Image that illustrates Studio photographer

Studio photographer

37 300 kr

Photographers

36 100 - 39 600 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Studio photographer

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr

What does an atelier photographer do? – Tasks and work environment

An atelier photographer primarily works in a studio or atelier environment and is responsible for creating professional portraits, product images, or artistic photographs. The tasks include planning and arranging lighting, instructing subjects in front of the camera, retouching images, and handling technical equipment and image editing software. Often, photography is commissioned by individuals, companies, or institutions, which requires both creativity and social skills. The work environment is usually indoors and can range from small ateliers to larger photo studios, where working under time pressure and with varying workloads is common.

Salary development over time

The salary development for atelier photographers has been relatively stable in recent years, with a slight upward trend. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 000 SEK in 2023. For 2024, the average salary is 37 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 2.5% over the three-year period. This trend reflects a cautious but steady improvement in salary conditions within the industry, often linked to increased demand for professional photography services and higher technical standards. At the same time, salaries are influenced by competition within the profession and the fact that many photographers run their own businesses, leading to relatively large variations in earnings.

Atelier photographer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK
  • Highest salary: 39,600 SEK
  • Hourly wage (average): 224 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men 39 500 SEK, women 37,100–39,000 SEK
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable, but salaries often vary between urban and rural areas

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an atelier photographer often involves secondary education in photography or media, followed by post-secondary studies or specialized courses in photography. Practical experience is crucial, and many combine formal education with internships, trainee positions, or self-study. To succeed in the profession, technical skills and a strong sense of composition and customer interaction are essential.

  • Secondary education: Artistic programs with specialization in photography or media (3 years)
  • Post-secondary education: Vocational colleges or folk high schools, 1–3 years
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized photography and image editing courses
  • Internships/trainee: Often required for employment or portfolio building
  • Self-study/online: Common in digital image processing and technological development

Many atelier photographers develop their own style or niche, which can become a key competitive advantage in the market. Building a strong portfolio and network is often just as important as formal education for establishing oneself and attracting clients.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Atelier photographers may be offered perks such as wellness allowances, subsidized equipment, opportunities for skill development, and flexible working hours. In some cases, commissions or bonuses linked to sales of images or services are also available, especially for employees at larger companies or photo studios.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the profession is significant, especially in larger cities where many photographers compete for assignments. The low barriers to entry in the industry mean new entrants are constantly emerging, while technological advancements require professionals to continually update their skills and equipment. Price competition from freelancers and amateurs also affects the potential for higher earnings. Many atelier photographers choose to specialize in areas such as children's photography, product photography, or fine art photography to stand out. Digitalization and social media have created new opportunities but also increased the demands for marketing skills.

Tips for aspiring atelier photographers

To succeed as an atelier photographer, it is important to combine technical skills with creativity and professional customer service. Building a diverse and strong portfolio demonstrates both breadth and quality, which is crucial for attracting clients or employers. Initiative helps in finding internships and creating personal projects, while flexibility and patience are advantageous in collaborations and client relationships. Staying updated on new technology and trends in photography is also vital for remaining competitive. Finally, being self-reliant and able to market your services effectively is an advantage, as many work as self-employed or freelancers.

Key facts about atelier photographers

  • Education level: Secondary or post-secondary education in photography/media
  • Work environment: Studio/atelier, sometimes fieldwork for external assignments
  • Work arrangement: Employed or self-employed, often project-based
  • Demand: About 620 job openings within the photography profession

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, an atelier photographer can advance to more specialized roles such as studio manager, image editor, or establish their own business with a studio. Broadening skills into areas like advertising photography, product photography, or artistic photography is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no separate forecast for atelier photographers, but with approximately 620 job openings within the photography profession, there is some demand. However, competition is high, and future prospects depend on industry development and technological changes. The ability to specialize and effectively market oneself increases the chances of building a successful career.

Frequently asked questions about atelier photographers

  • What does an atelier photographer earn?
    - An atelier photographer has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month and an hourly wage of 224 SEK.
  • How to become an atelier photographer?
    - The path usually involves secondary or post-secondary education in photography, internships, and a personal portfolio.
  • Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
    - Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, women between 37,100 and 39,000 SEK per month.
  • What are the job responsibilities of an atelier photographer?
    - Tasks include photography, lighting, image editing, and customer contact.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - No specific forecast, but approximately 620 job openings exist within the photography profession.
  • What is required to get a job as an atelier photographer?
    - Practical experience, technical skills, and a strong portfolio are important factors.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Studio photographer is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Studio photographer is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34200 kr
35-44 41200 kr 41700 kr
45-54 42400 kr 43800 kr
55-64 45500 kr 47900 kr
Snitt 36500 kr 37300 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 Studio photographer has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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