Window renovator

What does a window renovator do? – Tasks and work environment

A window renovator works with restoring, maintaining, and improving windows in both older and newer buildings. Tasks often include dismantling and reassembling window frames, replacing glass, glazing, sanding, painting, and sometimes carpentry work to replace rotten wood. The work is performed both indoors and outdoors, which means the work environment can vary depending on the season and project scope. Window renovators often collaborate with property owners, construction companies, and sometimes conservation experts when working on culturally valuable objects. The profession requires precision, patience, and a good eye for detail.

Salary development over time

The salary development for window renovators has shown some variations in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,400 SEK per month, which increased to 33 000 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has been adjusted downward slightly to 32 300 SEK per month. This represents an increase of about 6.3% from 2022 to 2023, but a decrease of just over 2% from 2023 to 2024. This fluctuation can be explained by factors such as changes in demand, economic conditions, and increased competition within the trade. Overall, salaries for window renovators have followed trends similar to those for fine carpenters, interior decorators, and furniture makers, where market conditions and project scope influence salary levels year by year.

Window renovator salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 32 300 SEK/month
• Lowest/Highest salary: Varies, but the average provides a good indication of the level.
• Hourly rate: 194 SEK/hour (based on 166 working hours/month)
• Gender differences: Only data for men available, 32 300 SEK/month; no specific data for women
• Regional differences: Variations may occur regionally, but detailed statistics are lacking

Education and qualifications

To work as a window renovator, a basic education in construction, carpentry, or woodworking is usually required. Many window renovators have backgrounds as fine carpenters or have completed vocational programs in high school. Practical experience is highly valued, and it is common for beginners to work as apprentices or interns before working independently. Specialized courses in window renovation, material knowledge, and building conservation can provide competitive advantages in the job market.

• High school education: Construction and civil engineering program, wood specialization (3 years)
• Higher vocational education: Specialization in building conservation or fine carpentry (1–2 years)
• Internship/Trainee: Apprenticeship or internship at window renovation companies
• Courses/certificates: Material knowledge, cultural heritage preservation, safety courses
• Prerequisites: Craftsmanship experience, meticulousness, interest in building conservation

Common benefits and compensations

Window renovators are often covered by collective agreements, which include benefits such as occupational pension, insurance, and holiday pay. Other common benefits may include work clothing, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training within the company. In some cases, travel allowances and per diems are provided for work at other locations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for jobs as a window renovator is considered relatively high, as the job market is characterized by a surplus of trained professionals in the trade of fine carpentry, interior decoration, and furniture making. The Employment Service assesses that job opportunities are limited, and demand is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include physically demanding tasks, weather-dependent projects, and the need to stay updated on materials and building conservation regulations. At the same time, there is steady demand for qualified window renovators, especially when working on culturally significant buildings.

Tips for those who want to become a window renovator

To succeed as a window renovator, it is beneficial to combine meticulousness with practical skills and a genuine interest in craftsmanship. Developing good teamwork skills facilitates collaboration and contact with clients, while patience is crucial for handling detailed and time-consuming tasks. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are helpful when unexpected challenges arise, and a willingness to continually learn new techniques and materials provides an advantage in the profession. Being communicative and attentive builds trust with property owners and colleagues. Finally, an interest in building conservation and preservation is important, especially when working on historic environments.

Key facts about window renovators

• Educational level: Vocational upper secondary education, often supplemented with practical training
• Work environment: Varies, both indoors and outdoors
• Job market: Limited opportunities, oversupply of trained professionals
• Special skills: Building conservation and craftsmanship techniques
• Available jobs: 341 within the trade of fine carpentry, interior decoration, and furniture making

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a window renovator can advance to supervisor, project manager, or specialize in building conservation and cultural heritage projects. Some choose to start their own business in window renovation or develop skills in related areas such as carpentry or antique preservation. The Employment Service's forecast for the trade of fine carpentry, interior decoration, and furniture making indicates limited opportunities nationally and a surplus of trained professionals. However, demand is expected to remain unchanged over five years, meaning competition for jobs will likely persist, but stable needs exist, especially in the renovation of older buildings and cultural environments.

Frequently asked questions about window renovators

• What is the average salary of a window renovator?
  - The average salary for a window renovator is 32 300 SEK per month.
• What is the hourly rate for a window renovator?
  - The hourly rate is on average 194 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
• What education is required to work as a window renovator?
  - Vocational upper secondary education with a focus on wood or construction, often supplemented with practical training.
• Are there differences in salaries between men and women?
  - Only salary statistics for men are available, with an average of 32 300 SEK per month.
• What is the job market like for window renovators?
  - The job market is characterized by limited opportunities and a surplus of trained professionals.
• What further training options are available?
  - Courses and higher vocational education in building conservation and fine carpentry can provide competitive advantages.
• What personal qualities are important for the profession?
  - Precision, patience, craftsmanship skills, and an interest in building conservation are key qualities.