Salary progression Design assistant

Average salary 51 700 kr
Males 54 600 kr
Females 49 400 kr

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 48 100 SEK in 2023. Subsequently, there was a significant increase to 51 700 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: 51 700 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 54 600 SEK, women 49 400 SEK (women earn 91% 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 91% 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 51 700 SEK.
  • Are there significant pay differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn on average 54 600 SEK while women earn 49 400 SEK, which means women earn 91% 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.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Design assistant is 55100 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 51900 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Design assistant is 40500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 44600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 47300 kr 47400 kr
35-44 94% 51800 kr 52100 kr
45-54 55400 kr 56000 kr
55-64 55700 kr 56200 kr
Snitt 91% 51300 kr 51700 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 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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