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Shear Brake Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Press Brake Operator 2nd Shift

Fontana, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Press Brake Operator This role involves setting up and operating CNC press brake equipment to ... Operate additional fabrication machinery as needed, including shear presses, punch presses, and ...

Press Brake Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

As part of the Fabrication Shop, the Press Brake Operator operates a press brake to manufacture ... Shear Mathematical skills * Must be able to pass internal testing to demonstrate above ...

Press Brake Operator - 2nd Shift

Nevada, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Press Brake Operators at ALMACO work independently with the ability to prioritize work orders and ... Operate the shear and laser cutter. * Set up and operate the press brake. * Maintain press brake:

Press Brake Operator

Reamstown, PA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... Brake and Roll Form Operator to start ASAP. This position provides weekly pay working Monday ... Experience working with power tools, hand tools, and shears in a manufacturing setting. * Strong ...

Press Brake Operator

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

Salary: Job Summary Press brake operators will use a press brake to bend, shape, cut, and ... Experience in using electrical or manual tools (saws, squares, shears, rolls, etc.) * Maintains ...

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Shear Brake Operator information

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$13

$18

$23

How much do shear brake operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for shear brake operator in the United States is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a shear brake operator?

To thrive as a Shear Brake Operator, you need a solid understanding of metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and machine operation, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with press brakes, shears, calipers, micrometers, and occasionally CNC systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork are essential soft skills that help operators excel in this role. These competencies ensure precise fabrication, maintain workplace safety, and contribute to efficient production processes.

What is the difference between Shear Brake Operator vs Shear Operator?

AspectShear Brake OperatorShear Operator
Primary RoleOperates shear brake machines to bend, cut, and shape metal sheetsOperates shear machines to cut metal sheets to specified sizes
CertificationsTypically requires machine operation and safety certificationsOften requires similar safety certifications, with additional focus on cutting precision
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or metal fabrication shopsMetal fabrication or manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageCommon in metalworking, manufacturing, and fabrication industriesCommon in metalworking, manufacturing, and fabrication industries

Both Shear Brake Operators and Shear Operators work in metal fabrication environments, often requiring safety certifications. The key difference is that Shear Brake Operators focus on bending and shaping metal with brake machines, while Shear Operators primarily cut metal sheets to size. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the metalworking industry.

What challenges do shear brake operators face and how can they be addressed?

Shear Brake Operators often encounter challenges such as working with tight tolerances, handling heavy or awkward sheet metal, and ensuring consistent quality during repetitive tasks. To address these, operators should maintain a strong attention to detail, regularly calibrate and inspect their equipment, and follow established safety protocols. Effective communication with team members, such as engineers and quality inspectors, is also important to quickly resolve issues and ensure production goals are met.

What is a shear brake operator?

Shear Brake Operators are skilled workers who operate machines called shears and brakes to cut, shape, and bend metal sheets according to specifications. They read blueprints or work orders, adjust machine settings, and ensure the finished pieces meet required measurements and quality standards. Their work is essential in manufacturing industries where precise metal fabrication is needed for products like appliances, vehicles, and construction materials. Safety and attention to detail are critical in this role due to the powerful machinery involved.

Is shear brake operation a good career?

Shear brake operation is a skilled manufacturing job involving operating machinery to cut and shape metal sheets. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially in industrial and manufacturing settings, and often requires safety training and mechanical skills. The career can lead to advancement into supervisory roles or specialized technical positions.

Do you need a degree to be a shear brake operator?

Shear brake operators typically do not need a college degree but require training on machinery operation and safety procedures. Employers often look for high school diplomas or equivalent and may provide on-the-job training or certifications for specific equipment. Skills in math, attention to detail, and mechanical aptitude are important for this role.
More about Shear Brake Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Shear Brake Operator jobs? Cities with the most Shear Brake Operator job openings:
What states have the most Shear Brake Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Shear Brake Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Shear Brake 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 $37,591 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Sheetmetal Press Brake Operator

General Dynamics Electric Boat

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


General Dynamics Electric Boat rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Overview
We are seeking skilled Press Brake Operators to join our growing manufacturing team. The ideal candidates must have hands-on experience operating and setting up press brakes, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing high-quality work.
responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Set up, operate, and maintain press brake machinery to bend and form metal components
  • Interpret and work from technical drawings, blueprints, and work orders
  • Select correct tooling and ensure accurate machine settings for each job
  • Inspect finished parts for quality, accuracy, and adherence to specifications
  • Troubleshoot minor machine issues and ensure equipment is running safely
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Collaborate with team members to meet production deadlines

Some of the Benefits we provide to you include:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Vacation and holidays
  • Shift Premium
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Commuter/Van Services/Ripta
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Safety Boot Reimbursement Program

This position is located at the Quonset Point facility in North Kingstown, RI.
Qualifications
Required:
  • High school diploma or equivalent OR a minimum of 2 years related technical experience
  • Proven experience operating press brake(s) in a manufacturing environment
  • Available to work all shifts including alternate work weeks (4/10s - 3/12s)
  • Strong understanding of metal fabrication processes and tooling
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings
  • Good math, measurement, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to lift materials and stand for extended periods
  • Commitment to safety and quality
  • Individuals are required to possess their own basic hand tools

Preferred:
  • Experience with CNC press brakes or automated bending equipment
  • Familiarity with additional shop machinery (shears, punch presses, etc.)
  • Vocational, Technical and Community Colleges or Apprentice programs
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Military

Skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team environment and meet organizational goals
  • Effective communication with all shipmates

Physical Qualifications
Climbing, Crawling, Kneeling, Light Lifting, Medium Lifting, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Stooping, Twisting
Environmental Attributes
Dry, Dusty, Fumes, Hot, Inside, Noise, Oily, Outside

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