and machine settings based on material thickness, bend radius, part geometry, and job requirements.

• Program CNC controls or manually adjust machine settings as needed to complete accurate bending operations.

• Perform test bends or first-piece inspections to verify setup accuracy before continuing production.

• Make adjustments to ram depth, back gauge position, tooling alignment, bend angle, or other settings to maintain conformance with specifications.

• Monitor machine operation throughout production to ensure consistent performance, accuracy, and part quality.

• Read and interpret structural steel drawings, fabrication drawings, part details, bend notes, dimensions, and tolerances.

• Measure and inspect formed parts using tape measures, squares, protractors, angle finders, calipers, micrometers, gauges, templates, or other measuring tools as required.

• Correct minor deviations through machine adjustments when appropriate.

• Support first-piece checks, in-process inspections, and final verification of formed components.

Press Brake Operator Qualifications:

• Experience operating a press brake or similar metal forming equipment preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, fabrication drawings, sketches, and work orders.

• Ability to use measuring tools such as tape measures, squares, calipers, micrometers, angle finders, and gauges.

• Ability to perform basic shop math, including fractions, decimals, angles, and measurements.

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

• Prior experience with Cincinnati press brake equipment.

• Experience with CNC press brake controls and manual machine adjustments.

• Knowledge of bend allowances, bend deductions, material springback, tooling selection, and forming sequence.

• Forklift and/or overhead crane experience preferred.

• Familiarity with quality control practices in a fabrication environment.

Benefits:

  • $25-$28/hr

  • Medical

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.

  • Employees are entitles to earn paid sick leave and Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Holiday Pay

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