Image that illustrates Dramaturge

Dramaturge

44 500 kr

Authors etc.

44 200 - 45 200 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dramaturge

Average salary 44 500 kr
Males 45 100 kr
Females 44 200 kr
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What does a dramaturg do? – Tasks and work environment

Dramaturgs analyze, develop, and process scripts within theater, film, TV, and other performing arts. Tasks include reading and interpreting texts, suggesting changes, collaborating with directors, writers, and producers, and sometimes writing their own scripts or adapting existing ones. The role often involves overseeing the artistic vision and ensuring that the story structure and themes work for the current production. Dramaturgs typically work in creative environments such as theaters, production companies, or as freelancers, which can involve both project-based work and more permanent employment.

Salary development over time

The salary for a dramaturg has shown a clear positive trend in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,000 SEK per month, increasing to 42 100 SEK in 2023. The latest data for 2024 shows a further increase to 44,500 SEK, representing a total growth of approximately 11% over three years. This development reflects an increased demand for qualified dramaturgs as more productions are carried out in both theater and film. The industry’s increased professionalism and a greater focus on storytelling and script development have also contributed to rising wages. Gender differences are relatively small, but salary ranges are influenced by factors such as employment type and employer sector.

Dramaturg salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 44,500 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 44,200 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 45,200 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 268 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (men: 45 100 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

To work as a dramaturg, a university degree in literature, theater studies, dramaturgy, or related arts subjects is usually required. Many have also completed specialized training at arts colleges, and practical experience in script work or production is often advantageous. The industry highly values analytical ability, creativity, and experience working collaboratively in artistic teams.

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (3 years)
  • Master’s degree in dramaturgy, theater, or scriptwriting (2 years, optional but advantageous)
  • Internship at theater, film, or TV production
  • Courses in script development and storytelling techniques
  • Experience in writing or project work

Dramaturgs are often the hub of creative teams and serve as bridges between writers, directors, and producers. Those skilled at listening and interpreting different artistic visions often become indispensable in productions.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Most dramaturgs are covered by collective agreements that include occupational pension, holiday pay, and insurance. Benefits such as professional development, remote work options, and free or subsidized tickets to performances are common, especially within larger cultural institutions. Freelance dramaturgs may sometimes negotiate individual fees and honoraria.

Competition and challenges

The dramaturg profession is attractive, and competition for permanent positions is high, especially at larger institutions and production companies. Many work project-based or as freelancers, requiring flexibility and the ability to build a professional network. Challenges often include working against deadlines while balancing artistic integrity with production demands. The industry is changing and requires ongoing skills development to stay current, especially with new storytelling formats and digital platforms.

Tips for aspiring dramaturgs

To succeed as a dramaturg, having a genuine interest in storytelling and the ability to analyze scripts and texts is beneficial. Analytical skills help identify strengths and weaknesses in scripts, while good collaboration skills facilitate communication with directors and writers. Creativity is crucial for contributing new ideas and solutions, and a structured work approach helps manage multiple projects. Building a network in the industry and actively seeking internships or smaller assignments provides valuable experience. Persistence and curiosity are key drivers for development and finding your place in a competitive but rewarding profession.

Key facts about Dramaturg

  • Education level: Bachelor’s degree in arts or humanities
  • Work environment: Creative teams and project-based settings
  • Employment type: Both permanent and freelance
  • Demand: 620 available jobs in the profession
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, many dramaturgs have opportunities to advance to more senior roles, such as chief dramaturg, script supervisor, or artistic director at theaters or production companies. Some choose to specialize further in film, TV, or digital media, while others move into teaching or consulting. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, future prospects are stable, with continued demand for dramaturgs in both public and private sectors. The number of available jobs in the profession currently stands at 620, indicating good opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.

Frequently asked questions about Dramaturg

  • What does a Dramaturg earn?
    - The average salary for a dramaturg is 44,500 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in salary for dramaturgs?
    - Women earn on average 98% of what men do within the profession.
  • What is required to become a dramaturg?
    - Usually, a bachelor’s degree in arts or humanities and experience in script work are necessary.
  • Are there many job openings for dramaturgs?
    - Currently, there are 620 available jobs within the writer profession and related fields.
  • Where can a dramaturg work?
    - Dramaturgs often work at theaters, production companies, in film and TV, or as freelancers.
  • What are the career prospects for dramaturgs?
    - After a few years, opportunities to advance to chief dramaturg or artistic director are available.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a dramaturg?
    - The highest salary is 45,200 SEK and the lowest is 44,200 SEK per month.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Dramaturge is 45200 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44500 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Dramaturge is 44200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 37400 kr 37500 kr
35-44 43700 kr 43700 kr
45-54 47900 kr 48300 kr
55-64 48700 kr 48900 kr
Snitt 98% 44300 kr 44500 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 Dramaturge has the SSYK code 2641, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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