Image that illustrates Press straightener

Press straightener

39 800 kr

Other machine and process operators, steel and metal

38 100 - 41 000 kr / month

Women earn 99% of what men do.

Industriell tillverkning

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Press straightener

Average salary 39 800 kr
Males 39 900 kr
Females 39 500 kr

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

A press operator works with shaping and processing metal using press machines and other equipment to align and adjust sheet metal parts. The tasks often include preparing machines, monitoring production, and ensuring parts meet quality standards. The work environment is typically industrial and machine-intensive, where precision and safety are key to avoiding injuries and production errors.

Salary development over time

Press operators have experienced a positive salary trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,300 SEK per month, increasing to 36 900 SEK in 2023 and further to 39 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of nearly 10% during the period. The trend can be explained by increased demand for skilled labor in the industry and a general rise in industrial wages. The technical skills and experience of press operators also contribute to stable wage growth, as employers value precision and efficiency in production. Inflation and collective agreements may also have played a role in driving up wages.

Press operators often work in teams with other operators and technicians, requiring good communication skills and a collaborative attitude to ensure smooth production.

– statsskuld.se

Press operator salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 39 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 38,100 SEK (female, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 41,000 SEK (female, regional sector, secondary education)
  • Hourly wage: 239 SEK (based on 166 working hours/month)
  • Gender differences: Women earn on average 99% of men's salaries
  • Regional differences: The highest salaries are found within the regional sector, while wages may be slightly lower in other regions

Education and qualifications

The educational path to becoming a press operator typically involves a vocational high school focusing on metal or industrial processes. Practical experience and technical understanding are important qualifications, and many supplement with courses in mechanical engineering and safety.

  • Vocational high school: Focus on metalworking and machining, usually 3 years
  • Internship or apprenticeship: Common for gaining practical experience
  • Courses in mechanical engineering and safety: To stay updated with technology and workplace regulations
  • Prerequisites: Basic mathematics and technology from compulsory school
  • Tips for choosing: Select programs with practical training and good industry connections for better employment prospects

Common benefits and compensations

Press operators are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, health insurance, and holiday pay. Many workplaces also provide wellness allowances and opportunities for skills development through further training or specialized courses. Overtime pay and shift work can provide additional financial compensation.

Competition and challenges

The profession of press operator is characterized by relatively stable demand, but competition can be fierce in certain regions depending on industry development. Challenges include physically demanding tasks and the need to constantly adapt to new technology. The working environment can be noisy and requires careful use of protective equipment. Having strong technical skills and flexibility is important to meet industry changes.

Tips for aspiring press operators

To succeed as a press operator, it is beneficial to have a meticulous and technically interested mindset. Being analytical helps to quickly identify and fix production errors, reducing waste and improving quality. Patience is also an important trait, as the process can require precision and multiple adjustments before achieving the correct result. Good teamwork skills facilitate daily interactions with colleagues and machine operators. Finally, a willingness to continuously learn new techniques and methods is vital to stay relevant in the profession.

Key facts about press operators

  • Education level: Vocational high school in metalworking
  • Salary range: 38,100–41,000 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Industrial setting with machinery
  • Work type: Full-time employment with shift and machine work
  • Gender distribution: Small salary difference, women earn 99% of men's salaries

Career paths and future outlook

After a few years of experience, a press operator can advance to roles such as specialized machine operator, production supervisor, or technical coordinator within the industry. The Swedish Employment Agency's forecasts for the broader group of machine and process operators in steel and metalworks are limited, but the number of available jobs is relatively high, with over 1,400 advertised positions. This indicates that skills in this area remain in demand, despite the lack of an exact forecast for press operators specifically. Developing technical skills and keeping up with industry developments are crucial for future career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about press operators

  • What does a press operator earn?
    - The average salary is approximately 39 800 SEK per month, with minor differences between genders.
  • What education is required to become a press operator?
    - The most common is vocational high school focusing on metalworking or industrial processes.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - Yes, salaries tend to be higher within certain regional sectors.
  • What is the work environment like for a press operator?
    - It is industrial and machine-intensive, with safety and accuracy requirements.
  • What qualities are important in this profession?
    - Precision, technical interest, and good teamwork skills are central.
  • Are there career opportunities within the profession?
    - Yes, opportunities for specialization and leadership roles exist after some experience.
  • What are the future prospects for a press operator?
    - Despite limited specific forecasts, demand remains stable within the profession.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Press straightener is 41000 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Regional sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 40400 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Press straightener is 38100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 38200 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 99% 30500 kr 35300 kr
25-34 100% 33900 kr 39100 kr
35-44 101% 34900 kr 40100 kr
45-54 98% 36200 kr 41100 kr
55-64 100% 36300 kr 40700 kr
Snitt 99% 34900 kr 39800 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Press straightener has the SSYK code 8129, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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