- Salary statistics
- Filming
Filming
36 100 - 39 600 kr / month
Kultur, media, design
Salary progression Filming
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.
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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37700 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 37400 kr | 37700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38600 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 37700 kr | 37900 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 37400 kr | 37700 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 39100 kr | 39300 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38600 kr | 38800 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41300 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 42700 kr | 44200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 46000 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 36400 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 33800 kr | 34200 kr | |
| 35-44 | 41300 kr | 41800 kr | |
| 45-54 | 42700 kr | 44200 kr | |
| 55-64 | 46000 kr | 48700 kr | |
| Snitt | 36400 kr | 37200 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | 47200 kr | 50100 kr | |
| Snitt | 38400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38300 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 37400 kr | 37800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39800 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 38300 kr | 38500 kr | |
| 35-44 | 99% | 37400 kr | 37800 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 39800 kr | 39800 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39800 kr | 40100 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38800 kr | 39000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snitt | 38400 kr | 39500 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37500 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 38700 kr | 38900 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38500 kr | 38600 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-44 | 99% | 37500 kr | 37500 kr |
| 45-54 | 98% | 38700 kr | 38900 kr |
| 55-64 | 97% | 39000 kr | 39000 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 38500 kr | 38600 kr |
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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