Perforator, printing house

What does a perforator in printing do? – Tasks and work environment

A perforator in printing primarily creates perforations in various printed materials, such as brochures, tickets, or envelopes, to facilitate tearing or folding. The work often involves specialized machines where precision and accuracy are crucial. The perforator is responsible for setting up the machines correctly, monitoring the production process, and inspecting the quality of the finished product. The work environment features a combination of manual labor and machine handling in a production-oriented setting, often with a high pace and strict deadlines. Good teamwork skills and the ability to quickly troubleshoot machine issues are important qualities in daily work.

Salary development over time

The salary for perforators in the printing industry has shown a relatively stable trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 33,000 SEK per month, which increased to 34 800 SEK in 2023 – a rise of approximately 5.5%. The latest statistics from 2024 show a slight decrease to 34 700 SEK, corresponding to a decline of just over 0.3% compared to the previous year. This slight decline can be explained by increased competition in the industry and changes in demand for traditional printing services. Meanwhile, salary growth for women has been slower than for men, reflecting the persistent gender pay gap within the profession. Overall, the trend indicates a stable but somewhat cautious market for perforators, where technical skills and experience can positively influence salary development.

Perforator, printing salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 34 700 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 31,800 SEK/month
• Highest salary: 37,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 209 SEK
• Women: 31 900 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
• Men: 37 700 SEK/month
• Regional differences: No reliable statistics available

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a perforator in printing usually involves a combination of high school education and practical experience in printing or graphic production. The industry values technical understanding and machine familiarity, but there are also opportunities to learn on the job through apprenticeships or trainee programs. Additional training in prepress or graphic technology can be advantageous, especially for those seeking career development.

• High school education: Focus on graphic technology or industry
• Practical training/apprenticeship: Commonly available at workplaces
• Certifications/courses: Courses in machine safety and printing technology are advantageous
• Prerequisites: Technical interest and precision are important
• Tips: Experience with machine operation facilitates entry into the profession

Common benefits and compensations

Perforators in printing are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pensions, insurances, shift allowances, and wellness subsidies. Many workplaces also offer wellness benefits, employee discounts, and opportunities for skill development in printing technology and machine maintenance.

Competitions and challenges

The job market for perforators involves some competition, especially since the profession is relatively small and many employers seek broader skills in print production. Digitalization and automation of the printing industry mean that demand for traditional perforators may decrease, though the need for technically skilled employees remains. The profession requires quick problem-solving, high accuracy, and the ability to handle stressful situations. To improve chances on the job market, additional training in prepress or digital printing technology is advantageous. The lack of clear future forecasts makes flexibility and adaptability important for facing industry changes.

Tips for those wanting to become a perforator in printing

To succeed as a perforator in printing, it’s good to have a genuine technical interest and a willingness to continuously learn new machines and processes. Precision is crucial, as small errors in setup can negatively impact entire print runs, so practicing attention to detail is a concrete way to develop. Being flexible and able to quickly adapt to different types of assignments or workflow changes is also important, especially in an industry where production varies often. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with others in production and make problem-solving easier. Finally, an open attitude towards further education and new technologies provides better opportunities for development and meeting future industry demands.

Key facts about Perforator, printing

• Salary range: 31,800–37,800 SEK/month
• Education level: High school diploma with a technical focus
• Work environment: Production and machine handling
• Demand: 1,437 available jobs within the profession
• Gender pay gap: Women earn 85% of men's salary

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a perforator in printing can advance to roles such as supervisor, machine manager, or production technician within the printing and prepress industries. There are also opportunities to specialize in digital printing technology or further train as a prepress technician to meet the increasing digitalization in the industry. According to the latest assessment from the Employment Service, no specific forecast exists for the profession, but currently, there are 1,437 available jobs in prepress technicians and printers, indicating some demand. Flexibility and broad technical competence increase chances of continued employment and development, although future prospects are affected by the industry’s digital transformation.

Frequently asked questions about Perforator, printing

• What does a Perforator in printing earn?
  - The average salary is 34 700 SEK per month, with a range between 31,800 and 37,800 SEK.
• How to become a perforator in printing?
  - Most commonly, a high school education with a technical focus, along with practical training or an apprenticeship program at a printing company.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 85% of what men do within the profession.
• What is the job market like?
  - There are 1,437 available jobs within the profession, but the industry's future is influenced by digitalization.
• What does a perforator work with?
  - The tasks involve setting up and monitoring machines to create perforations in printed materials.
• What benefits are common?
  - Occupational pension, insurances, shift allowances, and wellness subsidies are common benefits.
• Can I further my education?
  - Yes, further education in prepress, digital printing technology, or production technology is possible.