As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up in the United States is $44,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Punch Press Operator/Set-up's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Punch Press Operator/Set-up's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Punch Press Operator/Set-up's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Punch Press Operator/Set-up | $43,042 |
| Intermediate Level Punch Press Operator/Set-up | $43,173 |
| Senior Level Punch Press Operator/Set-up | $44,826 |
| Specialist Level Punch Press Operator/Set-up | $46,760 |
| Expert Level Punch Press Operator/Set-up | $46,899 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Punch Press Operator/Set-ups. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 5.01% |
| Welding | 3.31% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 1.85% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Written Communication
|
$49,818 |
12%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$47,594 |
7%
|
|
Customer Service
|
$47,149 |
6%
|
|
Hydraulics
|
$46,704 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$46,259 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$46,259 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Punch Press Operator/Set-ups enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up with a No Diploma is between $41,069 and $44,142).
Punch Press Operator/Set-up Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 71.4% |
| High School | 71.4% |
| Associates | 14.3% |
| Bachelors | 14.3% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Punch Press Operator/Set-up's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Punch Press Operator/Set-up, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Injection Molding Operator III | $56,600 | 27% |
| Production Machine Operator III | $51,600 | 16% |
| General Machinist III | $65,700 | 48% |
| CNC Laser Machine Operator II | $62,700 | 41% |
Salaries for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,067 in 2023 to around $42,104 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Punch Press Operator/Set-up salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,067 |
| 2024 | $42,218 |
| 2025 | $42,104 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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No, it is not difficult to work as a press operator if you have the necessary skills and qualifications. Your work schedule may vary based on project deadlines. On-the-job training will help ease your responsibilities. The salary for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up ranges from $39,520 to $48,850, with a mid-range salary of $44,870.
Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $39,520 and $48,850, with a mid-salary of $44,870. While some specialized operators may reach higher salaries, making $100,000 is uncommon in this field. Proficiency in operating various heavy equipment is essential for career advancement and higher pay.
As of January 2025, the salary for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up ranges from a minimum of $39,520 to a maximum of $48,850, with a mid-salary of $44,870. This indicates a competitive pay scale for skilled operators in the industry.
The highest salary for a Punch Press Operator/Set-up is ₹48,850 per year. Salary estimates indicate a range from ₹39,520 (minimum) to ₹44,870 (midpoint), reflecting the earnings of operators across various industries.
Being a Punch Press Operator/Set-up can be a rewarding career. With salaries ranging from a minimum of $39,520 to a mid-level of $44,870, and a maximum of $48,850, it offers competitive pay without the burden of college debt. The demand for skilled operators ensures job stability and growth opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
A Punch Press Operator/Set-up typically earns between $39,520 and $48,850 annually, with a median salary of around $44,870. In top-paying cities like San Francisco, the annual salary can reach approximately $45,870, translating to about $3,822 monthly.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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