Press Operator III Salary in the United States

How much does a Press Operator III make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Press Operator III in the United States is $61,153 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a Press Operator III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,841
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,962 to $67,271
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,415
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View as table View as graph 25% $53,962 10% $47,415 90% $72,841 75% $67,271 $61,153 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Press Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $67,271 $5,606 $1,294 $32
Average $61,153 $5,096 $1,176 $29
25th Percentile $53,962 $4,497 $1,038 $26
Check out Press Operator III Job Openings in the United States
Offset Press Operator

WestRock - MARION, NC

Brake Press and Saw Operator

G&W Electric - NAPERVILLE, IL

Brake Press and Saw Operator

G&W Electric - WOODRIDGE, IL

Brake Press and Saw Operator

G&W Electric - BOLINGBROOK, IL

Search More Press Operator III Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Press Operator III Salaries

A Press Operator III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Press Operator III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Press Operator III'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $58,792
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $59,006
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $61,610
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $64,166
  • Expert (over 8 years): $64,349
Levels Salary
Entry Level Press Operator III$58,792
Intermediate Level Press Operator III$59,006
Senior Level Press Operator III$61,610
Specialist Level Press Operator III$64,166
Expert Level Press Operator III$64,349
$58,792 0 yr
$59,006 < 2 yrs
$61,610 2-4 yrs
$64,166 5-8 yrs
$64,349 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Press Operator IIIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $77,132
  • San Francisco: $76,374
  • Oakland: $74,680

What Skills Can Increase a Press Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 4.72% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Injection Molding (Mentioned in 2.94% Job Postings): Injection moulding is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mould. Injection moulding can be performed with a host of materials mainly including metals (for which the process is called die-casting), glasses, elastomers, confections, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Material for the part is fed into a heated barrel, mixed (Using a helical shaped screw), and injected (Forced) into a mould cavity, where it cools and hardens to the configuration of the cavity.:240 After a product is designed, usually by an industrial designer or an engineer, moulds are made by a mould-maker (or toolmaker) from metal, usually either steel or aluminium, and precision-machined to form the features of the desired part. Injection moulding is widely used for manufacturing a variety of parts, from the smallest components to entire body panels of cars. Advances in 3D printing technology, using photopolymers which do not melt during the injection moulding of some lower temperature thermoplastics, can be used for some simple injection moulds.
  • Continuous Improvement (Mentioned in 1.86% Job Postings): A continual improvement process, also often called a continuous improvement process (abbreviated as CIP or CI), is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. These efforts can seek "incremental" improvement over time or "breakthrough" improvement all at once. Delivery (customer valued) processes are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility. Some see CIPs as a meta-process for most management systems (such as business process management, quality management, project management, and program management). W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer of the field, saw it as part of the 'system' whereby feedback from the process and customer were evaluated against organisational goals. The fact that it can be called a management process does not mean that it needs to be executed by 'management'; but rather merely that it makes decisions about the implementation of the delivery process and the design of the delivery process itself.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 4.72%
Injection Molding 2.94%
Continuous Improvement 1.86%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Press Operator III's salary.
  • Alignment: Can increase your salary by up to 78%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 78%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 69%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Alignment
$108,852
78%
Innovation
$108,852
78%
Commitment
$103,349
69%
Continuous Improvement
$96,622
58%
Planning
$85,003
39%
Leadership
$81,333
33%
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How Education impacts a Press Operator III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Press Operator IIIs 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 Press Operator III with a No Diploma is between $58,556 and $64,500).

Press Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Press Operator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.3%
High School 72.5%
Associates 14.0%
Bachelors 10.8%
Masters 0.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Press Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Press Operator III'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, 2026

Press Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Press Operator III, 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.

Press Operator III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Machine Operator Supervisor $80,447 32%
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I $65,630 7%
Packaging Supervisor $84,384 38%

Salary Trends for Press Operator III

Salaries for a Press Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,673 in 2023 to around $57,093 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Press Operator III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Press Operator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$57,673
2024
$57,487
2025
$57,093
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $57,673
2024 $57,487
2025 $57,093
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Press Operator III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Press Operator III

Here are companies hiring for Press Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Press Operator III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Press Operator III

1. Where can a Press Operator III earn the most?

A Press Operator III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Press Operator III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Press Operator III is $77,132.

2. What is the highest pay for Press Operator III?

The highest pay for Press Operator III is $72,841.

3. What is the lowest pay for Press Operator III?

The lowest pay for Press Operator III is $47,415.

4. What are the responsibilities of Press Operator III?

Completes print production jobs on various types of printing press machines, including digital, flexographic, web, screen, or others. Reviews job specifications and complete setup tasks, including filling ink, calibrating machine, and loading stock. Conducts visual inspection of samples prior to running job. Performs in-process quality inspections utilizing standard testing protocols. Completes all required production logs and documentation. Interprets equipment diagnostics, troubleshoots breakdowns, and makes necessary adjustments to complete the job. Performs regular maintenance, cleaning, and changeovers of press from one job to another. Maintains a clean and safe workspace. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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