Decor carpenter

What does a decorator carpenter do? – Tasks and work environment

A decorator carpenter primarily works with creating, building, and installing decorative elements for theater, film, TV productions, exhibitions, and events. Tasks include interpreting drawings and sketches, selecting materials, and performing carpentry with high precision and attention to detail. The work is often done in close collaboration with scenographers, designers, and other creatives, where flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential. The work environment can vary greatly – from workshops and studios to temporary construction sites and studios, requiring adaptability and safety awareness.

Salary development over time

The salary for decorator carpenters has shown some fluctuations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, which increased to 33 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, a slight decrease has been noted, with an average salary of 32 300 SEK. This development represents a total increase of about 6% from 2022 to 2024, but a small decrease of 2% between 2023 and 2024. Variations may be due to changes in demand for decoration work within the culture and events industry, as well as an increased supply of trained carpenters. Market fluctuations and project-based employment also contribute to salary variations from year to year.

Decorator carpenter salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available, but variations occur depending on experience and workplace
• Hourly wage: 194 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Men earn 32 300 SEK; specific data for women is not available
• Regional differences: Data not available, but differences may occur depending on demand in metropolitan areas and within the culture sector

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a decorator carpenter often involves completing the upper secondary vocational program with a focus on fine carpentry, followed by specialized courses or higher vocational education in decoration and scenography. Practical experience is highly valued, and many employers seek references from theater, film, or exhibition projects. Creativity, technical skills, and the ability to work from drawings are central qualifications for the profession.

• Upper secondary education: Vocational program with specialization in fine carpentry (3 years)
• Higher vocational education: Specialized courses in decoration, scenography, or furniture carpentry (1–2 years)
• Internship: Apprenticeship or internship at theater/film studios provides valuable experience
• Courses: Additional courses in material science, CAD, or color theory can be advantageous
• Portfolio: Documented work samples and reference projects facilitate employment

Common benefits and compensations

Decorator carpenters are often covered by collective agreements that provide access to occupational pension, insurance, and compensation for unsociable hours. Other common benefits include wellness allowances, work clothing, and sometimes opportunities for further training through the employer. In project-based employment, travel allowances and per diems may also be provided depending on the location of the workplace.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession of decorator carpenter is assessed as high nationally, with a surplus of trained individuals compared to available positions. The employment agency’s forecast indicates limited opportunities for work, with demand expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Since the profession is often project-based and dependent on cultural budgets and the event industry’s economic cycle, employment can be temporary and uncertain. Challenges also include staying updated on new materials and techniques, as well as physical strain and a fast-paced environment, which can be demanding physically and mentally.

Tips for those who want to become a decorator carpenter

To succeed as a decorator carpenter, it is important to combine technical skills with creativity and an eye for detail. Being solution-oriented under tight deadlines is crucial, especially when unexpected challenges arise during production. Good teamwork skills are helpful when working with scenographers and directors. It is also important to be curious about new materials and techniques, which facilitates adaptation to different projects. A structured and meticulous approach reduces errors and contributes to high-quality work. Building a strong portfolio with documented projects is an investment for the future, and working on physical endurance helps with heavy or monotonous tasks.

Key facts about Decorator Carpenters

• Educational level: Upper secondary or higher vocational education in carpentry/decor
• Work environment: Workshop, studio, atelier, or construction site
• Type of employment: Often project-based or freelance
• Demand: Limited opportunities, unchanged forecast (Arbetsförmedlingen 2024)
• Special skills: Material knowledge, reading drawings, creative problem solving

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a decorator carpenter can develop into a supervisor, project manager, or specialize in advanced decorative constructions for larger productions. Some choose to start their own business as freelancers or entrepreneurs in events and exhibitions. According to the employment agency’s forecast for fine, interior, and furniture carpenters, the job market remains stable but competitive, with limited opportunities for permanent employment and an oversupply of trained workers. Despite this, there are approximately 341 available jobs in the field, indicating that project-based work and temporary positions are common. In the long term, experience in decoration can open doors to roles such as scenographer, technical coordinator, or trainer within craft trades.

Frequently asked questions about Decorator Carpenters

• What does a decorator carpenter earn?
  - A decorator carpenter has an average salary of 32 300 SEK per month.
• How to become a decorator carpenter?
  - Most commonly, by completing the vocational program with a specialization in fine carpentry, sometimes supplemented with specialized courses in decoration or scenography.
• What work environments are common for decorator carpenters?
  - Work often takes place in workshops, studios, ateliers, or on construction sites, depending on the project’s nature.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Salary data shows that men earn 32 300 SEK; specific data for women is not available.
• What are the future prospects for the profession?
  - The forecast indicates limited opportunities for employment with unchanged demand over the next five years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Creativity, accuracy, teamwork skills, and technical interest are highly valued in the profession.
• Can you work as a freelance decorator carpenter?
  - Yes, many decorator carpenters work project-based as freelancers or self-employed.