How much does a Filmmaker make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Filmmaker
Image that illustrates Filmmaker

Filmmaker

45 700 kr

Directors and producers of film, theater etc.

39 600 - 54 000 kr / month

Women earn 107% of what men do.

Kultur, media, design

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Filmmaker

Average salary 45 700 kr
Males 44 100 kr
Females 47 400 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 5 Vacant jobs ->

What does a Filmmaker do? – Tasks and Work Environment

A Filmmaker is responsible for planning, creating, and executing film productions of various kinds, from short films to feature films and documentaries. Tasks include idea development, script work, directing, production, and sometimes editing and post-production. The environment is often creative but also demanding, with project-based work and collaboration with teams of various professional roles. Filming can take place both in studios and on location outdoors, and workdays can vary greatly in length and intensity depending on the project phase.

Salary Development Over Time

For Filmmakers, salary development in recent years has shown some variation. In 2022, the average salary was 43,400 SEK per month, which increased to 47 000 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted slightly downward to 45 700 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 5.3% over the three-year period. This trend reflects both industry competition and project-based employment, where salaries can vary based on experience, production size, and funding. The decline in the past year may partly be due to changing economic conditions in the film industry and an oversupply of qualified applicants, which pressures salary levels slightly.

Filmmaker Salary – Complete Overview

  • Average salary: 45 700 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 39,600 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Highest salary: 54,000 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education of 3 years or more)
  • Hourly wage: 275 SEK/hour
  • Women earn: 47 400 SEK/month (107% of men's salary)
  • Men earn: 44 100 SEK/month
  • Regional differences: No information available

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Filmmaker, a post-secondary education in film, directing, production, or similar creative fields is usually required. Many combine university or college studies with practical experience from the industry, and it is common to enhance skills through courses and workshops. Internships and networking also play a crucial role in establishing oneself and gaining entry into the film world.

  • Formal education: Post-secondary education, often 3 years or more, in film, directing, media, or related fields
  • Courses and workshops: Specialized courses in directing, scripting, or production
  • Internships: Common during or after education
  • Prerequisites: High school education with an artistic or media focus is recommended
  • Self-study/portfolio: Own filmmaking and portfolio are often crucial when applying for education and jobs

Filmmakers often work on projects of very different sizes and budgets, which means the work environment can range from small, intimate teams to large international productions. This variation offers both challenges and opportunities for creative development and networking within the industry.

– statsskuld.se

Common Benefits and Compensation

Filmmakers often have access to benefits such as flexible working hours, the possibility of remote work during certain phases of production, access to technical equipment, and further training through industry-specific courses. Many productions also offer insurance and compensation for inconvenient working hours, especially during longer filming periods.

Competition and Challenges

The profession of Filmmaker is characterized by high competition and a large oversupply of applicants relative to available positions. Nationally, opportunities for work are considered limited, and the recruitment situation is characterized by an oversupply according to the Swedish Public Employment Service. Many projects are temporary, and funding can be uncertain, which means employment forms are often short-term. Success requires a strong network, continuous skill development, and the ability to manage uncertainty. At the same time, rapid technological development and digitalization can offer new avenues into the industry for those who are flexible and up-to-date.

Tips for Aspiring Filmmakers

To succeed as a Filmmaker, it is good to be both creative and persistent, as the entry into the industry often requires strong drive and patience. Building your own portfolio with personal film projects and actively participating in networks and collaborations increases visibility. Initiative is crucial, especially when applying for education or funding for your own projects. Good communication skills facilitate teamwork and external cooperation, while flexibility makes it easier to handle unforeseen situations during production. Continuously updating skills with new technology and storytelling methods demonstrates engagement and adaptability. Finally, it is important to seek out different types of productions to broaden experience and create valuable contacts.

Key Facts About Filmmakers

  • Education level: Post-secondary education, often 3 years or more
  • Work form: Project-based, often freelance or fixed-term employment
  • Gender distribution: Women have higher average salaries than men
  • Future prospects: Limited opportunities for work, according to the Public Employment Service
  • Number of available jobs: Approximately 620 within the profession

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years in the profession, a Filmmaker can advance to more specialized roles such as lead director, producer, or creative leader within larger productions. Some choose to start their own production companies or work internationally. According to the Public Employment Service’s forecast, job opportunities within the profession are limited, and the job market is characterized by an oversupply of qualified candidates. In five years, demand is expected to remain unchanged, meaning competition for positions will continue to be high. Despite this, technological advances and new distribution platforms can create new opportunities for adaptable and continuously developing Filmmakers.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filmmakers

  • What does a Filmmaker earn?
    - The average salary for a Filmmaker is 45 700 SEK per month.
  • How does the salary of Filmmakers differ between men and women?
    - Women earn an average of 47 400 SEK, while men earn 44 100 SEK, meaning women earn 107% of men's salary.
  • What is required to become a Filmmaker?
    - A post-secondary education in film, directing, or production, along with practical experience and a strong portfolio is recommended.
  • What are the most common employment types?
    - Most Filmmakers work project-based, often as freelancers or on fixed-term contracts.
  • What are the future prospects for Filmmakers?
    - The job market is competitive with limited opportunities, according to the Public Employment Service.
  • What is the highest and lowest salary for a Filmmaker?
    - The highest salary is 54,000 SEK and the lowest is 39,600 SEK per month.
  • Are there regional salary differences?
    - No information available regarding regional salary differences for Filmmakers.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 18:34:31

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Filmmaker is 54000 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 53600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Filmmaker is 39600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 39800 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 38500 kr 38600 kr
35-44 45100 kr 45300 kr
45-54 50200 kr 50500 kr
55-64 53400 kr 54100 kr
Snitt 107% 45500 kr 45700 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 Filmmaker has the SSYK code 2654, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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