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Punch Press Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

Quanex is looking for a Punch Press Operator - 2nd shift to join our team in Owatonna, Minnesota . The hours for this position are Monday - Thursday from 3:30pm - 2am. The Punch Press Operator is ...

Punch Press Operator

Grafton, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

Come Together at Kapco Video Punch Press Operator - Kapco Grafton, WI If you are driven to succeed with a passion for the professional growth and development of others, our employee-focused company ...

The Punch Press Operator is responsible for safely operating mechanical and/or hydraulic punch presses. We offer You! * Competitive Salary * Bonus Potential * 401K with 5% company match, yours to ...

Punch Press Operator

Elmira, NY · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Elmira Stamping & Manufacturing is seeking a skilled and dependable Punch Press Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will operate heavy-duty mechanical and hydraulic power ...

Elmira Stamping & Manufacturing is seeking a skilled and dependable Punch Press Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will operate heavy-duty mechanical and hydraulic power ...

Punch Press Operator

Elmira, NY · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Elmira Stamping & Manufacturing is seeking a skilled and dependable Punch Press Operator to join our manufacturing team. In this role, you will operate heavy-duty mechanical and hydraulic power ...

Punch Press Setup/Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$19.03 - $24.91/hr

Join PTI Technologies in Oxnard, CA, as a Full-Time Punch Press Setup/Operator and immerse yourself in an exciting work environment dedicated to excellence and high performance. You will have the ...

Punch Press Setup/Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$19.03 - $24.91/hr

Join PTI Technologies in Oxnard, CA, as a Full-Time Punch Press Setup/Operator and immerse yourself in an exciting work environment dedicated to excellence and high performance. You will have the ...

Punch Press Setup/Operator

Oxnard, CA

$18.75 - $23.25/hr

Join PTI Technologies in Oxnard, CA, as a Full-Time Punch Press Setup/Operator and immerse yourself in an exciting work environment dedicated to excellence and high performance. You will have the ...

Punch Press Setup / Operator

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $21.75/hr

General Sets up and operates punch press including blanking, drawing, forming, perforating, etc. Controls proper safety devices, feeds the material into dies and keeps stock well lubricated. Procures ...

Showing results 21-40

Punch Press information

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$13

$19

$25

How much do punch press jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for punch press 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 is a punch press operator?

A Punch Press operator is a skilled worker who uses a punch press machine to cut, shape, or form metal and other materials. The operator sets up the machine, loads materials, aligns them properly, and operates the controls to punch holes or create specific shapes according to blueprints or specifications. Safety and precision are crucial in this role, as the machinery can be dangerous if not handled properly. Punch Press operators are commonly found in manufacturing and fabrication industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a punch press operator?

To thrive as a Punch Press Operator, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are essential, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency in operating punch press machines, reading blueprints, and using measuring tools like calipers and micrometers is typically required. Dependability, problem-solving ability, and commitment to workplace safety are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize errors, and maintain a safe and productive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges punch press operators face, and how can they overcome them?

Punch press operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under tight production deadlines, managing repetitive tasks, and ensuring machine safety. To overcome these, operators should regularly inspect and calibrate their equipment, stay updated on safety protocols, and communicate with maintenance teams to address issues promptly. Developing a strong attention to detail and participating in continuous training can also help operators improve efficiency and reduce errors, making the work environment safer and more productive.

What is the difference between Punch Press vs Metal Fabricator?

AspectPunch PressMetal Fabricator
Primary RoleOperates punch presses to cut, shape, or form metal sheetsPerforms various metalworking tasks including cutting, welding, and assembling metal parts
Skills & CertificationsMachine operation, safety protocols, basic mechanical skillsWelding, blueprint reading, metalworking skills, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, machine shopsFactories, fabrication shops, construction sites
Industry UsageHeavy manufacturing, automotive, appliance productionConstruction, custom metalwork, industrial fabrication

The Punch Press primarily focuses on operating machines to cut and shape metal sheets, while Metal Fabricators perform a broader range of metalworking tasks, including welding and assembling. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but the Punch Press role is more specialized in machine operation, whereas Metal Fabricators handle diverse fabrication processes.

More about Punch Press jobs

What cities are hiring for Punch Press jobs?

Cities with the most Punch Press job openings:

What states have the most Punch Press jobs?

States with the most job openings for Punch Press jobs include:

Infographic showing various Punch Press job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,113 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Punch Press Operator - 2nd shift

Quanex Building Products

Owatonna, MN • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Quanex is looking for a Punch Press Operator - 2nd shift to join our team  in Owatonna, Minnesota

The hours for this position are Monday - Thursday from 3:30pm - 2am.

The Punch Press Operator is responsible for safely operating mechanical and/or hydraulic punch presses.

We offer You!

  • Competitive Salary
  • Bonus Potential
  • 401K with 5% company match, yours to keep after 2 years
  • 15% immediate return if you participate in the company’s ESPP
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
  • Employer paid disability plans and life insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Various Work Schedules
  • Tuition support for degree and continuous education
  • Employee Resource Groups focused on employee empowerment

What’s attractive about the Punch Press Operator position?

  • Ability to Make an Impact
  • Growth Potential

What Success Looks Like:

  • Set up and operate punch press equipment per job specifications (single-hit, progressive dies)
  • Load metal blanks or coils, align dies and feeds
  • Perform basic machine adjustments to maintain part quality
  • Read and follow blueprints, work orders, and inspection plans
  • Monitor press performance and conduct in-process quality checks
  • Complete accurate production records and downtime logs
  • Maintain safe work practices and use required PPE
  • Assist with die changes and minor preventative maintenance

What You Bring:

  • Prior punch press or stamping experience
  • Mechanical aptitude and strong attention to detail
  • Ability to read blueprints and operate calipers, micrometers, and other gauges
  • Forklift experience or certification Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. and stand for a full shift

The hourly wage for this position is $24.00 per hour plus $1.00 per hour for 2nd shift hours.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.


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