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60 Press brake operator jobs in Columbus, OH

7 of the Highest Paying Press Brake Operator Jobs in 2026

The best Press Brake Operator jobs can pay up to $52,500 per year.

As a press brake operator, your job is to operate press brake machines to shape various types of metal. In this role, you may inspect blueprints for a project, set up your machine, perform regular maintenance, inspect metal while shaping it, and make adjustments as needed. Press brake operators often monitor supply levels, check the final products to ensure they are free of defects, and ensure work areas are clean and organized. Press brake operators usually work full shifts, and you may be asked to work nights, weekends, or holidays as needed to meet customer demand. Areas with active press brakes can be loud, so operators often wear personal protective equipment to minimize risks.

The primary qualifications for becoming a press brake operator are a high school diploma and the completion of a training program. You can often take these programs through apprenticeships, technical colleges, vocational schools, or community colleges. Certification is more common than a degree. Employers prefer applicants who have some experience working with press brakes or similar machines, so the more time you spend in this field, the easier it is to stand out from other press brake operators. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a press brake operator requires mechanical skills, attention to detail, physical stamina, math skills to measure materials, and the ability to maintain and repair machines in a time-sensitive environment.

High Paying Press Brake Operator Jobs

List of the top 7 highest paying Press Brake Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

  • Gravure Press Operator

    Salary range: $47,500 - $52,500

    The majority of Gravure Press Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $47,500 (25th percentile) and $52,500 (75th percentile) annually. Most people working in this role make similar salaries regardless of skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Gravure Press Operator job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • CNC Brake Press Operator

    Salary range: $37,500 - $48,500

    The majority of CNC Brake Press Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $48,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the CNC Brake Press Operator job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.

  • Press Assistant

    Salary range: $33,000 - $43,500

    A press assistant, also called a press operator, supervises and operates the press machine that produces print publications like newspapers, magazines, and books. Their job duties are to run the printing press machine, load supplies like ink and paper, and adjust the settings to ensure quality results. They also have to manage inventory and meet deadlines. The qualifications for a career as a press assistant are a high school diploma or GED and voluntary postsecondary certification in print technology. On-the-job training provides you with the skills and experience you need to operate a press machine on your own.

  • Belt Press Operator

    Salary range: $29,500 - $42,000

    The majority of Belt Press Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $29,500 (25th percentile) and $42,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Belt Press Operator job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Forge Press Operator

    Salary range: $33,000 - $40,000

    The majority of Forge Press Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $33,000 (25th percentile) and $40,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Forge Press Operator job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

  • Plate Maker

    Salary range: $32,000 - $36,000

    A platemaker makes sure that printing plates have the proper format, layout, and spacing of text and images. Your duties and responsibilities in this career may include other aspects of prepress operations and preparations for printing, such as adjusting layout using computer software and formatting images so that they appear clearly on the printed page. You may also work on photography plates or use your skills to produce other printed media. Most platemakers work in the publishing industry, where they handle the preparations necessary to publish newspapers, magazines, and books.

  • Hot Press Operator

    Salary range: $24,000 - $35,000

    The majority of Hot Press Operator salaries across the United States currently range between $24,000 (25th percentile) and $35,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Hot Press Operator job market in the United States is not very active as few companies are currently hiring for this role. You can try exploring related titles to find jobs with more active opportunities.

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