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Ameristar

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Punch Press Setup Technician/Operator

Mankato, MN · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Punch Press Setup Technician / Operator Ameristar Manufacturing, Inc. Mankato, Minnesota Build Your Career with a Company Built to Last Since 1908 Ameristar Manufacturing has been a trusted leader in ...

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Press Setup Operator information

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How much do press setup operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for press setup operator in the United States is $18.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Press Setup Operator vs Press Operator?

AspectPress Setup OperatorPress Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in press operationHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, certifications often similar
Work EnvironmentPrepares and sets up printing presses, ensuring proper configurationOperates presses during production runs, monitoring quality and performance
Industry UsageCommon in printing, packaging, and manufacturing industriesUsed across similar industries, often overlapping with press setup roles

The Press Setup Operator focuses on preparing and configuring printing presses before production, requiring technical skills and certifications. In contrast, the Press Operator primarily runs the presses during production, monitoring quality and efficiency. Both roles are essential in printing and manufacturing environments, often working closely together to ensure smooth operations.

What are common challenges faced by press setup operators during machine setup, and how can they be addressed?

Press Setup Operators often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise alignment of dies, minimizing setup time, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. To address these issues, it's important to follow detailed setup procedures, regularly maintain equipment, and communicate closely with maintenance and quality teams. Developing strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with different press models can also help operators adapt quickly to unexpected issues and maintain production efficiency.

What does a press setup operator do?

A Press Setup Operator is responsible for setting up, adjusting, and preparing printing or stamping presses for production runs. Their duties include installing dies or printing plates, selecting and loading materials, making necessary machine adjustments, and ensuring the equipment is ready for efficient operation. They also perform quality checks and troubleshoot any issues that arise during setup to ensure high-quality output. The role requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety procedures.

How much do press setup operators make in the US?

Press setup operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators who work with advanced machinery or hold certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

Is a press setup operator a hard job?

A press setup operator's job involves preparing and adjusting printing presses, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and understanding of machinery. The role can be physically demanding and may involve working with heavy equipment and tight deadlines, making it challenging for some individuals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a press setup operator?

To thrive as a Press Setup Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and experience with machine setup, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with press machinery, measuring tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These abilities ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and maintain high safety and quality standards.
More about Press Setup Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Press Setup Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Press Setup Operator jobs are:
Press Setup Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Press Setup Operator job openings in the United States 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 $39,312 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Press Setup & Operator - Automotive - All Shifts

Superior Metal Products

Sidney, OH • On-site

$20.55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Now hiring Press Setup Operators for our Automotive Bumper Line!

Work with large stamping presses supporting production, die setup, and overall press operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

PAY: Base Pay $20.55 per hour + $1.50 per hour for 2nd and 3rd shifts.

Shifts Available:

1st Shift - 5:55AM-2PM Monday-Friday, plus overtime as needed

2nd Shift - 1:55PM-10PM Monday-Friday, plus overtime as needed

3rd Shift - 9:55PM-6AM Sunday-Thursday, plus overtime as needed

Why you’ll want this job:

  • Steady Work
  • Holiday pay - starting day 1
  • 401K Eligible - starting day 1
  • Vacation Time at 91 days
  • Benefits at 91 days
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities

    What you'll do:

    • Coordinate multiple press operations.
    • Responsible for set up for 90 to 1600 ton stamping presses.
    • Be responsible for quality parts, dimensional plus visual.
    • Follow all of the safety procedures
    • Ensure that job is run in environmental compliance after instructions from supervisor/environmental group.
    • Communicate with shift supervisors, tooling engineers, quality engineers and other work cell people on opposite shift concerning production problems, quality and related information.
    • Monitor lube to prevent shearing of dies, part location, scrap build up and observe and report problem areas in dies to appropriate tooling personnel.
    • Set dies in scheduled time frame to meet customer requirements.
    • Perform routine housekeeping in work area(s) as necessary.
    • And other duties as assigned.

    What you'll bring, and qualifications:

    • High school diploma or GED equivalency is preferred but not required. 

    • High school level reading and writing skills

    • Mechanical aptitude, above average dexterity

    • Blueprint reading helpful

    • Previous Press Operator experience (preferred)

    • Basic math — percentages, decimals (thousandths), addition, subtraction

    • Knowledge of press, dies, and set up operations preferred

    • Strong Oral and written communication skills

    • Be experienced in production environment in meeting schedules and rates and be able to change over dies in the standard time.

    • Strong attention to detail
    • Proven team player

    Physical Requirements of the job:

    Work Environment and Physical Demands:

    The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee will encounter to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

    • Be able to lift 50 pounds on a non-repetitive basis.
    • Have the physical strength to slide dies across the bolster plates.
    • Exposure to lubes, oil and grease
    • Weekly and weekend overtime required.
    • Accountability for quality/productivity and safety goals
    • Requires standing, walking and/or moving about for periods of time in excess of one (1) hour.
    • Requires some sort of repetitive turning and/or lifting motion to be performed.
    • Perform position requirements while wearing eye, ear, foot and/or other protective devices as required.

    Why should you choose American Trim?

    • Free training to upgrade your skills, including a tuition assistance program
    • Medical, dental, vision at 91 days
    • 401k (with match)
    • Direct deposit
    • Fixed weekly schedule
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Employee Direct Care, for employees who elect company health benefits
    • Boot reimbursement voucher every year
    • Prescription safety glass reimbursement voucher once every 2 years
    • Plenty of growth opportunities

    We are a family-oriented company and our number one core value is safety 1st.

    Are you Interested? Apply with us today!

    No Agency Calls or Emails Please

    Qualified candidates must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. American Trim does not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-18 status).

    Apply