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- Salary statistics
- Decor painter, film salary
Decor painter, film salary
41 100 SEK
Latest available salary statistics are for 2024. Compare average pay, salary range and related job listings.
36 200 - 45 600 SEK / month
Women earn 91% of what men do.
Kultur, media, design
Average salary
41 100 SEK/month
Monthly gross salary
Salary range
36 200 - 45 600 SEK
Latest available range
Data year
2024
Latest published dataset
Related tools
Salary progression Decor painter, film
Average salary
41 100 kr
Males
44 400 kr
Females
40 200 kr
What does a film set designer do – tasks and work environment
A film set designer works on transforming environments and backdrops into visually appealing scenes that support the story in a film production. The role involves painting, patinating, and decorating backdrops, props, and scenography elements according to the scenographer's instructions. Tasks require both artistic sensibility and technical skill, as surfaces often need to be aged, distorted, or given special effects. The work is often carried out in teams alongside other set designers, carpenters, and scenographers, and environments can vary between film studios, temporary construction sites, and outdoor locations. Irregular working hours are common, especially during intensive filming periods, and the work environment can sometimes be dusty, noisy, or involve working at heights.
Salary development over time
The salary for film set designers has shown steady and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, which increased to 39100 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary continued upward to 41 100 SEK, representing an increase of approximately 7.3% over the period. This trend reflects the increasing demand for skilled craftsmen in the film industry, in line with more Swedish and international productions. Salary development can also be explained by employers competing for experienced and specialized set designers, while the industry demands higher technical and artistic competence. Variations between years may partly depend on the size and budget of productions, as well as union negotiations within the cultural sector.
Film set designer salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month
- Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 247 SEK
- Women: 40 200 SEK/month (91% of men's salary)
- Men: 44,400 SEK/month
- Regional differences: No detailed information available
Education and qualifications
To work as a film set designer, an artistic or craft-oriented education is usually required, often focusing on scenography, decoration or painting. Many have completed vocational training in decoration painting or artistic programs at high school, and documented experience from internships or projects in film, theater, or similar creative environments is often sought after. Practical skills and the ability to work in teams are highly valued, and further training in specialized techniques can be advantageous.
- High school education: Artistic programs with focus on visual arts (3 years)
- Vocational college: Decoration painter, scenography, or similar (2 years)
- Certifications: Courses in specialized techniques, e.g., aging or patination
- Internships: Strongly recommended in film, theater, or TV production
- Prerequisites: Good painting and color theory skills, sometimes portfolio submission for admission
Working as a film set designer often requires quickly adapting to new environments and collaborating with people from diverse professional backgrounds. The creative process can be intense and unpredictable, making flexibility and problem-solving skills essential for success in the profession.
Common benefits and compensations
Common benefits for film set designers include union-approved insurances, overtime pay for irregular hours, and access to wellness allowances. Some employers also offer professional development and further training in specialized techniques. Work clothing and protective equipment are typically provided, and larger productions may sometimes offer benefits such as catering and accommodation during filming at other locations.
Competition and challenges
The competition for jobs as a film set designer can be tough, especially on larger productions where demand for experienced and skilled professionals is high. Long working hours and periods of intense work require physical endurance and stress management. Since film projects are often time-limited, set designers must be prepared for uncertainty between assignments, which can make it challenging to plan for stable income. The lack of permanent employment is common in the industry, and networking is often crucial for securing new assignments. At the same time, the profession offers great opportunities for development through experience, collaborations, and specialization in various techniques.
Tips for aspiring film set designers
To succeed as a film set designer, it’s good to be both creative and meticulous, as the profession demands attention to detail and artistic expression. Showing flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to different work environments is valuable, especially as workdays vary and productions change. Building a strong network within the industry is advisable, as many assignments are obtained through recommendations and contacts. Good teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with other creative professionals, and being solution-oriented helps with quick changes and unexpected challenges. Continually developing technical skills, such as taking courses in new painting techniques or materials, can also strengthen employment prospects. Lastly, patience and perseverance are key, as securing permanent assignments can take time but often leads to rewarding and varied work.
Key facts about film set designers
- Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
- Educational level: High school or vocational training with artistic focus
- Work environment: Varies – studio, outdoors, temporary workplaces
- Number of job openings: 620
- Typical employment type: Project-based or temporary employment
Career paths and outlook
After three to five years as a film set designer, many have gained broad experience across different genres and production types, which can lead to more qualified roles such as lead set designer, scenography assistant, or head of the decoration department. Some choose to specialize in advanced techniques, such as aging, patination, or digital painting. Others continue into related areas such as theater, TV, or advertising. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are currently no precise forecasts for the future outlook of film set designers, but within the group "Interior designers, decorators, and scenographers," 620 job openings are reported, indicating some demand. However, the industry is affected by variations in production activity and funding, so job availability may fluctuate over time.
Frequently asked questions about film set designers
- What does a film set designer earn?
- A film set designer has an average salary of 41 100 SEK per month. - How has the salary development been for film set designers?
- The salary has increased from 38,300 SEK in 2022 to 41 100 SEK in 2024, which corresponds to an increase of just over 7%. - What education is required to become a film set designer?
- Usually, a high school or vocational education in art, painting, or scenography, along with practical experience, is required. - Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 91% of what men do in the profession. - What career options are available after a few years in the profession?
- Possible paths include lead set designer, scenography assistant, project manager, or specialization in advanced techniques. - What is the job market like for film set designers?
- Currently, there are 620 job openings, but demand varies depending on production activity. - What are the highest and lowest salaries for film set designers?
- The highest salary is 45,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,200 SEK per month.
Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Decor painter, film is 45600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 45100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Decor painter, film is 36200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44400 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39900 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43900 kr | 45000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44900 kr | 45300 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 40200 kr | 41100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 45000 kr | 45000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43100 kr | 43100 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 43500 kr | 43500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45-54 | 45000 kr | 45000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 43100 kr | 43100 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 43500 kr | 43500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39800 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43800 kr | 45000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44900 kr | 45300 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 40200 kr | 41100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 39800 kr | 40700 kr | |
| 45-54 | 43800 kr | 45000 kr | |
| 55-64 | 44900 kr | 45300 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 40200 kr | 41100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 43600 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 93% | 45600 kr | 45600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 43600 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 91% | 43600 kr | 44400 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33000 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38300 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 41800 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 45000 kr | 45300 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 39300 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42600 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 42600 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 42600 kr | 42600 kr | |
| Snitt | 93% | 42600 kr | 42600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33000 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38300 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 41800 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 45000 kr | 45400 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 39300 kr | 40200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33000 kr | 34000 kr | |
| 35-44 | 38300 kr | 39400 kr | |
| 45-54 | 41800 kr | 43100 kr | |
| 55-64 | 45000 kr | 45400 kr | |
| Snitt | 91% | 39300 kr | 40200 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 Decor painter, film has the SSYK code 3432, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary
31 390
Net salary
31 390
Taxes
11 718
Fees
12 582