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Press Setup Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Stamp Press Operator

Brook Park, OH ยท On-site

$29 - $32/hr

Responsible for setting up and operating press machinery to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient ... Review blueprints, work orders, and job specifications to follow the correct setup sequence

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Press Setup Operator information

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$12

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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:
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.

Brake Press Setup Technician

KMC Stampings

Port Washington, WI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

KMC Stampings is a premier metal fabricator offering engineering and tooling expertise driven by continuous improvement. With over 115 years in southeastern WI, we still offer a family feel with a safe environment focused on providing hands on training opportunities to all employees through a progressive training program. Employees can expand their knowledge of machinery, setups, tool and dies and even engineering. Come grow with KMC Stampings!


KMC is seeking a 1st Shift Brake Press Setup Technician. This role will safely and efficiently set-up and operate a variety of brake presses, hand benders, pneumatic rollers, machining centers and other equipment to form and bend a variety of materials/parts accurately to specifications and to rate. Trains and provides guidance to new and existing employees at various levels of knowledge/experience and various position levels from production helper, operator, set-up operator, set-up technician, leads and supervision.


RESPONSIBILITIES:


  • Set-up, adjust, and operate a variety of forming equipment including brake press, punch press , hand benders and roll forming to form, bend and punch a variety of materials.
  • Set-up bending equipment including safety equipment, dies, locating gauges, adjust ram stroke and tonnage to form materials to proper angle, radii and lengths.
  • Work from drawings, specifications, patterns, or templates. Apply experience to make recommendations as they relate to part design.
  • Use scale, protractor, fixed angle and radii gauges
  • Verify quantity & quality of material
  • Responsible for strict adherence to all company/departmental policies and procedures related to safety and conduct
  • New product development to meet KMC manufacturing production standards and achieve customer quality requirements and KMC standards of workmanship
  • Prototype development and production to meet customer quality and dimensional requirements using various manufacturing processes including but not limited to – laser, brake press, hand bending, punch press, machining, resistance welding, manual welding, finishing, assembly and tool design/build.
  • Participation in internal and customer product and print design reviews to help define the manufacturing process for new prototypes
  • Demonstrate excellent production skill & proficiency
  • Contribute to quality and cost performance objectives
  • Build setup and the development of tooling used to produce metal formed parts
  • Collaborate openly with upstream and down team members, tool builders, production & design engineers on timelines, technical requirements and challenges encountered during the prototype process
  • Define & share opportunities for optimization of a prototype product with the production engineering team
  • Willingness to cross-train and operate new fabrication equipment to develop and produce prototype and production parts
  • Willingness to assist, setup for, and train Production Helper, Operator, and Setup Operator level associates within the facility


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Good math, reading, writing skills
  • Ability to read Blueprints and understand Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Experienced in the use of measurement tools including: Optical comparators, Calipers, Height gages, Micrometers, Pin and plug gages
  • Prior experience in manufacturing / fabrication including Setup & Operation responsibilities on Press Brake, Punch Press, Roll Forming
  • Regularly required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or touch objects, tools, or controls
  • Vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision & depth perception
  • Occasionally required to sit, reach above shoulders, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to work overtime when required


BENEFITS:

Some key advantages of working at KMC Stampings include a highly competitive benefit package including:

  • Culture Forward Work Environment
  • PPO Health plan and CDHP Health plan options including NO PLAN PREMIUMS on the CDHP Plan!
  • 4 Day Work Week with a 3 Day Weekend
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Generous 401(K) plan with company match
  • Educational Assistance, Mentorship program
  • Paid Time Off: Vacation Time, Personal time and 10 paid holidays
  • Company paid Life Insurance & AD&D Coverage
  • Company paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Quarterly Employee Lunches, Annual Events
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • PPE Reimbursement

Come grow with us. Apply today!