How much does a Designer make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Designer
Image that illustrates Designer

Designer

43 600 kr

Graphic designers etc.

39 200 - 48 600 kr / month

Women earn 93% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Designer

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 45 000 kr
Females 41 800 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 21 Vacant jobs ->

What does a designer do? – Tasks and work environment

A designer primarily works with creating, developing, and customizing patterns, illustrations, and graphic elements for various print materials and digital media. The profession is often practiced within advertising, publishing, fashion, or industrial design and involves close collaboration with designers, product developers, and sometimes clients. Tasks may include producing original drawings, adapting existing templates, or creating entirely new visual concepts. The work is generally office-based, often at a computer in creative environments where deadlines and client demands require flexibility and precision.

Salary development over time

The salary development for designers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,500 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 40 800 SEK in 2023. The most significant change occurred between 2023 and 2024, when the average salary rose to 43 600 SEK, representing an increase of about 6.9% over two years. This positive trend can largely be explained by increased demand for digital skills in design and ongoing professionalization of the role. Variations in salary development may also depend on regional differences and technological advancements that have increased the need for specialized skills and further education in the field.

Designer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (men): 39,200 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary (women): 39,700 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (men): 48,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary (women): 43,500 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage: 262 SEK/hour
  • Gender pay gap: Women earn 93% of what men do (men: 45 000 SEK, women: 41 800 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data on specific regions is lacking, but some variations occur depending on the size of the job market and proximity to creative industries.

Education and qualifications

To work as a designer, a post-secondary education in graphic design, pattern construction, or similar fields is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with experience using current digital tools and software. Practical experience, such as through internships or trainee programs, is often advantageous and can speed up employment opportunities within the profession.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education in graphic design or equivalent (2–3 years)
  • Certifications: Courses in Adobe Creative Suite and CAD programs are meritorious
  • Internships: Work experience via internships or trainee programs is highly valued
  • Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of images and form from high school is recommended
  • Tips for choosing: Select education with a strong focus on digital tools and real-world projects

The designer profession is characterized by constant change, where new techniques, trends, and digital tools quickly influence working methods. Those who are curious and willing to learn new skills have great opportunities to develop and find unique niches within the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for designers include wellness allowances, flexible hours, remote work options, and professional development through courses and seminars. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches, occupational pensions, and favorable insurance plans. Bonus or commission-based compensation may occur for project-based assignments.

Competition and challenges

The job market for designers involves some competition, especially in metropolitan areas where many seek careers in creative fields. Challenges often include keeping up with rapid technological developments and continuously developing visual expression to meet new demands. The availability of jobs is also affected by economic cycles and changes within advertising, media, and design sectors. Additionally, the ability to work efficiently in teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously can impose high demands on communication and organization skills.

Tips for aspiring designers

To succeed as a designer, it is beneficial to combine creativity with technical skills and accuracy. Developing a good sense of form and color is crucial, along with the ability to quickly learn new digital tools, which provides a significant advantage. Curiosity and willingness to learn new things facilitate adaptation to industry changes, while teamwork and communication skills are vital when working on projects. Building a strong portfolio and actively networking can open doors to new assignments and employers. Finally, patience and perseverance are important, as the path to your dream job often requires time and dedication.

Key facts about designers

  • Education level: Post-secondary education (2–3 years recommended)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often in creative teams
  • Typical employment: Permanent or project-based
  • Job openings: 620 within the graphic design profession
  • Special skills: Digital design tools and pattern construction

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a designer, there are good opportunities to specialize in areas such as digital design, pattern development, or art direction. Some choose to advance to project managers or start their own design and illustration businesses. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecasts, no exact assessment is made for the profession due to limited data, but ongoing digital development and the broad use of graphic skills suggest continued demand. The graphic design sector currently has 620 job openings, indicating a relatively healthy job market for those with the right skills and experience.

Frequently asked questions about designers

  • What is the average salary of a designer?
    - The average salary for a designer is 43 600 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a designer?
    - A post-secondary education in graphic design or equivalent is recommended.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn approximately 93% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is the job market like for designers?
    - There are currently 620 job openings within the graphic design profession.
  • What personal qualities are important for a designer?
    - Creativity, technical skills, accuracy, and collaboration skills are central qualities.
  • How has the salary evolved in recent years?
    - Salaries have increased from 40,500 SEK (2022) to 43 600 SEK (2024).
  • What benefits are common for designers?
    - Wellness allowances, flexible hours, remote work, and professional development are common benefits.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 23:16:43

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Designer is 48600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Designer 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 39700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 87% 39500 kr 39600 kr
35-44 90% 45100 kr 45200 kr
45-54 97% 46100 kr 46300 kr
55-64 103% 40100 kr 40300 kr
Snitt 93% 43400 kr 43600 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 Designer has the SSYK code 2172, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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