Punch card punch

What does a punched card puncher do? – Tasks and work environment

A punched card puncher primarily works with processing, checking, and sometimes interpreting punched cards, which historically have been a central part of information management within larger organizations. Tasks often include punching cards according to instructions, quality control, and handling related documentation and reports. Although the profession is now rare and has decreased in scope, it still exists within certain specialized administrative environments, such as archives or government agencies with older systems. The work environment is characterized by precision, repetitive tasks, and a need for high concentration, often in office settings with traditional equipment.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, punched card punchers have seen a steady increase in salary. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 34 300 SEK. The positive trend continued, and in 2024, an average salary of 35 600 SEK was recorded. This represents an increase of approximately 8% over the three-year period. The salary growth can largely be explained by general wage inflation within administrative professions and a certain shortage of personnel with niche experience in older information systems. Despite the decreasing demand for the profession, salaries have risen, likely because remaining roles require high accuracy and specialized skills.

Punched card puncher salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 35 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,100 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 214 SEK
• Women earn: 99% of what men do (35 500 SEK/month vs. 35 900 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: No significant data available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a punched card puncher is now uncommon and usually requires no formal university education, but experience in administrative work and handling older information systems is advantageous. Historically, the profession was learned through practical experience at the workplace, often combined with internal training. Technical interest, precision, and the ability to work systematically are important qualities for success.

• High school diploma: Administrative or technical focus recommended
• Internal training: Introduction often provided on the job
• Practical experience: Previous administrative work is advantageous
• Prerequisites: Basic IT and documentation skills
• Specialized courses: Possible at some authorities or archives

Common benefits and compensations

Benefits for punched card punchers often include generous pension contributions, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. In some cases, subsidized lunch, extra vacation days, and collective insurance and healthcare benefits are also offered. Secure employment and fixed schedules are common within the public sector.

Competition and challenges

The competition for roles as punched card punchers is limited, as the number of positions has decreased sharply due to digitalization. The remaining roles often require specialist knowledge of older data systems and work processes, making new recruitment rare and often internal. The challenge lies in the profession potentially disappearing altogether as digital solutions take over, making long-term career planning difficult. At the same time, experience in this area can be valuable in archives or document management roles where older data formats are still handled. The supply and demand are currently relatively stable, but the need is expected to decline over time.

Tips for those who want to become punched card punchers

To succeed as a punched card puncher, it is good to be precise and systematic in your approach, as accuracy is crucial when handling punched cards and older data formats. Technical interest helps when you need to quickly understand and operate specialized equipment. Flexibility is an advantage, as tasks may vary between punching, checking, and documentation. Patience and the ability to work independently are important, especially in environments where tasks are repetitive. An eye for detail reduces errors and contributes to high-quality work. It is also valuable to stay updated on digital tools and archive management, as these skills are often in demand alongside traditional tasks. Finally, initiative and the ability to improve routines and workflows are appreciated.

Key facts about punched card punchers

• Education level: High school diploma with administrative focus
• Work environment: Office-based, often within public sector or archives
• Occupational group: Other office assistants and secretaries
• Demand: 758 job openings within the occupational group (2024)
• Future prospects: Moderate opportunities, declining demand over time

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a punched card puncher, opportunities may exist to develop into roles such as archivist, system administrator, or other administrative specialist positions within document management. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, job opportunities within the occupational group are moderate, but demand is expected to decrease in the coming years as digital solutions replace older systems. The recruitment situation is currently balanced, meaning competition for the few available positions remains relatively stable. Experience in the profession can be valuable when transitioning to other administrative roles where knowledge of older data systems and archive management is still relevant.

Frequently asked questions about punched card punchers

• What does a punched card puncher earn?
  - The average salary is 35 600 SEK per month, with an hourly wage of 214 SEK.
• Are there large salary differences between men and women?
  - Women earn 99% of what men do, which indicates a very small salary gap.
• What education is required to become a punched card puncher?
  - A high school diploma with an administrative focus and practical experience are most common.
• What does the future hold for the profession?
  - Demand is decreasing in the long term, but current opportunities are moderate within the occupational group.
• What are the most common work environments?
  - Public offices, archives, and authorities where older systems are used.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a punched card puncher?
  - The highest salary is 54,200 SEK and the lowest is 27,100 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
• How many job openings are available?
  - There are 758 job openings within the occupational group of other office assistants and secretaries.