Punchers, shoes

What does a puncher in the shoe industry do? – Tasks and work environment

A puncher in the shoe industry works with processing and shaping materials, primarily leather and textiles, into components used in shoe manufacturing. Tasks include operating various types of punching machines to cut out parts such as soles, uppers, and reinforcements with high precision. The work requires accuracy and attention to detail, as small errors can affect the entire production chain. The work environment is usually workshop-based, with noise and the need for protective gear. The puncher often collaborates with other production staff and contributes to an efficient workflow throughout the manufacturing process.

Salary development over time

The salary for a puncher in the shoe industry has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,700 SEK per month. In 2023, it rose to 29 600 SEK, corresponding to an increase of just over 6.8 percent. In 2024, the average salary is 30 400 SEK, representing a further increase of approximately 2.7 percent from the previous year. This positive salary trend can partly be explained by an increased demand for specialized labor in shoe manufacturing, but also by collective bargaining and inflation affecting salary levels. Despite steady growth, gender pay gaps remain significant, and regional variations may occur depending on the location of the workplace.

Puncher, shoes salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 29,400 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school 3 years)
• Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (male, regional sector, high school up to 2 years)
• Hourly wage: 183 SEK
• Women: 29 700 SEK/month (95% of men's salary)
• Men: 31 200 SEK/month
• Regional differences: Salary variations occur depending on the geographic location and sector of the workplace.

Education and qualifications

To work as a puncher in shoe manufacturing, a high school education with a focus on textiles, technology, or industry is usually required. Practical experience is highly valuable and can be obtained through apprenticeships or internships during education. Employers may also require specific knowledge of different materials and machines. Some workplaces offer internal training to ensure new hires quickly learn the machinery and processes used.

• High school education: Industrial program, textiles, or technology (2–3 years)
• Internships: On-the-job training or trainee programs are common
• Certifications: Some employers offer internal machine certifications
• Prerequisites: Good knowledge of materials and familiarity with machinery
• Tip for choosing: Opt for education with a focus on practical skills and material science

Common benefits and compensations

Punchers in shoe manufacturing are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pensions, insurance, wellness contributions, and sometimes subsidized meals. Other common compensations include overtime premiums for shift work, work clothing, and sometimes subsidized meals. Employers may also provide opportunities for skills development and further training within the company.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a puncher in the shoe industry is characterized by a relatively small labor market in Sweden, where competition for permanent positions can be intense. Automation and technological development have impacted the need for manual labor, which requires flexibility and willingness to learn new machines and methods. Staying updated on new materials and production techniques is also a challenge. Physically demanding work and repetitive tasks can be strenuous, requiring good ergonomics and endurance. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for those willing to further their education and adapt to industry changes.

Tips for those who want to become a puncher in the shoe industry

To succeed as a puncher in the shoe industry, it is beneficial to have an eye for detail, as precision is crucial when punching materials with high accuracy. Being curious about new techniques and materials provides advantages, as the industry constantly evolves toward more modern manufacturing methods. Patience and endurance are important qualities, since the work often involves repetitive tasks and physically demanding activities. It is also valuable to be cooperative and open to teamwork, as production relies on good collaboration between different roles. Finally, taking initiatives for further education and certifications can open doors to more advanced tasks and higher salaries.

Key facts about Puncher, shoes

• Average salary: 30 400 SEK/month
• Salary range: 29,400–32,200 SEK/month
• Women's salary: 95% of men's
• Typical education: High school, industry or textiles
• Work environment: Workshop environment, often shift work

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years as a puncher in the shoe industry, opportunities may open for advancement to roles such as production supervisor, machine responsible, or material processing technician. For those interested in broadening their skills, options include specializing in quality control or product development. Forecasts from the Employment Service for the occupational group of machine operators within the textile, leather, and skin industries indicate that it is difficult to give an exact assessment of future job prospects due to limited data. Nonetheless, there are over 1,400 job openings within the profession, indicating a certain demand. For those who are flexible and willing to further their education, the labor market offers good development opportunities, especially for those combining vocational skills with technical understanding.

Frequently asked questions about Puncher, shoes

• What does a puncher, shoes earn?
  - The average salary is 30 400 SEK per month, but it varies between 29,400 and 32,200 SEK depending on experience, gender, and sector.
• What education is required to become a puncher in the shoe industry?
  - High school education in industry, technology, or textiles is most common, often supplemented with internships or internal training.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 95% of men's salaries within the profession.
• What is the working environment like for a puncher?
  - The work environment is workshop-based with physical work, noise, and requirements for protective gear.
• What benefits are common for punchers in the shoe industry?
  - Common benefits include occupational pension, insurance, wellness contributions, and sometimes subsidized meals.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast is uncertain due to limited data, but there are over 1,400 job openings in the profession.
• What types of employers hire punchers in the shoe industry?
  - Mainly shoe manufacturers, but also companies within the textile and leather industries and specialized workshops.