Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Operators

Operate machines to saw, punch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Operators set up, operate, or tend machines that saw, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Wages	$22.80 per hour on average
Demand	High Demand
Outlook	The outlook is Poor
Education & Training	High School or less is typically required.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)	Machine Shop Technology/Assistant Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
On the Job	Work Activities Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements. Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. Operate cutting equipment. Operate forklifts or other loaders. Operate grinding equipment. Operate metal or plastic forming equipment. Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. Align parts or workpieces to ensure proper assembly. Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing. Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Career Pathways	Production
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This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.