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Punch Press Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KMC Stampings

Punch Press Setup Operator

Port Washington, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Will train and provide guidance to new Production Helpers and Punch Press Operators. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be ...

KMC Stampings

Punch Press Operator

Port Washington, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Trains and provides guidance to new Production helpers and Punch Press Operators. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Operate press safely and effectively to meet standard rates, coil changes and minor adjustments ...

KMC Stampings

Punch Press Setup Operator

Port Washington, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Will train and provide guidance to new Production Helpers and Punch Press Operators. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be ...

NCW

Punch Press Operator 1st Shift

Troy, MI

$20/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Punch Press Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing team in Troy, Michigan. This position is responsible for setting up and operating punch press ...

NCW

Punch Press Operator 2nd Shift

Troy, MI

$20/hr

Position Summary We are seeking a skilled Punch Press Operator to join a fast-paced manufacturing team in Troy, Michigan. This position is responsible for setting up and operating punch press ...

Kloeckner Metals Corporation

Punch Press Operator

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

... operating duties and contribute to the department as directed by supervisor. Job Responsibilities * Plan and perform all required duties to set up any capacity punch, mechanical or hydraulic press to ...

MAT Holdings, Inc

Punch Press Operator

Dallas, TX

$17/hr

Position and align parts to be stamped in punch press machine. * Start machine, observe operation, monitor displays, and readjust machine to ensure finished assemblies conform to specifications.

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Punch Press Operator information

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How much do punch press operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for punch press operator in the United States is $19.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Punch Press Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Punch Press Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, experience with metalworking processes, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with punch press machines, safety protocols, and the ability to read blueprints or technical drawings is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and good hand-eye coordination help operators stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring precision, efficiency, and safety in a manufacturing environment.

How much do punch press operators make in the US?

Punch press operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators who work with advanced machinery or hold certifications may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Punch Press Operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or advanced skills. High-paying manufacturing roles may reach such levels with overtime, supervisory responsibilities, or in high-demand industries, but these are uncommon without formal education or certifications. Most jobs offering $10,000 monthly income generally require specialized skills, experience, or licensing beyond basic roles.

What Does a Punch Press Operator Do?

A punch press operator works to set up and operate a punch press, which is a machine that manufacturers use to punch holes and creates shapes in metal, plastic, or other materials. This can happen before, during, or after product assembly. Your duties include quality checks of the products or components that the machine produces, and your job responsibilities may involve performing maintenance of the punch press after a production run. You may need to configure the machine before a production run or program shapes using a specialized computer program.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Punch press operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Most manufacturing or industrial roles have lower compensation, though highly experienced or supervisory positions may reach higher six-figure incomes. Achieving $500,000 a year generally requires advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of a business.

What are some common challenges faced by Punch Press Operators and how can they be overcome?

Punch Press Operators often face challenges such as maintaining precision during repetitive tasks, managing machine downtime, and ensuring safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. To overcome these, operators should stay attentive to detail, adhere strictly to safety protocols, and perform regular equipment checks to prevent malfunctions. Continuous training and open communication with maintenance and quality control teams also help in quickly resolving issues and improving overall productivity.

What is the difference between Punch Press Operator vs Metal Stamping Operator?

AspectPunch Press OperatorMetal Stamping Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in machine operationHigh school diploma, training in stamping processes
Work EnvironmentFactories with metalworking machineryFactories specializing in metal stamping and forming
Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, applianceAutomotive, aerospace, appliance manufacturing
Job FocusOperating punch presses to cut or shape metalStamping metal sheets into specific parts

Both roles involve working with metalworking machinery in manufacturing settings. The Punch Press Operator primarily operates punch presses to cut or shape metal, while the Metal Stamping Operator focuses on stamping metal sheets into parts. While their skills and environments overlap, their specific tasks differ slightly, making them distinct but related roles in metal fabrication.

What are Punch Press Operators?

Punch Press Operators are skilled workers who operate punch press machines to cut, shape, or form metal and other materials. They set up the machines, select the appropriate dies, and ensure materials are loaded correctly. Operators monitor the machine during operation, perform quality checks on finished products, and maintain safety standards. Their role is essential in manufacturing industries that produce metal parts or components.

What is a punch press operator?

A punch press operator is a worker who operates punch presses to cut, shape, or form metal or other materials by applying pressure with a die. They set up, adjust, and monitor the machinery, often requiring knowledge of safety procedures and mechanical skills. The role typically involves working in manufacturing environments and may require certification or training in machine operation.
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Punch Press Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Punch Press Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,113 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Punch Press Setup Operator

KMC Stampings

Port Washington, WI • On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 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!

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Safely and efficiently operates punch press equipment to make parts at-rate and accurately to print. Will learn and perform setup tasks to KMC standards under the direction of Setup Technicians. Will train and provide guidance to new Production Helpers and Punch Press Operators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

  • Under the direction of Setup Technicians, assist in the machine setup process by learning how to setup punch press equipment to KMC standards to ensure jobs can be run safely and at-rate
  • Operate press safely and effectively to meet standard rates, performing coil changes and minor adjustments as defined by work instructions
  • Adhere to defined quality procedures to ensure quality parts through the use and care of defined measuring equipment such as calipers, micrometers, height gages, and optical comparator
  • Accurately record labor, inventory, tooling and production job data in ERP system
  • Will perform basic material handling duties with the use of manual pallet jack to move material, dies, and stage parts. Will operate a crane to load and unload raw materials
  • Maintain equipment thru weekly preventative maintenance tasks and submit timely maintenance work orders
  • May provide direction to Production Helpers and Operators during run and setup, as well as train new Production Helpers and Operators
  • Provide continuous improvement suggestions for jobs running through the Punch Press department
  • Must be able to perform all the duties of a Punch Press Operator
  • Other duties as assigned or required

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.

  • High school diploma or general education (GED) and two years of relevant punch press manufacturing experience and/or training; equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Ability to do count, add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions, specifications, and memos. Ability to effectively communicate with customers and other employees of the organization.
  • Able to utilize computer and input data
  • Ability to interpret part prints
  • Ability to accurately measure a manufactured part using advanced metrology equipment (i.e. height gage, CMM, Comparator)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; occasionally required to sit and talk; frequently required to hear, walk and continuously stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally push and/or pull material. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Continuously exposed to manufacturing noise.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an all-encompassing list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees so classified. Reasonable accommodations to essential functions of the job will be made if necessary.