Enamel

What does an enameller do? – Tasks and work environment

An enameller works with decorating and refining metal objects by applying enamel, a glass-like surface fused onto metal at high temperatures. Tasks often include meticulous cleaning of surfaces, applying enamel powder or paste, and heating in a specialized kiln to create a durable and decorative surface. It can also involve design work, color choices, and sometimes repairing or restoring older enameled objects. The work environment is typically a craft workshop or studio space with high demands on precision, concentration, and safe handling of chemicals and heat sources.

Salary development over time

The salary for enamellers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 34,382 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 34 662 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 34 807 SEK per month. The total increase from 2022 to 2024 amounts to approximately 1.2 %, reflecting cautious but steady wage growth. This slow growth can be explained by the relatively constant demand for craft professions like enamelling, while the profession remains niche with a limited number of practitioners. The market is also influenced by economic conditions in the craft and jewelry sectors, where specialized skills and experience are often valued higher than formal salary progression.

Enameller salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 34 807 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
• Hourly wage: 209 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: No specific data on men or women
• Regional differences: Data missing

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming an enameller often goes through craft education focused on metalwork, jewelry art, or gold and silversmithing. Formal training is usually combined with practical experience, as the craft requires great dexterity and attention to detail. There are also opportunities to specialize through shorter courses and apprenticeships with established enamellers.

• Formal education: Craft program (3 years) or equivalent adult education
• YH (Vocational Higher Education): Jewelry design or metal crafts (1–2 years)
• Practical training: Apprenticeship with a professional enameller or smith
• Courses: Specialized courses in enameling techniques and metalworking
• Prerequisites: Interest in form, color, and meticulous craftsmanship

Common benefits and compensations

Enamellers often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, insurance, and flexible working hours, especially if employed by larger workshops or companies. Artistic freedom and the possibility to work in their own studio are also common, along with access to tools and specialized equipment.

Competition and challenges

The profession of enameller is characterized by high competition, mainly due to the limited job market and few available positions. Since the craft is niche, practitioners often need to build their own reputation and customer base. Another challenge is staying updated with new techniques and materials while preserving traditional knowledge. The availability of assignments can vary depending on economic conditions and demand within the art and jewelry industries. For those wishing to establish themselves, patience and a willingness to further develop their craft are essential.

Tips for aspiring enamellers

To succeed as an enameller, patience and an eye for detail are important, as precision is crucial in both applying and firing enamel. Creativity and an interest in color and form help when developing your own patterns or signature works. Collaboration skills are also important, especially when working with other artisans or clients. Actively seeking internships and adopting new techniques give an advantage in the job market, and curiosity about new materials and methods can open up more opportunities. Finally, being persistent and business-minded is beneficial, as self-employment is common in the profession and requires marketing and long-term planning.

Key facts about enamellers

• Education level: Craft program or equivalent vocational training
• Work environment: Workshop or studio with specialized equipment
• Work form: Usually self-employed or employed by jewelry companies
• Demand: Niche market with few available positions
• Special skills: Enameling techniques and material knowledge

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an enameller, many develop their own collections, work as studio managers, or establish themselves as freelancers in art and craft. It is also common to combine the profession with teaching or restoration commissions. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there is not enough data for a clear forecast on future prospects for enamellers, as the profession is part of the broader group of gold and silversmiths. In this group, 341 job openings were recorded recently, indicating opportunities, but competition is high and specialization is valued.

Frequently asked questions about enamellers

• What does an enameller earn?
  - An enameller has an average salary of 34 807 SEK per month.
• How do you become an enameller?
  - The most common path is to attend a craft program or vocational training in metalwork or jewelry design, followed by an apprenticeship.
• What workplaces can you work at?
  - Enamellers often work in their own studios, at jewelry companies, or within art and craft collectives.
• What is the job market like for enamellers?
  - The market is niche with few available positions, but specialized knowledge and experience increase chances.
• What do enamellers do during their days?
  - The workday involves designing, applying enamel, firing in a kiln, and sometimes customer contact or sales.
• Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
  - There is no specific data on gender differences in salaries for enamellers.
• Can you work as an enameller abroad?
  - Yes, but it often requires building your own network and adapting to local markets.