Image that illustrates Film painter

Film painter

41 100 kr

Interior designers, decorators and scenographers etc.

36 200 - 45 600 kr / month

Women earn 91% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Film painter

Average salary 41 100 kr
Males 44 400 kr
Females 40 200 kr

What does a Filmmålare do? – tasks and work environment

A Filmmålare is responsible for painting and surface finishing of scenography, backdrops, and props within film, TV, and theater productions. Tasks include creating realistic environments and giving props the right patina and color shades according to the scenographer's vision. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with scenographers, set builders, and other craftsmen at filming locations, studios, or workshops. The work environment can vary greatly, from creative and artistic settings to more technical locations where quick changes and physical work are common.

Salary development over time

The salary for a Filmmålare has steadily increased over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 38,300 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 39100 SEK. The positive trend continued in 2024 when the average salary reached 41 100, reflecting a salary increase of approximately 7.3% over three years. This development indicates a growing demand for skilled professionals in scenography and film production, although competition for projects remains high. The industry is also affected by the size of projects and production budgets, which can cause variation in salaries between employers and regions. Education level and experience often influence salary progression in the profession.

Filmmålare salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 41 100 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 36,200 SEK/month (female, private sector, 3-year high school education)
  • Highest salary: 45,600 SEK/month (male, private employee, education unspecified)
  • Hourly wage: 247 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 91% of what men do (women: 40 200 SEK, men: 44,400 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Data on specific regional salary differences are unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Filmmålare usually involves artistic or craft-based education, where knowledge of color, form, and materials is central. Many have backgrounds in scenography, decorative painting, or art and design, often supplemented with specialized courses in film production. Practical experience, such as internships or work as an assistant, is highly valuable for establishing oneself in the industry.

  • Artistic education: High school or post-secondary (2–4 years), e.g., in art and design or scenography
  • Specialized courses: Focused on decorative painting, scenography, or film production
  • Internship/trainee: Practical experience via internships or assistant roles is strongly recommended
  • Prerequisites: Good sense of color, form, and materials, as well as craftsmanship skills
  • Tips for choosing: Contacts and networking in the industry significantly ease entry

Filmmålare often work under time pressure as shooting schedules are tight and changes can occur at short notice. Flexibility and the ability to quickly solve unexpected problems are therefore important qualities for success in the profession.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Filmmålare often receive benefits such as overtime pay for work evenings and weekends, as well as access to work clothing and protective equipment. Some employers offer wellness allowances and opportunities for skills development. Variable working hours and project-based employment are common, which can lead to fluctuations in workload and periods of intensive work.

Competition and challenges

The job market for Filmmålare is characterized by tough competition, especially for larger productions where demand for skilled professionals is high. Permanent positions are limited, so many work on a project basis or as freelancers. Challenges also include irregular working hours, tight deadlines, and high demands for precision and creativity. Success requires not only craftsmanship but also the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals in the production.

Tips for aspiring Filmmålare

To succeed as a Filmmålare, it’s beneficial to combine artistic sensibility with practical problem-solving skills. Building a strong network in the industry increases chances of finding work and projects, as many jobs are obtained through contacts. Precision and patience are crucial for creating high-quality results, while flexibility facilitates quick adaptations on set. Continual learning of new techniques and materials is recommended as the industry evolves rapidly. Persistence and the ability to work under pressure are important qualities when the pace is high and deadlines are tight. Showing initiative and taking on smaller projects can lead to greater opportunities in the long run.

Key facts about Filmmålare

  • Education level: High school or post-secondary artistic education
  • Work arrangement: Commonly project-based or freelance work
  • Gender distribution: Women earn 91% of what men do
  • Number of job openings: 620
  • Work environment: Varied, often creative environments with quick changes

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a Filmmålare can advance to more senior roles such as lead decorator, scenography assistant, or even project manager for larger scenographic projects. There are also opportunities to specialize in specific techniques or materials, or to work internationally in film and TV productions. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for interior decorators, decorators, and scenographers show insufficient data to confidently assess future outlooks. However, the number of job openings – 620 – indicates some demand, though competition remains high and employment is often project-based.

Frequently asked questions about Filmmålare

  • What does a Filmmålare earn?
    - The average salary for a Filmmålare is 41 100 SEK per month.
  • What are the salary differences between men and women?
    - Men earn on average 44,400 SEK, while women earn 40 200 SEK, which means women earn 91% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become a Filmmålare?
    - High school or post-secondary education in art, design, or scenography is recommended, often supplemented with practical experience.
  • What is the job market like for Filmmålare?
    - There are 620 job openings, but competition is high and project-based employment is common.
  • What are the tasks of a Filmmålare?
    - Tasks include painting and surface treatment of scenography, backdrops, and props within film, TV, and theater.
  • Are there opportunities for career development?
    - After a few years, one can advance to leadership roles or specialize in specific techniques.
  • What is the work environment like for a Filmmålare?
    - The environment is varied and often creative, but can involve quick changes and working under time pressure.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Film painter is 45600 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 45100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Film painter is 36200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Private sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44400 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 34900 kr
35-44 39900 kr 40700 kr
45-54 43900 kr 45000 kr
55-64 44900 kr 45300 kr
Snitt 91% 40200 kr 41100 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 Film painter has the SSYK code 3432, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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