How much does a Cellist make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Cellist
Image that illustrates Cellist

Cellist

48 300 kr

Musicians, singers and composers

42 200 - 51 900 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Cellist

Average salary 48 300 kr
Males 51 900 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a cellist do? – tasks and work environment

A cellist is a musician who specializes in playing the cello, a string instrument with a central role in classical music but also found in jazz, pop, and contemporary music. Tasks include everything from solo performances to orchestra work, chamber music, and studio recordings. A cellist prepares through daily practice, studying sheet music, and participating in rehearsals for concerts or performances. The work environment varies from concert halls and theaters to TV studios, schools, and sometimes private events. Many cellists are freelancers, combining fixed engagements with project-based work or teaching.

Salary development over time

The salary for a cellist has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK per month, then increased slightly to 44 300 SEK during 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a clear rise, with the average salary reaching 48 300 SEK, corresponding to an increase of about 9% over a year. This positive trend can be explained by increased demand for skilled musicians, as well as general salary adjustments within the cultural sector. Salary differences between years may also depend on the number of major engagements, access to public funds, and competition for permanent positions in larger orchestras. Despite the increase, clear gender salary gaps within the profession remain.

Cellist salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education less than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 290 SEK
  • Women: 44,200 SEK/month (85% of men's salary)
  • Men: 51,900 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a cellist, a longer music education is usually required, often at a music college or conservatory. The education combines instrumental technique, music theory, and stage experience with individual coaching and ensemble work. Many start playing the cello at a young age and continue with advanced studies at high school and post-secondary levels. Internships and project work are common, as well as participation in masterclasses and competitions.

  • Music college education: 3–5 years (bachelor's or master's degree)
  • Basic music school education: Often starts in childhood
  • Masterclasses and workshops: Ongoing throughout career
  • Prerequisites: Good sight-reading, musicality, and instrument technique
  • Internships: Orchestra projects, ensemble work, and stage performances
  • Self-study: Daily practice and repertoire development

Many cellists build international networks by participating in music competitions and festivals worldwide. This can open doors for collaborations and tours that would otherwise be difficult to access, especially for young musicians entering the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Cellists with permanent employment are often offered occupational pension schemes, insurance, and wellness contributions. Freelance assignments may include reimbursements for travel, accommodation, and instrument insurance. Concerts and tours sometimes include per diems and overtime pay, especially for weekend work or late performances.

Competition and challenges

The competition for permanent positions as a cellist in orchestras and institutions is very fierce, as the number of trained musicians often exceeds available vacancies. Many work as freelancers or combine playing with teaching. The profession requires high resilience, discipline, and the ability to handle performance anxiety, especially during auditions and tryouts. The job market is sensitive to economic fluctuations in the cultural sector, and long periods without fixed engagements are common. Nevertheless, skilled and flexible musicians can establish long-term careers, especially if open to genre diversity and international collaborations.

Tips for aspiring cellists

To succeed as a cellist, it is important to develop strong discipline and perseverance early on, as daily practice is crucial for both technique and musical expression. Good collaboration and listening skills facilitate work in orchestras or ensembles, where coordination is key. Curiosity and flexibility open opportunities to explore different music styles and projects, broadening career paths. Self-criticism without losing motivation helps manage auditions and tryouts, where competition is tough. Building a professional network through competitions, festivals, and masterclasses often provides valuable contacts and new opportunities. Creativity and self-marketing, such as via social media, are valuable in today’s music industry. Finally, patience is essential, as the road to stable engagements and recognition is often long and requires determination.

Key facts about the cellist profession

  • Education level: Music college education (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Concert halls, studios, schools, or freelance
  • Typical employment: Freelance or project-based
  • Demand: High in larger cities and institutions
  • Special skills: Instrument technique and sight-reading

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many cellists establish themselves as freelancers or secure permanent positions in orchestras, opera houses, or chamber music ensembles. Some choose to further train as soloists or conductors, while others combine playing with teaching or music production. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts for "Musicians, singers, and composers," job opportunities are expected to be plentiful, although competition for permanent roles remains high. Over five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged. There are approximately 620 job openings in the field, indicating some mobility and ongoing need for qualified cellists, especially in larger cities and institutions.

Frequently asked questions about cellists

  • What is the average salary of a cellist?
    - A cellist earns approximately 48 300 SEK per month.
  • What is a cellist's hourly wage?
    - The hourly wage is about 290 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a cellist?
    - Usually, a music college education of 3–5 years plus prior studies in cello.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn on average 85% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for cellists?
    - Opportunities are plentiful, but competition for permanent positions is tough.
  • What are common work environments for cellists?
    - Most common are concert halls, studios, schools, and various events, often in larger cities.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a cellist?
    - The highest salary is 51,900 SEK and the lowest is 42,200 SEK per month.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 01:22:01

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Cellist is 51900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Cellist is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 88% 47600 kr 48100 kr
45-54 44100 kr 44900 kr
55-64 96% 46900 kr 48100 kr
65-68 45500 kr 46800 kr
Snitt 85% 47400 kr 48300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 Cellist has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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