- Salary statistics
- Image processor salary
Image processor salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
33 400 - 44 400 SEK / month
Women earn 81% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Related tools
Salary progression Image processor
What does an image editor do? – Tasks and work environment
An image editor works with processing, enhancing, and customizing digital images for print, web, or other media. Tasks often include advanced retouching, color correction, cropping, and file management. Common work environments include photo studios, advertising agencies, publishers, and in-house departments at larger companies. The profession requires great precision, technical skills, and an eye for aesthetic composition. Collaboration with photographers, art directors, and clients is common, which means communication skills and flexibility are often in demand.
Salary development over time
The salary for image editors has shown a cautious but steady increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average has risen further to 38 500 SEK. The total increase over this period is approximately 5%, reflecting a calm but steady trend in line with increased demand for digital image services and greater use of visual communication in business. Salary development is also influenced by technological advances and requirements for specialized skills, where those with high technical proficiency and experience often have better conditions. Despite the industry’s technological transformation, salary increases have been relatively modest, which may be due to competition and some automation within the field.
Image editor salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 38 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (men), 37,100 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (men), 39,000 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 224 SEK
- Gender differences: Men earn an average of 41 200 SEK, specific data on women is lacking
- Regional differences: No specific statistics available
Education and qualifications
To work as an image editor, education in photography, graphic design, or similar creative fields is usually required. Many attend vocational colleges or universities, but it is also possible to enter the profession through practical experience and self-study. Technical skills in image editing software are crucial, and employers often value previous work samples and references.
- Formal education: Vocational college or university, 2–3 years
- Certifications/courses: Courses in Photoshop and similar programs are advantageous
- Internship/trainee: Internships during studies are common
- Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of image editing and digital tools
- Self-study/online: Many supplement with self-study and online courses
Many image editors develop a unique style and specialize in niches such as fashion, advertising, or art. Artistic freedom can be significant, especially for freelancers or those working in creative teams.
Common benefits and compensations
Among image editors, benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and opportunities for remote work are common. In some cases, additional benefits like professional development, occupational pension, and insurance are offered. Employers within larger organizations may have further perks related to work environment and health.
Competition and challenges
The profession of image editing is characterized by high competition, especially in metropolitan areas where the demand for creative professions is greatest. The increasing availability of advanced image editing programs has lowered the barrier for new entrants, making it important to stand out through experience and a strong portfolio. Automation and AI-based tools also impact the industry and may lead to the disappearance of some simpler tasks. At the same time, there is a continuous demand for specialized skills in advanced retouching and artistic image processing. The ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and workflows is a key success factor.
Tips for aspiring image editors
To succeed as an image editor, it is good to be both technically skilled and have an eye for detail. A curious attitude towards digital tools and a desire to constantly develop your skills makes it easier to stay updated in a rapidly changing industry. Creativity and problem-solving skills are crucial when unexpected challenges arise in image editing. Building a strong portfolio and networking with industry professionals increases chances of employment, while the ability to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues and clients often leads to better results. Taking initiative with personal projects and showing engagement for the visual expression provides a competitive advantage, especially in a job market with many applicants.
Key facts about Image Editors
- Education level: Vocational college or university, 2–3 years
- Work environment: Office, studio, or remote work
- Typical employment: Employment or freelance
- Demand: Approximately 620 job openings within the group
- Special skills: Advanced retouching and color management
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, image editors can advance to roles such as senior image editor, image coordinator, or specialist in areas like advertising, fashion, or art. There is also potential to move into more overarching roles within project management or education. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts for the photographer group, no specific assessment exists for image editors due to limited data, but the number of job openings within the group is around 620. Technological development and increased use of digital media suggest that demand for qualified image editors will persist, although the competitive situation may vary locally and over time.
Common questions about Image Editors
- What does an image editor earn?
- The average salary is 38 500 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer. - What education is required to become an image editor?
- Usually, education at vocational college or university in photography, graphic design, or similar fields is required. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Men earn an average of 41 200 SEK, but specific data on women is lacking; highest female salary is 39,000 SEK, lowest 37,100 SEK. - What tasks does an image editor perform?
- Tasks include retouching, color correction, cropping, and adapting images for various media. - What is the future outlook for image editors?
- No specific forecast, but about 620 job openings are reported within the group according to recent data. - Can you work as a freelancer?
- Yes, many work as freelancers or combine freelancing with employment. - Which software skills are necessary?
- Knowledge of Photoshop, Lightroom, and other image editing programs is essential.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40600 kr | 41400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43100 kr | 44500 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43700 kr | 45400 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39700 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39300 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37500 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38000 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39700 kr | 40000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39300 kr | 39600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40800 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43300 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 0 kr | |
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33300 kr | 33500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40800 kr | 41600 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43300 kr | 44700 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44000 kr | 0 kr | |
| Snitt | 37700 kr | 38500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35300 kr | 35500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 40900 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 81% | 40100 kr | 41200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 38000 kr | 38100 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 41400 kr | 41400 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39500 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39500 kr | 39800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 41000 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 40100 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 41000 kr | 41900 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45800 kr | |
| Snitt | 40100 kr | 41300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 81% | 33200 kr | 33400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37900 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39800 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37900 kr | 37900 kr |
| 45-54 | 95% | 39200 kr | 39200 kr |
| 55-64 | 100% | 39800 kr | 39900 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 0 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 32900 kr | 0 kr |
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 Image processor has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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