Image that illustrates Filming

Filming

37 300 kr

Photographers

36 100 - 39 600 kr / month

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Filming

Average salary 37 300 kr
Males 39 500 kr
Females 0 kr

What does a filmmaker do? – Tasks and work environment

A filmmaker works with planning, recording, and sometimes editing moving images for film, TV, or digital media. The profession involves many different steps, from pre-production and storytelling planning to practical camera work and post-production. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with other roles such as directors, producers, and lighting technicians. The work environment varies greatly – some days are spent in a studio, others at outdoor locations or in demanding environments. Working hours can be irregular, and projects are often intensive, especially for larger productions or shoots with tight schedules.

Salary development over time

The salary for filmmakers has shown a steady but moderate increase over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 36,400 SEK per month, which increased to 37 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 37 300 SEK. The total increase during this period is approximately 5%, indicating a stable but cautious salary development. Contributing factors may include increased demand for moving content within digital channels, but also ongoing competition for assignments. Salary levels are also affected by project-based employment and varying workloads between different productions.

Filmmaker salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 37 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,100 SEK/month (male, post-secondary short education)
  • Highest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (male, public sector, high school education)
  • Hourly wage: 224 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn on average 39 500 SEK/month, data on women is unavailable
  • Regional differences: Specific data is lacking, but variations occur depending on the production center

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a filmmaker is often varied, combining formal education and practical experience. Many filmmakers have higher education in film, media, or photography, but it is also common to supplement with short courses, internships, and self-study. The industry values technical skills, creativity, and experience working in teams. Internships and networking are important steps into the profession.

  • Formal education: University or vocational college education in film, media, or photography (2–4 years)
  • Courses and certifications: Specialized courses in camera technology, lighting, or editing
  • Internships: Often required as part of education or as trainee positions
  • Prerequisites: Good computer skills and technical interest are advantageous
  • Self-study: Many build their skills through personal projects and online courses

A filmmaker often needs to quickly adapt to different environments and unexpected situations. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are crucial, especially during on-location shoots where conditions can change at short notice.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Filmmakers are often offered project-based employment that includes compensation for unsociable hours, per diems during travel, and opportunities for further training through employers or industry organizations. Some employers also provide access to equipment and technical support. Benefits may vary depending on whether the employment is within the public sector, private companies, or freelance work.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the film industry is high, especially for the more attractive and larger productions. Many filmmakers work as freelancers and rely on a strong network to secure ongoing assignments. Uncertainty related to project-based employment and access to funding can pose challenges, as well as the need to stay updated with new technology and changing working methods. Additionally, long working hours and working at odd times can affect work-life balance.

Tips for aspiring filmmakers

To succeed as a filmmaker, it’s good to be both technically curious and creative. Building a strong network through internships and collaborations increases chances of assignments and experience. Attention to detail and good planning skills are important for managing complex projects. Flexibility is needed to quickly adapt to new environments and changing conditions during filming. Being communicative and collaborative facilitates teamwork with other professionals. Another key to success is continuous education, such as through courses or personal projects, to stay updated with technological developments.

Key facts about filmmakers

  • Education level: Usually university education (2–4 years) in film or media
  • Work environment: Varies between studio and filming locations, often irregular hours
  • Employment type: Commonly freelance or project-based employment
  • Demand: Approximately 620 job openings within the profession of photographers
  • Special skills: Camera technology, lighting, and editing

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years in the profession, a filmmaker can take on more advanced roles, such as chief cameraman, assistant director, or producer. Specialization within documentary, advertising, or digital production is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the profession of photographers, which includes filmmakers, there is no precise assessment of future prospects due to limited data. However, the number of job openings indicates that demand for skills remains good, especially for those who are flexible and up to date with new technology. Career development often occurs by gaining experience from various types of productions and by building contacts within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about filmmakers

  • What is the average salary of a filmmaker?
    - A filmmaker has an average salary of 37 300 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a filmmaker?
    - Most have university or vocational college education in film, media, or photography.
  • Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn on average 39 500 SEK, but specific salary data for women is unavailable.
  • What is the job market like for filmmakers?
    - There are approximately 620 job openings within the profession of photographers, including filmmakers.
  • What personal qualities are important for filmmakers?
    - Creativity, flexibility, and teamwork skills are crucial.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries for filmmakers?
    - The highest salary is 39,600 SEK and the lowest is 36,100 SEK per month.
  • Do filmmakers mainly work as employees or freelancers?
    - Many work as freelancers or on a project basis, but employment opportunities also exist.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Filming is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 39000 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Filming is 36100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 33800 kr 34200 kr
35-44 41200 kr 41700 kr
45-54 42400 kr 43800 kr
55-64 45500 kr 47900 kr
Snitt 36500 kr 37300 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 Filming has the SSYK code 3431, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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