Antiquarian

What does an antiquarian do? – Tasks and work environment

An antiquarian works with preserving, documenting, and communicating cultural heritage within museums, archives, authorities, and cultural environment organizations. Tasks often include inventory of collections, exhibition work, research, advising on restoration and care of historical objects, as well as educational activities aimed at the public. The work environment varies between office settings, museum facilities, archives, and sometimes fieldwork at excavations or building surveys. The role requires precision, analytical skills, and a strong interest in cultural history.

Salary development over time

The salary for antiquarians has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,700 SEK per month, increasing to 37 600 in 2023 and further to 38 900 in 2024. This represents a salary increase of just over 6% over the three-year period. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified skills in the cultural heritage sector, while employers, especially within the public sector, have invested in raising salaries to attract and retain educated staff. Despite salary increases, the antiquarian profession still remains moderate compared to other academic careers, possibly due to limited resources within the cultural sector and competition for positions.

Antiquarian salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 38 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 26,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 47,000 SEK/month (male, public sector, doctoral degree)
• Hourly wage (average): 234 SEK/hour
• Men's average salary: 40 100 SEK/month
• Women's average salary: 38 300 SEK/month
• Women earn: 96% of men's salary

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an antiquarian usually involves higher academic studies in fields such as archaeology, cultural heritage, art history, or ethnology. A relevant bachelor's or master's degree is often a requirement, especially for work within government institutions. Practical experience through internships or project work is highly valued, as are advanced subject knowledge and skills in documentation and digital tools.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's or master's degree in archaeology, cultural heritage, art history, or similar (3–5 years)
• Internships: Internships or trainee positions at museums, archives, or cultural heritage agencies
• Certifications: Courses in collection management, conservation, or digital documentation
• Prerequisites: Basic university eligibility and subject studies in relevant fields
• Tips for choosing specialization: Select based on interests and labor market needs, e.g., building preservation or museum education

Common benefits and compensations

Antiquarians are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, and generous vacation. Within the public sector, there are also opportunities for professional development, flexible working hours, and some remote work possibilities. The profession’s connection to museums and cultural institutions sometimes includes benefits like free entry to exhibitions and discounts on courses.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as an antiquarian is high, as the number of qualified candidates often exceeds the number of advertised jobs. Many employers seek specialized skills and experience, meaning recent graduates may need to take temporary project positions before securing a permanent role. Limited financial resources within the cultural sector can create uncertainty regarding long-term funding for positions. At the same time, increasing demands for digital competence and interdisciplinary work require continuous further education. Geographically, job availability varies, with more positions in larger cities and major institutions.

Tips for those aspiring to become an antiquarian

To succeed as an antiquarian, it’s beneficial to combine an analytical mindset with practical experience. A genuine interest in history and cultural heritage makes it easier to choose specialization areas or internships during studies. Precision and patience are valuable, especially during inventory and documentation work. Good collaboration skills are needed as many projects are team-based and involve dialogue with other professionals. Finally, an open and communicative personality provides advantages in educational work, exhibitions, and public engagement, which are often part of the role.

Key facts about the antiquarian profession

• Educational level: Master’s degree is commonly required
• Work environment: Museums, archives, authorities, and fieldwork
• Job market: 620 available jobs within the profession
• Gender distribution: Women earn 96% of men's salaries
• Professional group: Museum directors, etc.

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, an antiquarian can advance to leadership roles such as collection manager, project leader, or department head within museums, county administrative boards, or cultural heritage units. Specializations in areas like building preservation, digital documentation, or conservation can lead to expert roles and consultancy opportunities. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s job forecast, it is difficult to give an exact assessment for antiquarians, as the profession is part of the broader group of museum curators. In this group, there were 620 available jobs at the latest measurement, but competition for permanent positions remains high. Future prospects are influenced by public investments in cultural heritage and the financial situation of institutions.

Frequently asked questions about the antiquarian profession

• What does an antiquarian earn?
  - An antiquarian has an average salary of 38 900 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become an antiquarian?
  - Typically, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in archaeology, cultural heritage, or similar subjects.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 96% of men’s salaries within the profession.
• What is the job market like for antiquarians?
  - There are approximately 620 available jobs, but competition for permanent positions is high.
• Which workplaces hire antiquarians?
  - Common employers are museums, archives, county administrative boards, and cultural heritage agencies.
li>What is the highest salary for an antiquarian?
- The highest salary is 47,000 SEK per month.
• What does an antiquarian do at work?
  - Tasks include preservation, documentation, research, and educational work related to cultural heritage.