How much does a Film music composer make

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  2. Film music composer
Image that illustrates Film music composer

Film music composer

48 300 kr

Musicians, singers and composers

42 200 - 51 900 kr / month

Women earn 85% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Film music composer

Average salary 48 300 kr
Males 51 900 kr
Females 44 200 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 6 Vacant jobs ->

What does a film music composer do? – Tasks and work environment

A film music composer is responsible for creating original music for films, TV, games, and other visual media. Tasks include interpreting the director's vision, analyzing scripts, composing, arranging, and sometimes producing music pieces that enhance the story and emotions of the production. Collaboration with sound engineers, musicians, and sometimes orchestras is common to realize the compositions. Work can be done in personal music studios, on-site in larger production environments, or remotely, often under tight deadlines and project-based assignments. Flexibility and the ability to quickly switch between different musical styles are central to the role.

Salary development over time

The salary for a film music composer has shown some variation in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,200 SEK, decreasing the following year to 44 300 SEK, a decline of about 2%. Between 2023 and 2024, there was a clear increase, with the average salary rising to 48 300 SEK, representing an increase of just over 9%. This development is linked to increased demand for original music in film and streaming, as well as a growing market for digital and international productions. Salaries are also influenced by competition, education level, and gender disparities in the industry, where female composers generally earn less than their male colleagues.

Film Music Composer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 300 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 42,200 SEK/month (female, post-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 51,900 SEK/month (male, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 290 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 85% of men's salary (men: 51,900 SEK, women: 44,200 SEK)
  • Regional differences: No specific statistics available

Education and qualifications

To work as a film music composer, a music degree at university level is often required, preferably with a focus on composition, music production, or film music. Many combine formal studies with practical experience and self-development, as the industry values both technical skills and creative expression. Experience with digital music programs and knowledge of synchronization between music and film are highly meritorious.

  • Formal education: University degree in music composition (3–5 years)
  • Courses/certifications: Specialized courses in film music, sound design, or music production
  • Internships: Experience from industry projects, trainee positions, or assistant roles
  • Prerequisites: Strong musical background and good knowledge of digital music tools
  • Self-study: Personal portfolio and continuous skill development

Many film music composers have backgrounds in both classical and modern music, enabling them to create unique soundscapes for various genres. Networking with directors and producers early in their careers can be crucial for getting initial assignments and building a strong reputation in the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to base salary, benefits such as royalty payments for used music, bonuses for commercial success, and flexible working conditions are often offered. Some employers also provide equipment allowances, training support, and access to professional music studios.

Competition and challenges

The market for film music composers is competitive, with the number of aspiring composers often exceeding available assignments. Major productions prefer to hire established names, making it difficult for new talents to break through without strong networks or unique musical qualities. Digitalization and globalization have increased competition from abroad, but also expanded opportunities to work internationally. The industry is characterized by job insecurity and irregular income, requiring resilience and adaptability.

Tips for aspiring film music composers

To succeed as a film music composer, it is beneficial to combine musical breadth with technical skills and a strong artistic expression. Being curious and experimenting with different styles develops both creative thinking and the ability to meet directors' wishes. Precision and patience are important, especially when musical details need to be tailored to exact frames or moods. Building a network within the film and media industry increases chances of assignments, as does having a well-organized portfolio. The ability to work independently and meet deadlines is crucial, as productions often have tight schedules. Finally, staying updated on music software and industry developments is essential.

Key facts about Film Music Composer

  • Education level: University level in music/composition
  • Work environment: Studio work and project-based environment
  • Work form: Freelance or project employment
  • Demand: Great opportunities, but high competition
  • Special skills: Music production and synchronization with visuals

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, many film music composers have built a portfolio of reference projects and can seek larger productions or international collaborations. Some choose to specialize in TV, games, or advertising, while others develop their own companies or work as music producers. The employment agency forecasts that opportunities in the group of musicians, singers, and composers are considered large nationally, but competition remains high. Over five years, demand is expected to stay unchanged, with signs of recruitment difficulties combined with high turnover. The number of job vacancies is relatively large, with 620 advertised positions in the group at the latest measurement.

Frequently asked questions about Film Music Composer

  • What does a Film Music Composer earn?
    - The average salary for a film music composer is 48 300 SEK per month.
  • What are the gender differences in the profession?
    - Women earn on average 85% of what men do within the profession.
  • What education is required to become a film music composer?
    - Typically, a university degree in music or composition is required, often supplemented with specialized courses and practical experience.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - There is no specific statistics available for regional differences within the profession.
  • What are the most common work environments?
    - Work is often done in music studios, but also remotely or in production environments depending on the project.
  • What are the future prospects for film music composers?
    - Opportunities are considered large, but competition is high and demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years.
  • What are the most common benefits?
    - Benefits include royalty payments, bonuses, and flexible working conditions.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 18:15:22

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Film music composer is 51900 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a unspecified education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 44200 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Film music composer is 42200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 49800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 88% 47600 kr 48100 kr
45-54 44100 kr 44900 kr
55-64 96% 46900 kr 48100 kr
65-68 45500 kr 46800 kr
Snitt 85% 47400 kr 48300 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
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 music composer has the SSYK code 2652, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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