Decor painter, theater

What does a set designer painter do in theater? – Tasks and work environment

A theater set designer painter works with creating and painting scenic elements and decorations for theater productions. Tasks include interpreting scenic sketches, selecting and applying colors, textures, and effects on backdrops, props, and scenery. The profession requires great precision, artistic sense, and technical skill, as the painter often works on large surfaces and with various materials such as wood, fabric, and metal. Work is usually performed in theater workshops and on stage, often under tight deadlines before premieres. The work environment can be physically demanding and sometimes involves working at heights and handling paints and chemicals.

Salary development over time

The salary for theater set designer painters has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, increasing to 39100 SEK in 2023 and further to 41 100 SEK in 2024. This represents a total salary increase of approximately 7.3% during the period. This positive trend reflects increased demand for skilled set designer painters and generally higher salary levels within the culture sector, especially for specialized skills. Salaries are also influenced by factors such as work experience and education level, and recent years have seen the job market benefit from larger investments in cultural productions and new stage projects.

Theater set designer painter salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (woman, high school education, private sector)
• Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month (man, private employee)
• Hourly wage: 247 SEK/hour
• Men earn: 44,400 SEK/month
• Women earn: 40 200 SEK/month
• Women earn: 91% of what men do

Education and qualifications

To work as a theater set designer painter, a background in art with specialization in scenography, decoration, or painting is usually required. Many have completed vocational training at the high school level or higher education in art and design, with practical experience highly valued. It is also common to supplement with courses in specialized techniques, color theory, and material science. Internships during training often provide valuable industry contacts and insight into the theater's workflow.

• High school education: Artistic program with focus on visual arts (3 years)
• Post-secondary education: University studies in art, scenography, or decoration (2–4 years)
• Internship: Industry practice or apprenticeship at a theater
• Specialized courses: Color theory, material science, technical painting
• Prerequisites: Good artistic ability and knowledge of materials

Common benefits and compensations

Within the theater industry, set designer painters are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and wellness allowances. Vacation pay and overtime premiums for evening and weekend work are common, especially during intense production periods. Some employers also offer opportunities for professional development and participation in internal workshops.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a theater set designer painter is characterized by high competition, especially for permanent positions at larger institutions. Many work project-based or as freelancers and must therefore be flexible and quick to adapt to different productions and teams. Challenges often include tight deadlines, physically demanding tasks, and the need to continually update skills with new techniques and materials. Since the job market is relatively small, a strong network and good references are essential for securing recurring assignments.

Tips for aspiring theater set designer painters

To succeed as a theater set designer painter, it is beneficial to have a strong artistic talent and an eye for detail, which facilitates translating sketches into reality. Building a broad portfolio of work samples and being open to internships and project work is crucial, as experience and references are vital in the industry. Developing teamwork skills is important, as the work often involves collaboration with various professionals in theater. Show flexibility and initiative by exploring new techniques and materials, and be prepared for workload fluctuations depending on production phases. Creativity, patience, and a positive attitude help manage challenges and unexpected changes. A genuine interest in theater and performing arts provides extra motivation and understanding of the profession’s unique demands.

Key facts about theater set designer painters

• Education level: High school or post-secondary art education
• Work environment: Workshop, stage, and studio
• Employment type: Project-based or permanent employment, often covered by collective agreements
• Demand: 620 available jobs within the profession
• Special skills: Color theory, material handling, artistic painting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a theater set designer painter can advance to leadership roles such as workshop supervisor or take responsibility for scenography and painting in larger productions. Some choose to specialize in artistic techniques or work as freelancers with assignments for theater, film, and television. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is no specific forecast data for the profession, but the broader industry reports about 620 available jobs and stable demand for specialist skills. Future prospects are influenced by cultural sector investments and vary regionally, with larger cities and institutions often offering more opportunities.

Common questions about theater set designer painters

• What does a theater set designer painter earn?
  - The average salary is 41 100 SEK per month, with variations between 36,200 SEK and 45,600 SEK depending on experience, education, and sector.
• How does one become a theater set designer painter?
  - The most common route is artistic education at the high school level followed by university studies in art or scenography and internships at a theater.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn an average of 44,400 SEK and women 40 200 SEK, which means women earn approximately 91% of men's salaries.
• What is the work environment like for a theater set designer painter?
  - The work takes place in workshops, studios, and on stage, often under time pressure and involving physically demanding tasks.
• What are the future prospects?
  - There is no exact forecast for the profession, but the industry reports about 620 available jobs and stable demand.
• What personal qualities are important in this profession?
  - Creativity, precision, teamwork skills, and flexibility are especially valuable for success as a set designer painter.
• What is the lowest and highest salary for a theater set designer painter?
  - The lowest salary is 36,200 SEK (woman, high school education, private sector) and the highest is 45,600 SEK (man, private employee).