How to become a metalworking and forging machine operator

Official title: Metalworking and forging machine operators

Also called: Shear operator, Drop forge operator, Disk flange operator, Forging press tender, Power press operator, Press brake operator, Punch press operator, Forging roll operator, Turret press operator, Forging machine setter, Forging press operator, Hammer driver - forging

Light metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form sheet or other light metal into parts or products. Heavy metalworking machine operators operate metalworking machines which shape and form steel or other heavy metal into parts or products. Forging machine operators operate forging machines to form and shape metal into various shapes and sizes and impart desired strength, hardness or other characteristics. Light metalworking machine operators are employed by sheet metal products manufacturing companies, sheet metal shops and other light metal products manufacturing establishments. Heavy metalworking machine operators are employed by structural steel fabrication, boiler and platework manufacturing companies, heavy machinery manufacturing companies and in the shipbuilding industry. Forging machine operators are employed primarily in the fabricated metal products, machinery and transportation equipment manufacturing industries.

Main tasks

• Metalworking machine operators
• Read specifications or follow verbal instructions
• Lay out, set up and operate one or more light or heavy metalworking machines such as shears, power presses, saws, plate rolls, drills, brakes, slitters, punch presses, computer numerically controlled (CNC) equipment, and other hand tools to cut, bend, roll, ream, punch and drill, weld or otherwise shape and form metal stock into parts or products
• Operate machines or equipment which weld, solder, bolt, screw or rivet metal parts together
• Check products for correct shapes, dimensions and other specifications
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective action or minor repairs
• May select and transport material to work area manually or using crane or hoist
• May document work completed

How to become one

Completion of secondary school education may be required. Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Pay · Outlook

• Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $40,950 to $56,550.
• About 26,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 26,800 are projected by 2033. (+2.3%)
• Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Related jobs

• Machine operators, mineral and metal processing
• Foundry workers
• Glass forming and finishing machine operators and glass cutters
• Concrete, clay and stone forming operators
• Inspectors and testers, mineral and metal processing
• Machining tool operators

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Questions people ask

How do I become a metalworking and forging machine operator?

Completion of secondary school education may be required. Previous experience as a labourer or helper in the same company may be required. On-the-job training is usually provided.

How much does a metalworking and forging machine operator earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $40,950 to $56,550.

Is a metalworking and forging machine operator a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 2% by 2033, from about 26,200 to about 26,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a metalworking and forging machine operator?

Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03