- Salary statistics
- Image therapist salary
Image therapist salary
Latest available salary statistics are for 2025. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
35 700 - 51 300 SEK / month
Women earn 94% of what men do.
Hälso- & sjukvård
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Salary progression Image therapist
What does an art therapist do? – Tasks and work environment
An art therapist works with using artistic expressions as part of the therapy process to promote mental health and well-being. Tasks include leading individual and group sessions where patients can express feelings and process experiences through image creation. Art therapists can work within healthcare, treatment homes, schools, or private practice. The environment is characterized by close patient contact, creative work, and often collaboration with other professionals such as psychologists and counselors.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of an art therapist has developed steadily and shows a positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 39,100 SEK per month, increasing in 2023 to 42 100 SEK. The latest data from 2024 shows a further increase to 43 700 SEK, which represents a salary increase of approximately 7.7% over the period. Factors driving this development include increased demand for psychosocial interventions in healthcare, higher requirements for specialist competence, and a general trend towards higher wages in the health and medical sector. Regional variations may occur, but the overall trend is that the profession continues to be highly valued, especially where art therapy is integrated into treatment chains.
Art therapist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 43 700 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 50,800 SEK/month (men), 50,200 SEK/month (women)
- Lowest salary: 36,000 SEK/month (men), 33,200 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 253 SEK
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 94% of what men do
- Regional differences: Some variation exists, especially between larger cities and rural areas
Education and qualifications
To work as an art therapist, a university degree in art therapy is usually required, often supplemented with previous studies in healthcare, psychology, or art. Many programs include both theoretical components and practical supervision. There are also opportunities for further specialization through postgraduate courses and certification via professional organizations.
- Formal education: University degree in art therapy (3–4 years)
- Certifications: Certification options via the Swedish Association for Art Therapists
- Internship: Mandatory practical training during the program
- Prerequisites: Often previous studies in healthcare, psychology, or art
- Further education: Specialist courses and supervision are recommended
Art therapists often use various materials and creative techniques to tailor therapy to individual needs, making each session entirely unique. The creative interaction between therapist and client is a central strength of the profession and makes the work both stimulating and challenging.
Common benefits and compensations
Art therapists often have access to standard benefits such as wellness allowances, occupational pension, and professional development. Some employment offers flexible working hours, remote work options, and supervision. Additional compensation may be provided for unsociable hours or special assignments.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as an art therapist can vary depending on the region and employer. In larger cities, the job market is often more dynamic, while in smaller towns, fewer positions may be available. Challenges in the profession include demonstrating the effectiveness and value of art therapy within a care chain that primarily focuses on traditional treatment methods. Art therapists also need to continuously develop their skills and adapt to new research findings. Collaboration with other professionals and the ability to work independently are crucial for success.
Tips for those who want to become an art therapist
To succeed as an art therapist, it is good to combine a strong interest in mental health with well-developed creative skills. Being attentive and empathetic is important, as meetings often involve sensitive topics and require a deep understanding of individual needs. Patience and flexibility facilitate situations where clients need time to open up through artistic expression. Good teamwork skills are also important, as the work often takes place in teams with other professionals. Finally, analytical thinking helps interpret the images and processes that arise during therapy, enabling tailored interventions and creating a safe developmental environment.
Key facts about Art Therapist
- Education level: University degree (3–4 years) with specialization
- Work environment: Healthcare, treatment homes, schools, and private practice
- Demand: 375 job openings in Sweden (2024)
- Common work form: Individual and group therapy
- Gender distribution: Majority women but men have slightly higher salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, an art therapist can advance to specialist roles within specific areas, such as working with children, the elderly, or trauma. Opportunities also exist to become supervisors, trainers, or to conduct research in art therapy. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, demand for specialists in healthcare remains strong, and art therapists with further education or experience in various care settings have particularly good prospects. The development of psychosocial treatment methods and increased acceptance of creative therapies are expected to benefit the profession's future.
Frequently asked questions about Art Therapist
- What does an Art Therapist earn?
- An art therapist has an average salary of 43 700 SEK per month, but the salary varies depending on experience, education, and workplace. - What education is required to become an art therapist?
- A university degree in art therapy is required, often combined with previous studies in healthcare, pedagogy, or art. - Are there salary differences between men and women?
- Yes, women earn on average 94% of what men do within the profession. - Where do art therapists work?
- Art therapists work within healthcare, treatment homes, schools, and private practices. - What are the future prospects for art therapists?
- Demand remains good with 375 job openings in Sweden. - What is the highest and lowest salary for an art therapist?
- The highest salary is 50,800 SEK (men), 50,200 SEK (women); the lowest salary is 36,000 SEK (men), 33,200 SEK (women). - What personal qualities are important for an art therapist?
- Empathy, creativity, patience, and analytical skills are especially valuable qualities.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 35600 kr | 36100 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41300 kr | 41700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 46300 kr | 47300 kr | |
| 55-64 | 48800 kr | 49700 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 43000 kr | 43700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 28600 kr | 29200 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 35400 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41300 kr | 41700 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 46600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 49400 kr | 50700 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 55100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 42700 kr | 43400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 45900 kr | 46000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 28600 kr | 29200 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 35400 kr | 35900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41200 kr | 41700 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 46600 kr | 47700 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 49500 kr | 50800 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 55100 kr | 55100 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 42700 kr | 43400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 94% | 44500 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 27500 kr | 27500 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 34400 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 49300 kr | 51800 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 53300 kr | 55300 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 57500 kr | 57500 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 44400 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 27500 kr | 27500 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 34400 kr | 34900 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41300 kr | 41900 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 49400 kr | 51900 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 53300 kr | 55300 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 57500 kr | 57500 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 44400 kr | 45700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 36100 kr | 36600 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41400 kr | 41700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 45400 kr | 45900 kr | |
| 55-64 | 47400 kr | 48000 kr | |
| Snitt | 94% | 42500 kr | 43000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 28800 kr | 29500 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 35800 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41300 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 45600 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 47700 kr | 48600 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 42100 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 46900 kr | 46900 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 107% | 28800 kr | 29500 kr |
| 25-34 | 104% | 35800 kr | 36200 kr |
| 35-44 | 99% | 41200 kr | 41600 kr |
| 45-54 | 89% | 45600 kr | 46100 kr |
| 55-64 | 88% | 47700 kr | 48700 kr |
| 65-68 | 95% | 54400 kr | 54400 kr |
| Snitt | 93% | 42100 kr | 42600 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 therapist has the SSYK code 2289, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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