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Overview
Punch press operators set up and run punch presses that cut or perforate workpieces with dies, hydraulic motion and controlled machine settings.
In job descriptions, look for blueprints, CNC controllers, precision measuring, machine setup, tool supply, processed workpieces, cutting waste, quality standards, machine maintenance and automated monitoring.
Explore this occupation
Open in Job ExplorerWhat the work can involve
Punch press operator work is production-floor machine work with metal or other workpieces. The operator sets up the controller, supplies the press with material and tools, monitors automated movement and removes finished or inadequate pieces.
Skills and specializations
Useful depth includes blueprints, CNC controllers, precision measuring equipment, statistical process control, machine maintenance, cutting waste disposal and quality standards. Some settings add sheet metal, small parts or conveyor monitoring.
Salary context
Pay expectations are shaped by material type, machine complexity, CNC programming responsibility, inspection duties, maintenance scope, production pace and whether the operator handles setup as well as routine tending.
Career paths
Development can move from machine tending into press setting, CNC programming, quality inspection, maintenance support or production team leadership. Broader metal fabrication knowledge helps with that progression.
Good to know
Check whether adverts specify press type, die setup, CNC control, measurement tools, tolerances, maintenance tasks and scrap handling. These details show whether the role is basic tending or skilled setup.
Editorial note
This guide is editorial career context, not official labour-market statistics or role-specific pay data.
Map overview
Click the map to search for punch press operator jobs.
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O*NET relationships
See occupations connected to this ESCO occupation in the official O*NET–ESCO mapping. The relationship type comes from the source and is not a ranking or recommendation.
O*NET relationships: 2
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4081.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4031.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETSource and method
These relationships come from the official European Commission O*NET–ESCO crosswalk.
Relationship direction: O*NET occupation to ESCO occupation.
Several O*NET occupations can point to the same ESCO occupation, and one O*NET occupation can point to several ESCO occupations.
AltoTrail preserves the source relationship type. The order is technical and does not show which occupation is best, most relevant or recommended.
AltoTrail validates and presents the source relationships without adding ranking or recommendation semantics.
Alternative labels
punch machine operator
CNC punch operator
press brake operator
press punch inspector
plastic punch press operator
punch press brake operator
punchpress operator
press punch setter
press operative
punch press operative
punchpress worker
turret punch press operative
punchpress operative
punch press worker
press setter
press brake operative
press brake setter/operator
CNC turret machine operator
injection moulding machine operative
CNC laser punchpress operative
CNC punch press brake operator
press brake setter
CNC laser punch press operator
centre punch operator
CNC press brake operator
CNC punchpress operative
press punch operative
plastic press operator
press inspector
CNC punch press operator
Turret punch press operator
punch machine setter
brake press setter
Occupation group
computer numerical control machine operator (7223.4)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/fd2dd3e9-498f-490f-8589-8c1eea05aa3f |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 7223.4.7 |
| ISCO group | 7223 |
| Concept type | Occupation |