How much does a Design assistant make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Design assistant
Image that illustrates Design assistant

Design assistant

48 100 kr

Other designers and creators

39 200 - 54 200 kr / month

Women earn 84% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Design assistant

Average salary 48 100 kr
Males 53 800 kr
Females 44 900 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 8 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Design Assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A Design Assistant works closely with designers and creators to develop and realize creative ideas within areas such as fashion, interior design, or graphic design. Tasks often include assisting in the design process, managing material samples, creating sketches, updating technical drawings, and communicating with suppliers. The role also involves organizing and documenting projects, participating in collection meetings, and meeting deadlines. The work environment is often dynamic and varied, with both independent tasks and teamwork, where the pace can be high before deadlines and collection launches.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary for a Design Assistant has shown some variation but with a clear positive trend. In 2022, the average salary was 47,400 SEK per month, which decreased slightly to 46 300 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, there was a significant increase to 48 100 SEK in 2024, corresponding to an increase of about 3.9% between 2023 and 2024. This development can partly be explained by increased demand for creative roles in the design industry, as employers compete for talent with the right digital and technical skills. Variations may also be due to economic fluctuations and changes in project volumes within the industry.

Design Assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,200 SEK/month (men), 42,900 SEK/month (women)
  • Highest salary: 54,200 SEK/month (men), 52,200 SEK/month (women)
  • Hourly wage: 289 SEK/hour (average, hourly-paid)
  • Gender pay gap: Men earn 53 800 SEK, women 44 900 SEK (women earn 84% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: No data available on regional variations

Education and qualifications

To work as a Design Assistant, a high school education in design, art, or crafts is typically required, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or practical training. Many employers also value experience with relevant design software and the ability to collaborate in creative teams. Internships, trainee positions, and self-study are common pathways into the profession.

  • Formal education: High school diploma (3 years) in design, art, or crafts
  • Post-secondary studies: YH training or university courses (1–3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, or similar tools
  • Internships: Usually required, often through education or summer jobs
  • Prerequisites: Interest in color, form, and design processes

Many Design Assistants are given early responsibility for important project aspects that influence the final outcome. An eye for detail and good communication skills can quickly provide opportunities to grow and take initiative within the team.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Design Assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized lunches, and flexible working hours. In some cases, opportunities for skills development through internal training or participation in fairs and industry events are included. For project-based employment, bonuses or extra compensation for work outside regular hours may also occur.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Design Assistant is relatively high, especially in major cities and popular industries like fashion and interior design. Many employers require digital skills and familiarity with modern design tools, making it important to continuously update your knowledge. Since the profession is often project-based, workload can vary over time, and tight deadlines are common. To stand out during recruitment, a strong portfolio and the ability to adapt quickly to different work environments are often necessary. Additionally, uncertainty regarding future projects may mean temporary or freelance work is common early in the career.

Tips for aspiring Design Assistants

To succeed as a Design Assistant, it is beneficial to be curious and proactive in your development. Good organizational skills help when managing multiple projects, while creativity and an aesthetic sense aid in finding innovative solutions. Demonstrating teamwork and being receptive to colleagues' ideas build trust within the team, and clear communication makes it easier to interpret and realize designers' visions. Early creation of a portfolio with work samples and staying updated on industry trends are also smart strategies. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial, especially as tasks shift quickly between different projects.

Key facts about Design Assistants

  • Education level: High school diploma or post-secondary education in design
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in creative teams and project settings
  • Type of employment: Usually project-based or temporary employment
  • Demand: 620 job openings in spring 2024
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 84% of men's salaries

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Design Assistant, driven individuals with good results can advance to roles such as Designer, Project Manager, or Specialized Designer. Many also choose to deepen their expertise in areas like digital design, textile design, or product development. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no detailed assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but demand remains strong across the entire field with 620 job openings in spring 2024. Future outlooks are influenced by trends in digitalization and sustainability, where new skills are increasingly sought after by employers.

Frequently asked questions about Design Assistants

  • What is the average salary of a Design Assistant?
    - A Design Assistant has an average monthly salary of 48 100 SEK.
  • Are there significant pay differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 53 800 SEK while women earn 44 900 SEK, which means women earn 84% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Design Assistant?
    - The most common requirement is a high school education in design, often supplemented with post-secondary courses or internships.
  • What is the job market like for Design Assistants?
    - There are 620 job openings in spring 2024, but competition is high.
  • What are the most common job duties?
    - Assisting in design work, material management, sketches, technical drawings, and project administration.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - Yes, advancing to roles like Designer or Project Manager after a few years is common.
  • What is the hourly wage for a Design Assistant?
    - The average hourly wage is 289 SEK.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 06:23:40

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Design assistant is 54200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Private sector with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 52200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Design assistant is 39200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 42900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 41100 kr 41200 kr
35-44 83% 48000 kr 48100 kr
45-54 82% 57700 kr 58000 kr
55-64 48100 kr 48200 kr
Snitt 84% 47900 kr 48100 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 Design assistant has the SSYK code 2179, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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