Edge press, metal

What does a press brake operator in metalwork do? – Tasks and work environment

A press brake operator in metalwork works with shaping and bending sheets or metal pieces using advanced machines, often called press brakes. The tasks include reading drawings, setting up and programming machines, monitoring the manufacturing process, and ensuring that the final products meet specified measurements and quality standards. The work is usually performed in industrial environments where precision and accuracy are crucial to meet customer requirements. The work environment can be noisy and physically demanding, and it is important to follow safety regulations to minimize the risk of accidents.

Salary development over time

The salary for a press brake operator in metalwork has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 34 000 SEK, representing an increase of about 3%. Between 2023 and 2024, the salary further rose to 35 200 SEK, a change of approximately 3.5%. This development reflects ongoing demand for skilled press brake operators, while a skills shortage in the industry has contributed to rising wages. In the long term, technological advancements and increased automation may influence wage growth, as simpler tasks are more often performed by machines. Overall, the profession has experienced a positive wage trend in recent years.

Press Brake Operator, Metal Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 35 200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,400 SEK/month (female, private sector employee, pre-secondary education)
• Highest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
• Hourly wage: 212 SEK
• Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 96%
• Average male salary: 35 400 SEK
• Average female salary: 34 100 SEK
• Regional differences: Minor variations depending on industry and region

Education and qualifications

To work as a press brake operator in metalwork, a high school education with a focus on industry, technology, or workshop is usually required. Many employers also value experience with machine handling and reading drawings. Further training through courses and certifications can improve chances of employment and higher wages. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers offer internal trainee programs for new hires.

• High school program: Industrial technology, 3 years
• Certifications: Courses in machine safety, CNC, and drawing reading
• Internship: Often through high school or summer jobs in industry
• Prerequisites: Mathematics, technology, precision
• Tip: Combine practical experience with further education for increased competitiveness

Common benefits and compensations

For press brake operators in metalwork, it is common to have collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, extra vacation days, work clothing, and shift allowances for evening and weekend work.

Competition and challenges

The job market for press brake operators in metalwork is characterized by high demand and a shortage of qualified personnel, offering good employment opportunities. At the same time, the profession faces challenges due to increased automation and technological development, where some tasks can be made more efficient or eliminated. To remain competitive, continuous skills development and the ability to handle new machine types and digital control systems are necessary. Wage development has been positive but may be affected in the long term by changing skill requirements and more automated production. Despite this, there is still a strong need for experienced and skilled press brake operators within Swedish industry.

Tips for those wishing to become a press brake operator in metalwork

To succeed as a press brake operator in metalwork, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with a high level of accuracy and sense of responsibility. Being solution-oriented and able to quickly identify and fix production errors is helpful, as well as being flexible enough to adapt to new machines and working methods. Good teamwork skills are important since the work often takes place in teams where communication with colleagues and management is central. A continuous desire to learn new things, such as through further education or internships, can significantly impact your career. The ability to handle stress and work structured, especially during production stops or tight deadlines, is also valuable. An open attitude towards new technological solutions and digitization provides an advantage in the job market.

Key facts about Press Brake Operator, Metal

• Education level: High school education with an industrial focus
• Work environment: Industrial, often noisy and physically demanding
• Demand: High, but expected to decrease in the long term
• Common work form: Shift work within manufacturing industry
• Special skills: Machine setup, drawing reading, material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a press brake operator in metalwork, there are opportunities to advance to roles such as lead operator, production technician, or supervisor within the industry. Some choose to further their education in CNC technology or production engineering, opening doors to more qualified and higher-paid positions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities for machine setters and operators in metalwork are large nationally, but demand is expected to decline over five years due to technological development and automation. Nevertheless, there are currently many job openings in the profession, making it attractive for those seeking to establish themselves in the industrial labor market.

Common questions about Press Brake Operators in metalwork

• What is the average salary of a press brake operator in metalwork?
  - The average salary is 35 200 SEK per month.
• How has the salary development looked for press brake operators in metalwork?
  - Salaries have increased from 33,000 SEK in 2022 to 35 200 SEK in 2024, a steady increase of about 6.6% over three years.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 34 100 SEK while men earn 35 400 SEK.
• What education is required to become a press brake operator in metalwork?
  - High school education in industry/technology is most common, preferably combined with practical experience.
• What does the job market look like?
  - There is high demand today, but over five years, the need is expected to decrease due to automation.
• What are the most common employment benefits?
  - Occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, work clothing, and shift allowances for evening and weekend work.
• How wide is the salary range?
  - The lowest reported salary is 31,400 SEK and the highest 36,100 SEK per month.