Film music composer salary

What does a Film Music Composer do?

As a film music composer, your responsibility is to create music that enhances and complements the film's narrative. The tasks include composing original music, collaborating with directors and producers to understand the film's vision, and arranging and producing music tailored for different scenes. You often work in recording studios and may need to conduct orchestras or smaller ensembles. Creativity and technical proficiency in music software are essential for success in this role.

Film Music Composer salary

We see that a film music composer earns an average of 44 300 SEK per month. Men in the profession have an average salary of 47,500 SEK, while women earn 41 600 SEK, which means that women earn 88% of what men do. The average salary has decreased slightly from last year when it was 45 200 SEK. As an hourly employee, the average wage is 266 SEK.

Salary development and differences

The salary development for film music composers has shown a slight decline over the past year. The highest reported salary for a man in the profession is 47,500 SEK, while the highest for a woman is 42,100 SEK. The lowest salary for a woman is 37,900 SEK and for a man, it is 43,500 SEK.

Education and qualifications

To become a film music composer, a higher education in music, such as a music degree from a college or university, is often required. Specialization in film music or composition can be beneficial. Experience working with music software and recording techniques is also important.

Common benefits

Film music composers may sometimes be offered benefits such as flexible working hours, the opportunity to work remotely, and access to advanced recording technology. Paid training and seminars to stay updated in the field are also common.

Competition and challenges

The profession falls under the category of musicians, singers, and composers, and competition can be fierce. There is a paradoxical recruitment situation where there are both recruitment difficulties and a high percentage of part-time workers or those leaving the profession. Demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years.

Key facts about Film Music Composer

• Average salary: 44 300 SEK/month
• Hourly wage: 266 SEK
• Education: Higher music degree
• Working environment: Recording studio, collaboration with film teams

Tips for aspiring Film Music Composers

To succeed as a film music composer, it is important to continuously develop your musical skills and stay updated with the latest technology. Build a strong network within the film and music industry and be open to working on various projects to broaden your experience.

Career paths

After a few years of experience, a film music composer can advance to become a music producer or musical director for larger projects. There are also opportunities to specialize in different genres of film music or to work as a freelance composer for international productions.

Future prospects and demand

According to the Employment Agency, the job opportunities within this profession are stable, but competition can be tough. It is important to continuously develop your skills and be prepared for changes in the industry.

Frequently asked questions about Film Music Composer

• What does a Film Music Composer earn? A film music composer earns an average of 44 300 SEK per month.
• How do you become a Film Music Composer? Typically, a higher education in music and experience working with music software is required.
• Is it easy to get a job? The competition is tough, but demand is expected to remain stable.
• Is it stressful to work as a Film Music Composer? The work can be stressful with tight deadlines and high creative demands.
• What qualities are important as a Film Music Composer? Creativity, technical skill, and the ability to collaborate are crucial.
• What different forms of Film Music Composer are there? There are specializations in various music genres and roles such as freelance or permanent employee.

Tips on what can positively affect the salary

Further education in music and composition, taking on more responsibility in projects, and building a strong network within the film industry can positively affect the salary. Experience and successful projects can also lead to higher compensation.