Eccentric presses

What does an eccentric press operator do? – Tasks and work environment

An eccentric press operator works with setting up, monitoring, and operating eccentric presses, machines used for shaping and processing metal through pressing. The main tasks include feeding raw material into the machine, adjusting machine settings for different productions, and inspecting finished parts to ensure quality and dimensional accuracy. The work environment is often industrial, with production halls featuring high noise levels and demands for precision and safety. Eccentric press operators typically work in shifts and must follow strict safety procedures to avoid accidents when handling machines and heavy materials.

Salary development over time

The salary for eccentric press operators has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, rising to 34 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has reached 35 200 SEK, which is approximately a 6.7% increase over three years. This salary development reflects a continued demand for skills in machine operation, despite automation and technological advances gradually impacting workforce needs. Competition for experienced eccentric press operators has contributed to stable salary increases, especially in regions with large industrial activity.

Eccentric press operator salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK
• Women: 34 100 SEK/month
• Men: 35 400 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96 % of what men do
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on the industry size in the region

Education and qualifications

To work as an eccentric press operator, a high school diploma with a focus on industrial technology or equivalent experience in similar industrial roles is usually required. Practical experience in metalworking or machine operation is often expected. Additional training in machine safety, reading technical drawings, and quality assurance is advantageous and can improve employment prospects. Certifications or internal training provided by employers are also common, especially in larger industrial companies.

• Formal education: High school diploma with industrial technology focus (3 years)
• Certifications: Courses in machine safety and technical drawing
• Internship: Workplace-based internship or trainee programs are recommended
• Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technical interest
• Further training: Opportunities for internal training and skills development

Common benefits and compensations

Eccentric press operators are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pensions, insurance, and additional compensation for unsociable hours. Employers in the industry sometimes offer wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and opportunities for skills development. Overtime pay and bonuses for meeting production targets are also common in some companies.

Competition and challenges

The profession of eccentric press operators today is characterized by high demand for labor, partly due to a shortage of qualified machine operators in metalworking. At the same time, the industry faces challenges from increasing automation and technological development, which gradually change work tasks and reduce the need for manual labor in the long term. The ability to quickly adapt to new machines and methods is crucial to remaining attractive on the job market. Additionally, the profession requires precision, responsibility, and the ability to work under pressure, which can be stressful for some. Regional differences in industry size also influence competition for jobs.

Tips for aspiring eccentric press operators

To succeed as an eccentric press operator, having a technical interest and problem-solving skills is beneficial, as the work often involves quickly resolving machine-related issues. Being precise and responsible is essential, as small mistakes can affect safety and product quality. Good teamwork skills are valued, since the work is often team-based and requires collaboration with other professionals. Flexibility and willingness to further educate oneself are also advantageous, as new technology is constantly introduced in the industry. The ability to interpret technical drawings and understand production flows is an important skill to develop. For those who enjoy practical work and are patient with detailed instructions, there are good opportunities for growth within the profession. Finally, a strong safety mindset is always central to prevent accidents in a machinery-intensive environment.

Key facts about eccentric press operators

• Education level: High school diploma with industrial technology focus
• Work environment: Industrial production with shift work
• Demand: Good job opportunities, but decreasing in the long term
• Gender distribution: Predominantly men, but increasing numbers of women
• Special skills: Machine safety and reading technical drawings

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, opportunities open for advancement to roles such as team leader, production supervisor, or specializing as a technician in machine maintenance. Some also choose to become trainers for new operators or move into quality and production planning. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, job prospects in machine setup and operation, metalworking, remain strong in the short term, although demand is expected to decline within five years due to automation and technological progress. However, there are still many vacancies, especially in regions with a robust industrial sector, and the shortage of experienced operators can be advantageous for those seeking career development.

Frequently asked questions about eccentric press operators

• What is the average salary of an eccentric press operator?
  - An eccentric press operator has an average salary of 35 200 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an eccentric press operator?
  - Typically, a high school diploma with a focus on industrial technology and practical experience in the metal industry are required.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 34 100 SEK per month, which corresponds to 96 % of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - Job opportunities are good today, but demand is expected to decrease over the next five years due to automation.
• What personal qualities are important for an eccentric press operator?
  - Accuracy, technical interest, teamwork skills, and safety awareness are important qualities in the profession.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for an eccentric press operator?
  - The highest salary is 36,100 SEK and the lowest is 31,400 SEK per month, depending on experience, gender, and education level.
• What does the work environment look like for an eccentric press operator?
  - The work environment is industrial, with shift work, high noise levels, and safety requirements.